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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet, by 
+Kenneth Ward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet
+
+Author: Kenneth Ward
+
+Release Date: December 31, 2008 [EBook #27674]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS--SUBMARINE FLEET ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Barbara Kosker and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY VOLUNTEERS SERIES
+
+By KENNETH WARD
+
+_12mo. Cloth. Fully Illustrated 50¢ per Volume_
+
+
+THE NEWEST BOYS' BOOKS ON THE EUROPEAN WAR, RELATING THE ADVENTURES
+OF TWO AMERICAN BOYS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES IN BATTLE AND ON AIR SCOUT
+DUTY. ALL PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH AUTHENTIC DRAWINGS.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front=
+
+Describes the adventures of two American boys who were in Europe when
+the great war commenced. Their enlistment with Belgian troops and their
+remarkable experiences are based upon actual occurrences and the book is
+replete with line drawings of fighting machines, air planes and maps of
+places where the most important battles took place and of other matters
+of interest.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen=
+
+This book relates the further adventures of the young Americans in
+France, where they viewed the fighting from above the firing lines. From
+this book the reader gains considerable knowledge of the different types
+of air planes and battle planes used by the warring nations, as all
+descriptions are illustrated with unusually clear line drawings.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers with the British Artillery=
+
+How many boys to-day know anything about the great guns now being used
+on so many European battle fronts? Our young friends had the rare
+opportunity of witnessing, at first hand, a number of these terrific
+duels, and the story which is most fascinatingly told is illustrated
+with numerous drawings of the British, French and German field pieces.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet=
+
+Our young heroes little expected to be favored with so rare an
+experience as a trip under the sea in one of the great submarines. In
+this book the author accurately describes the submarine in action, and
+the many interesting features of this remarkable fighting craft are made
+clear to the reader by a series of splendid line drawings.
+
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+
+PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _An explosion followed that seemed to tear everything to
+pieces._]
+
+
+
+
+ THE BOY VOLUNTEERS
+ WITH THE
+ SUBMARINE FLEET
+
+
+ BY
+ KENNETH WARD
+
+
+ THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+ NEW YORK
+
+
+ Copyright, 1917, by
+ AMERICAN AUTHORS PUBLISHING CO.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                                        PAGE
+
+     I. THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD                          13
+
+    II. THE TORPEDOED SHIP                                        25
+
+   III. PRISONERS ON BOARD OF A SUBMARINE                         37
+
+    IV. THE TERRORS IN THE DARK ROOM OF AN UNDERSEA BOAT          49
+
+     V. SOME OF THE MYSTERIES OF A SUBMARINE                      58
+
+    VI. GROPING THROUGH THE ENGLISH CHANNEL                       68
+
+   VII. CAUGHT IN THE DEEP SEA NETS                               78
+
+  VIII. THE NIGHT'S STRUGGLE TO FREE THE VESSEL                   89
+
+    IX. THE CAPTURE OF THE SUBMERGED VESSEL                       99
+
+     X. THE SECRET KEY TO THE BOMB FUSE                          110
+
+    XI. OPERATING THE SUBMARINE WITH A CAPTIVE CREW              120
+
+   XII. THE DEATH BLOW TO THE SUBMARINE                          130
+
+  XIII. THE RESCUE IN THE CHANNEL                                142
+
+   XIV. TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE                             151
+
+    XV. A FRIGHTFUL MINE EXPLOSION                               161
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+ _An Explosion Followed That Seemed to Tear
+    Everything to Pieces_                             _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                                PAGE
+
+ _The Points of the Compass_                                      27
+
+ _The Submarine Decoy_                                            30
+
+ _Map Showing the Scene of the Wanderings of the Boys_            43
+
+ _The Steel Nets_                                                 73
+
+ _The Entangled Submarine_                                        95
+
+ _The Periscope_                                                 137
+
+ _The Conning Tower. All That Could Be Seen of
+    the Submarine_                                               148
+
+ _A Contact Mine_                                                156
+
+
+
+ THE BOY VOLUNTEERS
+ WITH THE
+ SUBMARINE FLEET
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD
+
+
+"Submarine two points to starboard, sir!" shouted a voice.
+
+Instantly there was confusion; the captain sprang from the end of the
+bridge to the board behind the quartermaster and pushed a lever to the
+right.
+
+"Ralph, come out quickly; the second officer has just shouted to the
+captain that a submarine is in sight," said Alfred, as he rushed into
+the reading room where Ralph was deeply engrossed in a book.
