This ship is not going to float. Her
pumps will not save her, for the hole in the side is beyond temporary
repairs."

Within two or three minutes Captain Kennor and his mate appeared,
confirming Dave's verdict.

Darrin had already looked out over the sea, but he had been unable to
make out any sign of the presence of a submarine.

"Could it have been a mine?" demanded Mr. Launce.

"No, sir," Dave answered, promptly. "Had we struck a mine the explosion
would have been much more violent."

"Then a torpedo provides sufficient experience of this sort of thing,"
cried Mrs. Launce, making a face.

"Der passengers vill my boat go in!" called Captain Kennor. "Dere vill
time be."

Again Mrs. Launce glanced inquiringly at Darrin, who nodded his
confirmation.

Three boats were cleared away, carrying most of the crew and all the
officers except the master. The boats were safely launched, and
fortunately the sea was not too rough for them.

Then Captain Kennor appeared, carrying a bag and his navigating
instruments.

"Are your ship's papers and instruments intended for the Germans, sir?"
Dave inquired, significantly.

"No; you be right," admitted Captain Kennor, opening his eyes wide, after
a brief moment's thought.

Going to the rail he tossed bag and instruments over into the sea.

Then the last boat was lowered, the seamen who remained behind jumping as
soon as their work was completed, and being picked up from the water.

"Ve shall but a few hours of rowing haff," declared Captain Kennor. "It
vill not so hard be upon uss."

Dave was thinking of another prospect, but did not voice his thought. The
men in the captain's boat gave way at the oars, Kennor steering. The
other boats had already pulled well clear of the coming foundering, and
now the captain's boat followed. The "Rigsdak" was likely to remain
afloat for some minutes yet.

"I thought so," muttered Darrin, pointing to where a gray conning tower
was emerging from the sea.

Captain Kennor gave an order in his native tongue, and the men in his
boat ceased rowing.

"Dey vill uss hail, so ve need not be too far avay," he explained to his
passengers.

After the conning tower the gray back of the sea pest rose into view. The
manhole of the tower was opened and an officer appeared, followed to the
deck by a few seamen, two of whom stationed themselves by a gun that
popped up into view.

"Come alongside!" shouted the officer, in English, through a mega