"Ned, I think we'd better make our getaway while the going's good!"
"Second the motion!" declared Harry, who had softly approached the window. "Let's make a noise like a drum!"
"I'm with you!" stated Frank, raising a foot to the window sill.
"Easy there!" cautioned Jimmie. "Mind your step!"
Frank was through the window in an instant. He landed on the earth with Mackinder's assistance without noise. Quickly the others followed. Ned took the precaution to slide the window shut.
Cautiously the little group of six made their way in the direction of the wharf where the submarines were moored. Mackinder took the lead as if familiar with the ground. Once he paused, extending a warning hand to Jimmie, who was directly behind him. The lad performed a similar service for those in the rear. A sentry was approaching.
Mackinder sank upon the ground. Although the night was too dark for the lads to see this action they were close enough to be aware of the movement. Instantly all followed suit.
In a moment they breathed more freely. The sentry had passed within a few paces of their position. Evidently his feeling of security in the isolation of the island had made him somewhat negligent of his duties. He proceeded against the storm with head bent low.
Again Mackinder rose to his feet. Cautiously he crept forward.
On tiptoe the party gained the shelter of the warehouse.
"Gee!" declared Jimmie as the edge of the wharf was gained, "I clean forgot my kit! What shall we do?"
"Hush!" warned Ned. "Don't even dare think of your kit!"
"I should say not!" put in Harry. "Think of your head instead!"
"And the mines at the harbor entrance," added Frank.
"All right!" submissively agreed Jimmie. "I'll keep quiet!"
The wind had risen to such an extent that walking on the narrow planking was not only uncertain but extremely dangerous. Mackinder solved the problem by dropping to all fours. The boys followed suit.
Directly they gained the submarine, the hatch was placed quietly in position for prompt closing and the lines which held the boat were let go.
Owing to the movement of the boats caused by the roughened surface of the harbor creakings and groanings of the fenders had served to drown any noise the party had made in crossing the narrow bridge of planks.