The master of the "Guiding Star" had spoken his mind. It was indiscreet, and he knew it; but he came of a stubborn stock, that fears nothing either on land or sea.
"You amuse me, captain," said von Loringhoven, his thick lips curling ominously. "So much so that I want to have more of your company. Come on board."
The tough old skipper said a few hurried words to the mate, then, with an exhortation to his men to stick to it and keep together, he stepped out of the boat and gained the U-boat's deck.
"Take him below," curtly ordered the ober-leutnant, addressing two of his crew.
With folded arms von Loringhoven waited until the master of the "Guiding Star" was taken to a compartment in the after part of the submarine, and securely locked in. One of the two sailors returned and reported that the instructions had been carried out.
"You may go now," said the ober-leutnant to the crews of the boats.
The men pushed off and commenced rowing in the direction of the invisible land. The crew in one of the boats set to work to step the mast and set sail, calling to their companions in misfortune that they would take them in tow.
Von Loringhoven made his way to the navigation platform, where Kuhlberg was standing by the steering-wheel.
"Gunfire, Herr Kapitan?" asked the unter-leutnant.
"You have gunfire on the brain," replied the ober-leutnant. "We have made quite enough noise already. Order half speed ahead and port your helm."