Hancock Harrie Irving - Dave Darrin and the German Submarines. Or, Making a Clean-up of the Hun Sea Monsters стр 9.

It took the Huns some

time to make up their minds? queried Dave Darrin smilingly, after the divers helmet had been removed.

They didnt answer until they got the second signal, sir, replied the diver.

Dalzells launch was hovering in the near vicinity, filled with sailors and marines, a rapid-fire one-pounder mounted in the bow.

Both boats were so placed as not to interfere with gun-fire from the Logan. Officers and men alike understood that the Huns might attempt treachery after their promise to surrender.

Soon the watchers glimpsed a vague outline rising through the water. The top of a conning tower showed above the water, then the rest of it, and last of all the ugly-looking hull rose until the craft lay fully exposed on the surface of the sea.

The critical moment was now at hand. It would be possible for the submarine to torpedo the destroyer; there was grave danger of the attempt being made even though the vengeful Germans knew that in all probability their own lives would pay the penalty.

The hatch in the tower opened and a young German officer stepped out, waving a white handkerchief. He was followed by several members of the crew. It was evident that the enemy had elected to save their lives, and smiles of grim satisfaction lighted the faces of the watchful American jackies.

Give way, and lay alongside, Dave ordered his coxswain, while signalling Dalzell to keep his launch back for the present.

Then Dave addressed the young German officer:

You understand English?

Yes, came the reply, with a scowl.

We are coming alongside. Your officers and men will be searched for weapons, then transferred, in detachments, to our launch, and taken aboard our craft.

The German nodded, addressing a few murmured words to his men, who moved well up forward on the submarines slippery deck.

As the launch drew alongside two seamen leaped to the submarines deck and held the lines that made the launch fast to it.

Half a dozen armed seamen sprang aboard, with Darrin, who signalled to the second launch to come up on the other side of the German boat.

Be good enough, sir, to order the rest of your men on deck, Dave directed, and the German officer shouted the order in his own tongue. More sullen-looking German sailors appeared through the conning tower and lined up forward.

Did you command here? Dave demanded of the officer.

No; my commander is below. I am second in command.

Dave stepped to the conning tower, bawling down in English:

All hands on deck. Lively.

Another human stream answered. Darrin turned to the German officer to ask:

Are all your crew on deck now?

Quickly counting, the enemy officer replied:

Yes; all.

And your captain?

I do not know why he is not here. I cannot give him orders.

By this time the marines were aboard from the second launch. Already the first detachment of German sailors, after search, was being transferred to the launch.

Corporal, called Darrin, take four men and go below to find the commander. Watch out for treachery, and shoot fast if you have to.

Aye, aye, sir, returned the corporal, saluting and entering the tower. His men followed him closely.

Ive seen the outside of enough of these pests, said Dave to his chum. Suppose we go below and see what the inside looks like. The German submarines are different from our own.

Dalzell nodded and followed, at the same time ordering a couple of stalwart sailors to follow. A boatswains mate now remained in command on the submarine deck.

You get back there! growled the corporal. Dave reached the lower deck just in time to see the corporal pointing his revolver at a protesting German naval officer.

Look what hes been doing, sir, called the corporal. Look on the floor, sir.

On the deck lay a heap of charred papers, still smoking.

If Id got down a minute earlier, sir, he wouldnt have had a chance to have that nice little bonfire, grumbled the corporal.

Dave gave a great start as he took his first look at the face of the German captain.

As for the German, he seemed at least equally disconcerted. Dave Darrin was the first to recover.

I cannot say that I think your German uniform becoming to a man of your name, Mr. Matthews, Darrin uttered, in savage banter.

Matthews? repeated the German, in a puzzled voice, though he spoke excellent English. I cannot imagine why you should apply that name to me.

Its your own fault if you cant, Darrin retorted. Its the name you gave me at the hotel.

Ive never seen you until the present moment, declared the German, stoutly.

Surely

you have, Danny Grin broke in. And how is your firm in Chicago, Mr. Matthews?

Chicago? repeated the German, apparently more puzzled than before.

If Matthews isnt your name, and I believe it isnt, Darrin continued, by what name do you prefer to be addressed.

I am Ober-Lieutenant von Bechtold, replied the German.

Very good, von Bechtold; will you stand back a bit and not bother the corporal?

Dave bent over to stir the charred, smoking heap of paper with his foot. But the job had been too thoroughly done. Not a scrap of white paper could be found in the heap.