"But we are carrying a two-way radio," Dave pointed out gravely. "It could be that they didn't want anybody to know they were this close to Singapore. They didn't hear us use the radio, so decided to surprise us and blast us before we could use it. I only hope they don't surface again and make sure with those bow guns. Say! What are you hunting for anyway?"
"What do you think?" Freddy Farmer snapped. "I'm hoping they don't come back to the surface, either. That they'll believe they got us with that one blast. But, Dave, it's still fantastic. England's not at war with Japan. Standers of the Harkness would have been informed if war was declared while we were at sea. And he certainly would have told his officers."
"You and your English rules of war!" Dave groaned. "Look, little man, they don't declare war any more these days. You only find out you're at war when you feel the pain of the knife going into your back. But I only said they looked like Japs. Maybe they weren't. Maybe they grow them that way in Hitlerland, now. Who can tell?"
"Well, I guess it doesn't make much difference who they were," Freddy said with a shrug. "The point is, here we are, and what are we going to do about it."
"We could swim," Dave grunted, "but I never was very good at making friends with man-eating sharks. If you must know the truth, I figure we've got to sit here and wait."
"But that might be forever!" Freddy cried in a startled voice.
"Yeah, a long time," Dave said, and tapped a finger to his head. "Stop wondering about the Japs, pal, and relax and use your brains. Or did you leave them in England?"
"Very funny!" Freddy growled. "But just what are you being so long winded about? Come on, spit it out!"
"What would you do without me always around to hold your hand, and dry your tears," Dave taunted with a grin. "We sit here until they come out and pick us up, of course."
"Until they come out?" Freddy echoed sharply. "Who knows where we...?"