+
+Ralph needed no second warning. Together with a dozen or more, who were
+in the room, he sprang to the door, and followed Alfred, who was now
+nearing the bridge.
+
+"Can you see it?" asked Ralph excitedly.
+
+"No; but they are pointing to the right; it seems as though we are
+turning around," responded Alfred.
+
+"So we are," said Ralph. "There! what is that?" shouted Ralph, as he
+followed the direction pointed out by the second officer.
+
+The captain gave another wrench to the wheel, and the ship straightened
+out on its course. All eyes were now directed to a point to the right,
+and astern, for the boat had described a half circle.
+
+"Wait till I get the glasses," said Alfred, as he dived for the main
+companionway, and slid down the railing.
+
+He was back in record time, followed by his father and mother,
+accompanied by Ralph's mother. Needless to say all were agitated, for
+they had been told on the morning of sailing that the trip might be a
+dangerous one, and it was only urgent business necessity that compelled
+Mr. Elton to take the risk.
+
+"I can see something away back there, just like a trail of foam. I
+wonder whether that's what they are so excited about on the bridge?"
+questioned Alfred, as he lowered the glasses, and glanced up at the
+officers who were vigorously discussing the situation.
+
+"Let me look," said Ralph, reaching for the glasses. He was silent for a
+few moments, then, handing the glasses to Mr. Elton, he continued:
+"There is something coming; see if you can make it out."
+
+Mr. Elton gazed intently, and turned to his wife, as he said: "I am
+afraid that is a torpedo on the way now."
+
+Nevertheless, he made the remark quietly; those around heard the
+warning, and the boys glanced at the bridge. The captain again moved the
+wheel, and the ship swerved.
+
+"It is a torpedo," shouted Ralph. Every one leaned over the ship's side
+and waited, some with terror on their faces, others pale but calm. Two
+or three rushed for the companionway, and several fainted.
+
+"It's going to miss! It's going to miss!" shouted Alfred. He turned
+around and waved his cap to the officers on the bridge, but they were
+too intent watching the submarine to notice the salutation. It was
+evident, however, from their actions that they had no immediate fear.
+
+It was with a thrill that the two hundred passengers, who were lined up
+on the port side of the steamship, saw a foamy trail, one hundred feet
+distant, pass alongside their vessel, and disappear in the distance, far
+ahead.
+
+"There comes another one," said a voice.
+
+It was easy to distinguish the second peril, and it seemed to come
+straight and true. The ship veered slightly from its course, and
+breathlessly the passengers watched the trail. On, on it came. The
+vessel again slightly changed its course, and this time the torpedo went
+wide of the mark.
+
+"Now, for the next one," said Alfred.
+
+"Ah! we are now too far ahead, and going too fast for them. Even if the
+submarine comes to the surface it cannot possibly catch us," said the
+navigating officer, who passed along and quieted the anxious ones.
+
+Thus, for the time being, they escaped, but the vigilance was greater
+than ever. They would be in the danger zone for twelve hours more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two and a half years previous to this time, Mr. and Mrs. Elton,
+accompanied by their son Alfred, Mrs. Elton's sister, and her son Ralph,
+were traveling through Europe, and happened to be in Germany when war
+was declared. The boys, together with Mr. Elton's chauffeur, were on
+their way to Antwerp with their car, and were pursued by the Germans as
+they were entering Belgium territory.
+
+Their car was requisitioned by the Belgium government, and as the German
+forces entered Belgium south of Liege, they were cut off from reaching
+Antwerp. In the effort to make their way across the country the two boys
+met the Belgian forces, and were in the first battle, which was fought
+between the Germans and Belgians. They took part in the defense of
+Belgian territory with the Belgian forces, from Liege, to Louvain,
+Aerschott, and Malines, until the city of Antwerp was besieged, and were
+among the last to leave when the Belgians evacuated that place.
+
+They were fortunate enough, however, to reach French territory with the
+bulk of the Belgian army, and arrived at Dunkirk, on the Channel,
+during that period when the British were sending over the first forces
+to resist the invasion of France.
+
+The second day they visited the hangars where the British were setting
+up their aircraft and training the recruits for the aviation service.
+While approaching the grounds they were the witnesses of an accident to
+one of the flyers, who made a disastrous landing near them, and they
+were prompt enough to lift the machine from one of the men, which saved
+his life.
