"Everything shipshape. Now for the crew. First, however," he said, addressing Jack and Frank, "don the clothing of these two officers. You shall be my second and third in command." The lads returned to the cabin they had just quitted and stripped the prisoner. Jack donned the uniform, for the German was a big man. Then they hurried into the second cabin and performed a similar operation and Frank soon was attired in the uniform of a German lieutenant. "Now," said von Ludwig, "have the crew report here and keep your guns ready." Frank made his way aft, and in German, called: "All hands forward!" The crew came tumbling from their bunks and hurried forward, most of the men no more than half dressed. Jack, Frank and Harris, on either side of von Ludwig, confronted them. "Men," said von Ludwig, "I am the new commander of this ship and we shall get under way immediately. Fearing that you will not always obey my commands, I have brought along these little persuaders." A pair of automatics flashed in his hands and covered the ten sailors. "Hands up!" he cried. Taken completely by surprise there was nothing for the German sailors to do but obey. Up went their hands. Von Ludwig called to Harris. "Help me keep them covered," he said, "while you other two tie them up." Under the muzzles of the revolvers levelled in steady hands by von Ludwig and Harris, Jack and Frank set to work binding the members of the crew. A few minutes later the work was done. "Trundle them into that cabin there," said von Ludwig, motioning to an open door. "Tie them there so they cannot release their own bonds or the bonds of the others. Then report to me on deck." The lads obeyed. It was the work of only a few moments, struggle as the Germans did. Then Frank and Jack went on deck. A short distance away a rowboat was coming rapidly toward the _Bismarck_--for such was the name of the vessel on which the lads found themselves. Von Ludwig pointed to it. "My crew!" he said quietly. CHAPTER XXVI DISCOVERED A few moments later the little skiff scraped alongside the _Bismarck_. One at a time its occupants--five in number--scrambled over the side and stood before von Ludwig. The latter scrutinized each man closely. "All right," he said at length. He selected three men. "You report to the engine room immediately," he said. "You will find everything ready. The crew has been overpowered and there will be no one to interfere with you." The men moved away. Von Ludwig addressed the other two. "Take the lookout forward," he said to one; and to the other: "Go aft and keep your eyes open." Then he spoke to Harris. "I'll appoint you in command in the engine room," he said. "Heed your signals carefully." Harris saluted. "Very well, sir," he said and disappeared. Von Ludwig motioned to Jack and Frank, who followed him to the bridge. The officer cast a quick glance over the water and said: