r. "But you are far from that country now and
we think your company delightful. This vessel is the Sturmvogel, a
destroyer of the German navy. We have been doing some small tasks upon
the high seas and are returning to a base of supplies."

"Can you put us in touch with some means whereby we can secure passage on
a vessel leaving for the United States?" asked Ned.

"I am afraid that is impossible for the present," slowly replied the
other, with apparent reluctance. "We like your company, you see. We also
are favored with the presence of one of your countrymen," here he
indicated Mackinder, "who has consented to pay us a brief visit."

"Pardon me, sir!" stated Mackinder, half rising. "These are _not_
countrymen of mine! I must disclaim that honor!"

"So-o-o?" drawled the other. "Then you do not know them?"

"No!" stated Mackinder positively. "They are strangers to me!"

"Then you did not mean what you said a few moments ago?"

"I was mistaken!" replied the other, briefly.

"As you please," responded the commander with a wave of his hand.
"Perhaps I misunderstood your statements concerning them!"

An order was given to the officer who had conducted the boys to the
cabin. The German language was used. Saluting the officer approached
Mackinder. Without a word that gentleman rose and stepped from the room.

As Mackinder was conducted from the apartment the commander motioned the
boys to seats about the table. He smiled at them kindly.

"Do you know what von Kluck's cargo consisted of?" he asked.

"Mostly cheeses," replied Ned. "Also an airship!" he added.

"An airship?" was the questioning response. "An airship?"

Ned smiled a trifle regretfully as he related briefly the adventures of
the four lads with those who have read the previous volume of this series
are already familiar. He concluded by saying:

"We were trying to get ourselves and the airship back to the United
States, when this man Mackinder seemed bound to delay us on some flimsy
pretext. Unfortunately our Grey Eagle went down with the schooner."

"Yes. And now you are headed directly away from your desired destination.
For you, at least, the situation is unfortunate!"

"We think we are lucky to be afloat!" declared Ned.

"Yes. You are indeed fortunate in that respect. But I wish to make some
inquiries," went on the commander.

"We shall be pleased to give you any information possible," answered the
lad heartily. "We highly appreciate your kind