"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 megaphone. Again Captain Kennor's oarsmen gave way, their skipper heading for the submarine. "That will do. Cease rowing," commanded the German officer. "What ship is that yonder?" "Der Danish freighter, 'Rigsdak,'" replied Captain Kennor. "And its master?" "Dat iss me." "Come aboard." At the order Dave, who had quietly loosened his belt and holster containing his automatic revolver, quickly dropped them overboard on the side farthest from the German craft. There was sufficient sea running to make the task of getting close alongside a difficult one. A German sailor reached out to catch Kennor's arm and aid him aboard the submarine. "And your instruments and papers," ordered the German officer, sharply. "I did not dem with me bring," replied Kennor. "Perhaps that will be so much the worse for you," was the scowling reply. "We want the papers, and we have need, especially, of ship's instruments."