"That's what we thought before," said Jack. "When we saw your vessel we thought we were safe. But you see how it turned out." "Well, you'll just have to select a course and stick to it," said the German. "By the way, these men of mine. You are likely to have trouble with them. In our present situation I do not consider that we are enemies, so if the worst comes you may count on me to help you." "Thanks," said Jack. "I shall remember that." And the trouble was to come sooner than could have been expected. One of the German soldiers suddenly laid down his oars. "I want a drink!" he exclaimed. "I'll row no more until I have a drink!" CHAPTER XXI A FIGHT FOR A BOAT As by a prearranged signal, all four of the Germans threw down their oars and jumped to their feet. Harris, at that moment, in spite of Jack's warning, had been gazing across the sea absolutely unconscious of his surroundings. He was lost in thought. Frank, at the helm, uttered a cry of warning even as the closest German leaped for Harris and the latter wheeled quickly. He dodged just as the man struck out with a knife he had drawn. "Want to cut me up, do you?" muttered Harris. In spite of the wabbling of the boat he fell into an attitude of defense--the old fighting form that had won for him the championship of the British navy in the squared circle. He didn't advance, for he wasn't certain of his footing, the boat pitched so, but he felt fully able to take care of himself. It was characteristic of him that he made no cry for help. He knew that Jack must have heard Frank's cry of warning. He knew that he would get all the assistance it was in Jack's power to give; and he felt that if Jack were unable for any reason to aid him he must, nevertheless, give a good account of himself. When Harris evaded the first blow, the German, caught off his balance, pitched forward against him. Harris was almost toppled over, but he threw his left arm around the man's neck and aimed a vicious blow at him with his right fist. The German's knife arm, because of Harris' hold, dangled helpless at his side. In vain he sought to get it in position where he could drive the point into Harris' body. Harris realized the man's intention. With a sudden move, he pushed the German from him and struck out as he did so. The man staggered back, reeled unsteadily and toppled over the side of the boat with a cry. The three other Germans rushed Harris at that moment. This time the British sailor was not caught off his guard, and he held the men at arm's length for several seconds. Meanwhile, Jack had leaped forward, crying to Frank as he did so: "Keep the helm, Frank! We don't want the boat overturned." Frank obeyed, much as he would have liked to join in the fight. Jack reached Harris' side and together the two faced the three Germans. "We've got them, now," said Harris, quietly. "Men," said Jack, quietly, "unless you return to your oars immediately, we shall be forced to throw you overboard."