+
+This incident was the changing point in their career, for they then
+determined to enter the aviation corps, if possible. Despite their
+efforts, they were not able to succeed, at this time, and as the father
+of Alfred had sent word to them to meet him in Paris, they regretfully
+worked their way to that city, only to learn, on arriving, that Mr.
+Elton was not permitted to leave Germany.
+
+By an accidental circumstance they went to Bar-le-Duc, in eastern France,
+and visited the aviation grounds there. Having made themselves useful,
+they were favored with the privilege of making ascensions, and were
+instructed in the handling of the trial machines on the grounds.
+
+On one occasion they were aloft with Lieutenant Guyon, who, owing to
+heart troubles, fainted while at a high altitude, and the boys brought
+the machine down safely. Thereafter, the lieutenant was their constant
+friend, and when the corps moved to Verdun they were regularly enrolled
+as members, and subsequently became engaged in many exciting flights.
+While on a scouting operation with their friend, several German machines
+appeared and a battle followed in which the machine was injured, and
+during the descent both boys were wounded.
+
+The lieutenant was caught in the wreckage, as the machine finally
+plunged to earth, and within a week died of his wounds. The boys were
+heart-broken at his death, and after a week at the base hospital were
+transferred to the American hospital in Paris. After recovery they were
+regularly discharged from the service, and started for home.
+
+On their way to the Channel they became interested in the artillery
+branch and happened to take part in the first great French drive in the
+Somme region and later were with the British artillery when it began its
+great fight against the Germans in the region west of Bapaume.
+
+It was there that Alfred's parents and Ralph's mother learned of their
+whereabouts, and, through the kindly offices of the American ambassador,
+were permitted to visit the battery where the boys were stationed, and
+where they finally prevailed upon them to accompany them home.
+
+They sailed from Bordeaux early in the morning of the same day that the
+events took place which we have just related. On the day of sailing the
+thrilling news reached France that President Wilson had given the German
+minister his passports, and while such an act does not, ordinarily, mean
+war, the strained relations between the United States and Germany made
+it probable that war would follow.
+
+As stated, Mr. Elton's business compelled him to sail, notwithstanding
+the danger, and they now found themselves within the danger zone
+prescribed by the German authorities, for, as they were sailing on a
+ship belonging to one of the belligerent nations, they knew that it was
+a prey for any submarine and subject to be sunk without warning.
+
+Although instructions of a general nature had been issued by the captain
+after the vessel left port, he called the passengers together
+immediately after the excitement attending the appearance of the
+submarine had died away, and addressed them as follows:
+
+"For the next twelve or fifteen hours we shall be in the danger zone,
+and it is imperative that each of you should at all times carry a life
+belt. I impress this on you not for the purpose of creating alarm, but
+because I know that people become careless. The officers will give full
+instructions to all of you as to the way the belts should be worn, so
+there will be no confusion at the last moment.
+
+"And now, another thing, which you must remember. More lives are lost
+through undue excitement than from the real danger, in case of trouble.
+We are here for the purpose of giving due warning and assistance, and
+every man in the ship's crew will be faithful to his duty. Do not rush
+about and become excited, because that unduly alarms those about you, I
+will give you ample warning. Five short blasts on the ship's whistle
+will call you to the boats. When you hear that go to your cabins
+quickly, seize such clothing as you have prepared for such an event, and
+if you have not strapped on the life belt do so at once.
+
+"It should be the first duty of the men to aid the women and children,
+see that the belts are properly put on, and assist them to the deck.
+Once there, go as quickly as possible to the davits and await orders,
+for the officers and men will be there to direct and take charge of the
+passengers. Should the boat be so badly hit that it is impossible for
+all the passengers to get into the boat before the vessel goes down, the
+men must see to it that every one goes overboard and clears the ship's
+side.
+
+"Many women will, even in this extremity, refuse to jump overboard
+without their husbands, but in such cases there must be no hesitancy on
+the part of the men. Do not argue, but push them overboard, and the life
+belts will hold them in position in the water until the waiting boats
+can rescue them. There will be no danger of drowning under those
+conditions, but be sure to jump as far from the vessel as possible."
+
+It was not such a speech as tended to relieve nervousness, but it
+certainly made every one within hearing very thoughtful. Women, and men,
+as well, turned white, and many of them timidly examined the tiny life
+belts which were handed out.
+
+"It seems that we get into trouble wherever we go," said Alfred, not in
+a spirit of alarm, however, but more because he felt a deep concern for
+his father and mother.
+
+"Oh, Ralph, isn't this terrible!" said his mother, as she came forward.
+
+"It certainly is; but this is something like the experiences we have had
+for over two years, and it doesn't make it seem so bad;--do you think
+so?" he added, addressing Alfred.
+
+"I wouldn't be at all worried, Auntie," responded Alfred. "Here comes
+mother; I hope she is not broken up or worried."
+
+"No," replied Mrs. Elton. "It is dreadful, but it is no worse for us
+than for others. I am glad the captain spoke as plainly as he did. We
+must understand and do our duty."
+
+"Now, Mother, you and Auntie go to the ladies' room and stay there. If
+anything happens we will know where to find you," said Ralph.
+
+"But I want you to come and stay with us," replied Mrs. Elton.
+
+"We cannot do that," replied Alfred. "We have fine glasses and every one
+should be on the watch. It takes a great many eyes to see in all
+directions."
+
+"Alfred is right," said Mr. Elton. "I will remain with you; but do not
+be alarmed for the present."
+
+"Wait until I get my binoculars," said Ralph, as he rushed down to the
+cabin.
+
+He was up at once, and together they ran forward to the bridge, as the
+second officer descended.
+
+"Can we be of service to you in any way?" said Alfred, pointing to their
+glasses.
+
+"Indeed, you can," said the officer.
+
+At that moment the captain, leaning over the rail of the bridge,
+shouted: "Come up, boys; those are the right kind of weapons. We ought
+to have dozens more of the same kind."
+
+The boys fairly stumbled up the steep, narrow ladder that led to the
+bridge.
+
+"At your service," said Ralph.
+
+The captain smiled, as he said: "Take positions at the end of the
+bridge."
+
+The boys walked across to the other side, and Ralph elevated his
+glasses.
+
+A moment later the captain, in his walk to and fro, stopped before the
+boys. "You have evidently had occasion to use the binoculars before, but
+probably not while at sea," he observed.
+
+"No," replied Ralph; "we used them in flying machines and while serving
+in the artillery, but this is really the first opportunity we have had
+to use them on shipboard."
+
+"Then a little instruction will be of service to you and to all of us,"
+said the captain. "I noticed that you were sweeping the sea to the rear.
+That is not necessary, for at our speed a torpedo boat would not be able
+to catch us. All your time should be devoted to scanning that quadrant
+from straight ahead to a point but a little astern of your left quarter,
+as it is from that section, and the corresponding section on the right
+side of the vessel that we expect the enemy; do you understand what I
+mean?"
+
+"I think so," replied Ralph. "But suppose a submarine should be well
+ahead of us and submerge, and then wait until we have passed. In that
+case couldn't it again come up and send a torpedo into the stern of the
+ship?"
+
+"That might be possible, but not probable. A submarine is absolutely in
+the dark when completely submerged," said the captain. "It must come to
+the surface sufficiently near to bring its periscope out of the water,
+and that would reveal its presence to us. It would be a pretty hard job
+for a navigator in a submarine to calculate when the boat had passed
+sufficiently near to know the opportune time to come to the surface and
+give us the shot."
+
+"But couldn't they come near enough to take a chance? They might come up
+500 feet away or 2,000. At either distance they could land a torpedo,
+couldn't they?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Quite true; but the submarine might not know whether we were armed or
+not, and it would not take the risk of exposure in that reckless
+manner," replied the captain.
+
+"But we are not armed, are we?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No; our guns will be ready for us on the return trip," answered the
+captain. After a moment he continued: "Let me also give you a hint as to
+the particular manner of using the glasses to get a correct view. Do not
+attempt to take in the entire field at one sweep. Sight at a point near
+the ship, say at a distance of a quarter of a mile; then slowly raise
+the glasses so that your view grows more and more distant and finally
+the focal point reaches the horizon. Then turn a point to the right or
+to the left, and bring down the forward end of the glasses until the
+view is again concentrated on the point nearest the ship."
+
+"That is something like making observations on a flying machine,"
+replied Alfred, "only in that case the glass is held stationary, as the
+machine moves along, and in that way objects can be seen much better
+than by sweeping it around continuously. We learned that from Lieutenant
+Guyon."
+
+"Quite true; I see you are well qualified to observe. But to continue:
+after you have thus made the first observation as I have explained, the
+glasses should be held horizontally to take in the view at the horizon,
+and then swept around at that angle to the right or to the left,
+depressing it at each swing. That is called sweeping the sea."
+
+"I know two men who have glasses," said Ralph. "Shall I get them?"
+
+"Yes, if you can; this is the kind of service which is appreciated,"
+said the captain.
+
+Ralph sprang down the ladder, and ran along the deck. He was absent for
+some time, but soon appeared with two men.
+
+"Come on," said Ralph, as he ascended the ladder. The men hesitated for
+a moment, and followed, as an officer appeared and invited them to come
+up.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE TORPEDOED SHIP
+
+
+During the next hour or more every field glass on board ship was put
+into use, and many were the weary arms that used them until the luncheon
+hour arrived at one o'clock. The captain, knowing how trying the
+constant watching must be to civilians who are not used to this work,
+appointed two watches, so they might relieve each other every hour.
+
+The boys went to the dining room, and as Mr. Elton and his family sat at
+the captain's table, the latter took occasion during the meal to refer
+to Ralph and Alfred's services on the bridge in commendatory terms,
+which was greatly appreciated by their parents.
+
+"I am curious to know," said Ralph, "what the officer meant when he said
+'two points to starboard.'"
+
+"That is explained in this way," replied the captain. "The compass is
+divided into thirty-two points, or eight points in each quadrant."
+
+"I remember you spoke about a quadrant when we were on the bridge. What
+is a quadrant?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I should have said, in the beginning, that the compass is divided into
+four parts, one line running, we will say, east and west, and the other
+line north and south. In that way there are four cardinal points. You
+will understand, therefore, that from the north cardinal point to the
+east cardinal point, which represents one quadrant, are eight points,
+and so on, from the cardinal point east to south, are eight more
+points," responded the captain.
+
+"Then when the officer said 'two points to starboard,' did he mean two
+points from one of the cardinal points?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No, he had reference to two points from the line ahead, or for the time
+being, he took the line upon which we were traveling, as one of the
+cardinal lines, and when he said two points he described a line which
+was just one-fourth of the distance around the circle or quadrant to the
+east," answered the captain.
+
+"Then we might say that the keel of the ship is one of the cardinal
+lines, and the bridge, which runs across the ship is the other line?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"That is a very homely and plain way of putting it," replied the
+captain.
+
+An hour thereafter, while the boys were on the bridge, they noticed the
+first signs of excitement on the part of the officers. A message had
+been handed the captain a few moments before. Of course, all were
+curious to know the news it contained, but no one seemed to be bold
+enough to ask any questions.
+
+[Illustration: _The Points of the Compass_]
+
+As the second watch appeared at the bridge the boys descended and
+rejoined their parents. A voice was heard outside summoning the
+passengers on deck. They were ranged along the deck house, and the
+second officer appeared.
+
+"I wish to make an announcement, and give further instructions. In order
+that there may be no confusion, in the event the enemy should attack us
+and compel the passengers to take to the boats, I am going to assign
+places to all of you, so that the moment you hear the five bells you
+will know where to go, ready to man the boats. Now, notice the numbers
+on the boats, which you see are swung out on the davits ready to be
+launched. Be particular to note where your boat is located, and its
+number. When you come up the companionway from your cabin, fix in your
+mind whether your own boat is on the right or on the left side; some are
+liable to become confused in coming up.
+
+"Boat No. 1; Mr. Elton, how many are in your party?"
+
+"Five," was the answer.
+
+"Then three more will be assigned; Mr. Wardlaw, wife and daughter; that
+will complete the first boat. No. 2," continued the officer, as he made
+the assignments. This was continued until the entire list was completed.
+
+Four seamen were then designated for each of the boats, and the steward
+was directed to prepare emergency food for the different boats, and by
+direct orders the food was actually placed in the boats.
+
+It was really with a sigh of relief from the suspense that the boys
+awaited the signal for their term of duty on the bridge. They were in
+their places instantly, and seized the glasses. It was now four o'clock
+in the afternoon. They were moving toward the setting sun. The sky was
+free of clouds and the ocean fairly smooth. It was an ideal sea for
+observation. The boys were on the port or left side of the ship.
+
+"Ralph," said Alfred under his breath, as he moved toward Ralph, and
+laid his hand on his arm, without lowering his glasses, "look over
+there! there!--two or three points,----"
+
+"I see it,--yes,--Captain, what is that, a half-mile off to the left?"
+interrupted Ralph.
