se as this!"

"Goodby, Lena Garlic!" shouted Jimmie a moment later as he pulled
manfully at the oar. "Goodby and good luck!"

The others turned to see the schooner now with decks awash. A loud
detonation marked the blowing off of the hatches by the compressed air in
the hold. That incident seemed to mark the passage of the vessel.

Gradually settling by the stern the schooner quietly slipped backward,
settling deeper and deeper, until a large wave overwhelmed the craft,
leaving only the masts projecting above water. In another instant these,
too, had disappeared, leaving but a few floating pieces of wreckage to
mark the spot where the boys had only a short time before been standing.

"And goodby, Grey Eagle!" almost sobbed Ned. "No more flying in that
little airship! I wish we could have saved the machine!"

This seemed to be the sentiment of all, but they knew that their sturdy
aeroplane was now gone forever.

"The Germans needn't think we'll ever trouble them again in that
airship!" declared Jimmie. "We can't be pinched for that!"

For a moment the disappointment of their recent experiences sat heavily
on all the lads. At length, however, Ned roused himself and tried to
cheer his comrades. He knew that nothing could be gained by bemoaning the
fate that had happened to them.

"We can't be far from land," the lad stated presently. "Von Kluck and his
crew seemed to be heading the same way we are. They evidently knew about
where they were and have made for the nearest port."

"Let's keep right on after them, then," suggested Frank.

"Second the motion!" panted Jimmie, straining at his oar. "But this is
hot work! Wish I had a drink of water!"

"You'll have to go slow on the water, boys," cautioned Ned. "That kettle
holds only about three gallons, and we can't drink sea water."

"Let me take the oar a while, Jimmie," volunteered Harry. "I guess you've
worked about hard enough, anyway. You rest a bit."

Cautiously the boys changed places. What with their kits, the bundle of
bread and the cheese the little boat was carrying all that could be
conveniently stowed. They were glad that no more had remained to
accompany them. Soon all had settled themselves quite comfortably.

"Now," spoke up Jack, presently, "all we've got to do is to let this wind
blow us along. We'll just keep the boat straightened into the seas and
take it easy. We can't do a thing to help matters."

"Right you are, Scout!" agreed Jimmie. "I th