Jack also came up to them. "You're right," agreed von Ludwig, "and that's not the worst of it. The German cruiser probably is in pursuit of us. If they sight us we are done for." Came more violent blows on the door over the companionway, followed by a shot from below. Jack sprang aside as a bullet plowed its way through the hard wood. "We'll have to stand to one side," he said. "Otherwise, they are likely to drop one of us." "The door will stand considerable battering," said von Ludwig. "There is but one thing I can think of. We shall have to desert the ship." "In what, a rowboat?" asked Frank, with some sarcasm. "Hardly," returned von Ludwig; "but I have discovered that there is a high-powered motor boat aboard. We can launch that and move off." "And as soon as the Germans break out here, they'll come after us and shoot us full of holes," said Harris. "Well, that's true enough, too," agreed von Ludwig. "Of course, if we had an hour's start we might get through. But the door won't hold that long." Harris had been turning a plan over in his mind. "If you please, sir," he said slowly at last, "I have a plan that may work." "Let's hear it," said Frank. "Yes; let's have it," said von Ludwig. "Well," said Harris, "one man, with a couple of revolvers, should be able to guard this passageway for an hour without trouble. He can shoot the Germans down as fast as they come up. My plan is this. Let one man stay behind on guard. The others can put off in the motor boat." "But the one man will die," said Frank. "Of course," said Harris, simply. "That shall be my job." "Not much," said Jack. "I'll pick that job for myself." "Not while I'm here you won't," declared Frank. "I'm plenty big to guard the companionway." "The plan you suggest, Harris," von Ludwig said quietly, "is the only one, so far as I can see, that promises any degree of success. In my pocket are papers that must reach the British admiralty at the earliest possible moment." "Then there is no reason why you should think of staying, sir," said Harris. "Wait," said von Ludwig. "In a venture such as this, there is no reason one man should be called upon to sacrifice himself more than another. We shall all have an even chance." "What do you mean, sir?" asked Frank. "Simply this. We shall draw lots to see who shall remain." "Suits me," said Harris, with a shrug. "And me," declared Jack. "Well, then I'm agreeable," Frank said quietly. "Good. Harris, in the pocket of my coat, which hangs in the pilot house, you will find a pack of cards. Bring them here." Harris walked away and returned a few seconds later with a pack of playing cards. Von Ludwig opened the box and produced the cards. "The man who cuts the lowest card shall stay behind," he said quietly. "Shuffle." He passed the cards to Harris, who riffled them lightly.