+
+The captain shot a glance in the direction indicated. "Three points to
+port!" he said, as he sprang to the wheel and gave a signal to the
+engineer. As he came back to the point of observation, he said:
+
+"Young eyes are very sharp. You have beaten the watch on the top mast."
+
+The officer in charge of the telephone beckoned to the captain. The
+latter rushed over, and the boys saw him nod.
+
+"How far are they from us?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Two miles," was the answer.
+
+"Two miles!" said Ralph in astonishment. "Why, I thought I was
+stretching it when I said a half mile."
+
+"To be more exact, the range finder in the crow's nest makes the
+distance 10,980 feet," said the captain.
+
+"Well, they can't hit us at that distance," said Ralph, "can they?"
+
+"No; we can easily avoid that fellow, but he may have appeared as a
+ruse," said the captain, glancing to starboard, with an anxious air.
+
+The first officer standing near, although intently watching the
+submarine in the distance, remarked: "It is now the custom for two or
+more of the undersea boats to operate in unison; the one we are now
+looking at may be a decoy."
+
+"What do you mean by 'decoy'" asked Ralph, in astonishment. "Is it
+likely that they would expect us to steer right into them?"
+
+[Illustration: _The Submarine Decoy_]
+
+"No; their idea is to have one of the submarines show up in front,
+knowing that the intercepted vessel will turn to avoid it. Then the
+other submarine, with nothing but its periscope above the water, and on
+the other side of the sailing course of the ship, will be in position,
+the moment the turn is made, to deliver the shot. That is why the
+captain has gone to the other side, as you will notice the vessel is
+now going to starboard," said the officer.
+
+The ship had now turned so that it was broadside to the distant
+submarine. Not only its conning tower was now visible, but a long black
+object fore and aft could be plainly observed.
+
+"Three points to port!" shouted the captain.
+
+The quartermaster swung the wheel around, and the ship seemed to heel
+over, so suddenly did the rudder act.
+
+"One point to starboard, and full speed ahead!" was the next order from
+the captain.
+
+It seemed that the order had no more than been executed than he again
+sang out:
+
+"Two points to port!"
+
+"What is that for?" asked Alfred.
+
+"He is zig-zagging the ship through the sea," replied the officer.
+
+"What for?" inquired Ralph.
+
+"There is another submarine three points to starboard astern."
+
+"Then,--then the captain,----"
+
+"Yes; the one behind us is near enough to reach us if we keep on a
+straight course, but the captain has manoeuvered so as to bring him
+directly in our wake, and continually changed the target so that the
+submarine cannot aim with accuracy," interrupted the officer.
+
+The passengers on the decks below did not need to be told that something
+unusual was happening. The changing course of the ship, the unusual
+activity on the bridge, the leveling of the glasses to the port side
+and to the stern by the different groups, were sufficient warnings of
+the presence of the dread monsters.
+
+The submarine on the port side was now coming forward with all the speed
+it possessed, and again the captain turned the ship another point to
+starboard. The funnels were belching smoke, and sparks flying from the
+top. The engineers were putting on forced draft and the ship seemed to
+be trembling as it shot through the smooth sea. It was an ideal
+condition for the launching of a torpedo.
+
+"Torpedo coming on starboard side!" shouted a voice.
+
+Every one now rushed to the right side of the bridge. There was a shriek
+below. From an unexpected quarter the third submarine's periscope was
+visible, and a foamy trail, straight as a mark, began to lengthen out
+toward their vessel.
+
+"Reverse! Reverse engines!" shouted the captain. The order was executed,
+but too late. The trail came nearer and grew broader. Some of the
+passengers put their hands over their eyes, others stood like fixed
+statues. The captain placed his hand to his brow, but quickly turned.
+
+"Order the men to the boat!" he said in a quiet voice, as he stepped
+forward and seized the handle of the boat's whistle.
+
+No sooner had the order been given when a terrific crash followed. The
+bridge seemed to have been seized with a giant hand and it vibrated with
+an intense force. A hundred feet from the stern of the ship a great
+mass of water shot upward and fragments of the deck were hoisted up and
+scattered around.
+
+The ship at first swayed to port and then quickly swung back to
+starboard, but did not again roll back to port. The captain shook his
+head. There was a perceptible list in the position of the ship.
+
+"Take your position in the boats!" he shouted to the men on the bridge,
+and as he did so he quickly pulled the lever,--one, two, three, four,
+five.
