l and
produced a chart. The bell in the engine room tinkled. A moment later
the engines began to move and the _Bismarck_ slipped easily through the
water.

Came a hail from the rowboat.

"Wait a moment, there!"

Von Ludwig paid no attention to this call. The _Bismarck_ gathered
headway.

"Haven't time to talk to you fellows," said von Ludwig. "We want to be
a long ways from here before daylight."

There was a sound of a shot from the rowboat, followed by many other
shots. Von Ludwig waved a hand in derision.

"You're too late," he called. "Shoot away. I don't think you will hit
anything."

"But, sir," said Frank, "they will awaken every sleepy German
hereabouts."

"That's so," said von Ludwig. He called to Jack: "Full speed ahead, Mr.
Templeton."

Jack gave the word and the vessel dashed ahead.

"I don't know anything about these waters, sir," exclaimed Frank, in
some alarm. "There may be mines about."

"Not here," was von Ludwig's reply. "Farther on, yes. That's why I have
this chart. We'll run the mine fields safely enough, barring
accidents."

"What is my course, sir?" asked Frank.

"Due north until I tell you to change."

Frank said nothing further, but guided the vessel according to
instructions. Behind, the rowboat had given up the chase, but now, from
other parts of the harbor, from which the _Bismarck_ was fast speeding,
came sounds of confusion.

Searchlights came to play upon the _Bismarck_.

Von Ludwig sighed deeply.

"I was in hopes we would get away without trouble," he said, "but it
seems we won't. The erstwhile commander of this vessel must have
discovered in some manner that he has been fooled."

"We'll have every ship of war hereabouts after us, sir," said Frank.

"That's what we will," was Von Ludwig's reply. "However, I am not
afraid of their catching us. This vessel has the heels of anything in
this port. Trouble is, though, they may tip off vessels on the outside
of our coming, by wireless."

"What shall we do then, sir?"

"We'll have to manage to get by them some way; for if we should be
caught now it would mean the noose for all of us."

"Not a very cheerful prospect, sir," said Frank, quietly.

"I agree with you. However, they haven't caught us yet. We'll give them
a hard race."

"Is the vessel armed, sir?"

"It should be, if I have been informed correctly. I'll have a look
about. Hold to your course until I return."

He moved away. He was back in a few momen