sely. Wonder who they are?"

The boys were not long left in doubt. Way was checked on the stranger. As
the vessel drew close to the small boat a churning of foam at the stern
told the lads that the engines were reversed in an effort to stop.
Presently the stranger ranged alongside. A line was flung to the boys.
They were towed beside the other under bare steerageway.

Fending their craft off the larger vessel Ned explained their plight to
an officer. They were invited aboard the steamer. Their boat was hoisted
aboard, where it was carefully stowed.

The lads found themselves upon the steel deck of a peculiarly long and
narrow vessel. Guns were mounted forward and aft. Only a cursory
examination was necessary to determine that they were quick firers.

"Now, boys," said the officer who had invited them aboard, "I shall ask
you to step to the cabin. The commander will hear your story."

As the boys entered the cabin in response to the other's request they saw
a familiar face. Beside the commander seated at the table was none other
than their one time acquaintance, Mackinder.

CHAPTER XI

A FLEET OF SUBMARINES

Upon seeing Mackinder's face, Ned halted in amazement.

A smile spread over the other's countenance as he noted Ned's look of
wonder. But beneath the appearance of amused indifference the lad's quick
eye detected a look of care. He was not the same Mackinder.

For a brief moment nothing was said. Then the officer saluted the
commander, who recognized the act. The boys were presented.

"So, my friends," the commander began, "you were adrift on the North Sea
in an open boat? Have you suffered greatly?"

"No, thank you," replied Ned, acting as spokesman. "We have not been
adrift very long. The vessel on which we were riding struck something
which we took to be a floating mine. The crew got away quickly in one of
the boats, while we left a little later in another."

The shrewd eyes of the commander narrowed perceptibly.

"And what was the name and rig of the vessel?"

"The Lena Knobloch, a schooner, of Amsterdam," replied Ned.

"And the name of her captain?" continued the commander.

"Von Kluck," the boy answered.

"Ah, a Hollander! I believe he is a peaceful trader in small cargoes. He
is what the English call a 'tramp' of the sea."

"May I ask what boat this is and where you are bound?" asked Ned. "We
would like to get to the United States, you know," he added.

"Yes," smiled the commande