+
+By the time the last blast sounded the seamen were at the boats assigned
+to them. The engines had stopped. The passengers, all except those who
+had fainted, had left the deck. Ralph and Alfred made a dash for the
+waiting room. Their parents were not there. Down they went to the
+cabins, passing on the way the crowded hallways and the unutterable
+confusion which resulted from the order to hurriedly leave the ship.
+
+They found their parents in the cabin, and, due to the forethought of
+Mr. Elton, the lifebuoys had been adjusted, and their valuables secured
+beforehand. Others, however, were not so fortunate. Across the way were
+several women and children.
+
+"Let me help you," said Alfred, as he entered the first cabin. "I will
+take care of the baby," he remarked, as he picked it up, while the
+mother was almost frantic.
+
+"I will take the other one," shouted Ralph.
+
+"We can't stop here another minute," said Alfred. "Do you see how the
+ship is leaning over?"
+
+"Come on, Mother," cried Ralph; "follow us or we may not be able to go
+up the stairs."
+
+Alfred crowded close behind Ralph, and Mr. Elton assisted the two women
+along the passageway. All arrived on deck, the boys with the two
+children in their arms.
+
+"Where is No. 8?" "I can't find No. 9," said another. "What has become
+of the girl?" shrieked one; "Are we going to turn over?" asked a
+trembling voice. The officers were going to and fro, mingling with the
+passengers.
+
+"What is your boat number?" asks one officer. "This way; that is the
+place you are assigned to."
+
+Mr. Elton and his party reached No. 1 without accident, and all but the
+boys were safely placed in the boat.
+
+"Come on, boys," said Mr. Elton. "But where is the mother of the
+children?" he asked, as he saw the boys were unaccompanied.
+
+"Take the baby," said Alfred, as he passed it to his mother.
+
+Ralph handed the little girl to one of the seamen, and sprang after
+Alfred. There was now a dangerous list, and Mrs. Elton noticed it.
+
+"Is there any danger if our boys go below to the stateroom?" she asked
+the petty officer, who was holding the rope connected with the tackle of
+their boat.
+
+"She'll have to sway over a great deal further to go down," he remarked.
+
+This comforted her for the moment. Passengers were still coming up from
+the companionways; some were being dragged along, and others acted like
+drunken men and women. It was a terribly trying sight.
+
+An old man shambled forward as he emerged from the cabin door, glanced
+along at the filled boats held in the davit, tried to speak, and fell
+headlong on the deck. A surgeon near by rushed up, turned him over, felt
+of his heart and pulse, shook his head, and drew the body close up to
+the side of the cabin wall. Then the officer made a search to ascertain
+the name of the man, and extracted papers from his pockets.
+
+Meanwhile, the boys had not returned, and the ship was turning over on
+its side more and more.
+
+"Launch the boats!" ordered the captain.
+
+"But our boys! our boys!" shrieked Ralph's mother, but as she arose she
+was forcibly restrained. The captain did not hear, and at the command
+the boats went down. Even then a half-dozen passengers emerged from the
+door too late, and one of them, notwithstanding the warning, was without
+a life belt.
+
+The ship's deck was now at an angle of fully thirty degrees,--as steep
+as the ordinary roof. Those emerging from the cabin on the port side
+could not maintain a footing, but were compelled to slide down to the
+side railing. This was the situation when Ralph and Alfred reached the
+door which led to the deck from the companionway. They were carrying the
+woman whose children they had rescued, as she was in a frenzy, and
+struggled with the boys. The moment the inclined deck was reached
+Alfred said:
+
+"See that she goes overboard, and I will go down for that little girl,"
+and he crawled back into the ship.
+
+Ralph finally succeeded in loosening the woman's hold, and together they
+slid down the deck. The woman was now uncontrollable. She threw her arms
+about wildly, and cried for her children. Ralph pointed to the boats
+below, but this did not quiet her. Taking advantage of the moment when
+both hands were free, Ralph, by a terrific effort, pushed her across the
+railing, and, with a loud shriek, she shot downward.
+
+Ralph looked around, and caught a momentary sight of his parents in the
+boat below. Mrs. Elton was calling for Alfred. Ralph nodded his head and
+tried to crawl back up the inclined deck, but it was useless. An arm
+then appeared through the door opening, then a head, and he knew it must
+be Alfred.
+
+"Can't you help me up?" shouted Ralph.
+
+Alfred disengaged himself and extended his body down along the deck.
+This enabled Ralph to seize hold of his legs and draw himself up into
+the doorway.
