It was found that the U-boat's fuel tanks had been but recently
replenished---in fact, the submarine bad been fitted for another
cruise and was all ready to put to sea.
Jack found himself acting as executive officer to Lieutenant Bridwell
in the operation of the submersible. Her oil engines were easily set
in motion and her steering apparatus; was not unlike that of the _Dewey_,
so the task of navigating the captured prize out to sea seemed not a
difficult one.
Lieutenant Bridwell summoned one of the German prisoners before him.
"You understand English?" he asked.
"Yes," answered the captive Teuton.
"Then listen to me," went on the American commander. "Either you
assist us to get out to sea or forfeit your life. I don't mean by
that that we will kill you. The channel out to sea is probably
mined and netted. If we explode a mine or run into a net and get
stranded you die with the rest of us. Which will it be?"
The German signified his willingness to assist.
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