+
+Once there he saw the trouble that Alfred had to contend with. Lying
+half-way up the stairs was a poor cripple, half dead with fright, and
+the little girl, not much better. Laboriously, he had assisted, first
+one and then the other, and was about exhausted when Ralph came to the
+rescue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+PRISONERS ON BOARD OF A SUBMARINE
+
+
+The captain was still on deck, together with the first officer, both of
+them being at that time on the upper side of the vessel. They made the
+most careful examination of the staterooms and searched every corner to
+be sure that no one lingered behind. Coming forward they witnessed the
+struggles of the boys with the cripple and the girl, but the ship was
+now too far over on its side to permit them to render assistance.
+
+The cripple was soon brought to the door, and, without ceremony, pushed
+down the incline. The little girl followed, but before the boys could
+reach the railing the poor cripple slipped over the railing and
+disappeared. The boys held the child aloft for a moment, and then
+dropped her into the waves.
+
+"Jump as far as you can!" shouted the captain.
+
+Ralph placed a foot on the railing, and, looking back at Alfred, said:
+"Here goes! Come on!"
+
+Both boys landed at almost the same time. The little girl was aroused by
+the cold water, and was wildly floundering about, but the cripple lay
+upon the surface of the water, with face upturned, limp and still. They
+glanced about; where were the boats? They could not be far away.
+
+"I am afraid he's done for," said Alfred, as he glanced toward the
+cripple.
+
+"Well, we might as well stay near him; he might be all right," replied
+Ralph.
+
+"Move away from the ship quickly," said a voice in the water, not far
+away.
+
+It was the captain. He was the last one to dive, after he had seen every
+passenger safely off the ship.
+
+"We have no time to lose; take care of yourselves; I will help the
+little girl," he continued, as he threw the child on his back, and began
+to strike out.
+
+The sea had been calm up to this time, but no sooner had the captain
+ceased speaking than a tremendous wave almost engulfed them; they seemed
+to be carried up, and then were forced down by a giant swell. Another
+wave followed and then another, until, finally, the oscillations of the
+waves seemed to be growing less and less.
+
+"Where is the ship?" cried Alfred.
+
+"She's gone down; that's what made the waves," said the captain.
+
+The cripple's hand was raised up, and his eyes began to roll.
+
+"This fellow's all right, after all," said Ralph. "I'll help him. I
+wonder where the boats are?"
+
+The sun, which was going down while all this had been taking place, had
+now disappeared, and there was that gray, lead-like appearance on the
+waves that comes just before twilight.
+
+"Keep up your courage, boys; we shall soon have plenty of boats looking
+for us," said the captain.
+
+Within less than a minute thereafter two boats could be seen bobbing up
+and down not far away, heading straight for those in the water. Ralph
+was the first one caught by the strong arm of a seaman, and then the
+little girl, now fully recovered from her fright, received the care of a
+woman in the boat.
+
+Alfred assisted the cripple into the other boat, and the captain ordered
+all the passengers transferred to the boat which had just come up.
+
+The boys then noticed that only three seamen remained, together with the
+captain and first officer.
+
+"You may remain with us," said the captain, addressing Ralph and Alfred.
+
+This was, indeed, a compliment to them, which was appreciated.
+
+"I know father, mother and auntie are all right," said Alfred. "Do you
+think they saw us get off?" he added anxiously.
+
+"They were standing by when you jumped, but when the ship made the last
+lurch, just before she went down the seamen knew that they must pull
+away to avoid being sucked under. It might have been too dark for them
+actually to have seen you get away, at the distance they were from the
+ship, but I don't think they will expect to see us before morning."
+
+"Why, do you intend to stay here all night?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No, but each boat crew has had instructions to make for the nearest
+port, as rapidly as possible," replied the captain.
+
+"Where are we now?" asked Alfred.
+
+"In the Bay of Biscay, about one hundred and fifty miles from the
+nearest land," answered the captain.
+
+"How long will it take us to reach land?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Possibly two days, or more; that depends on the weather and the
+conditions in the bay. This is the most turbulent body of water anywhere
+on the Atlantic coast line, but it has been remarkably smooth during the
+past twenty-four hours," answered the captain.
+
+"What is the name of the place that we are heading for?" asked Ralph.
+
+"St. Nazaire; a French town at the mouth of the river Loire," was the
+reply.
+
+It was now quite dark, and a haze prevented the occupants of the boat
+from making any observation of the stars, hence the sailing, or rather,
+the rowing, had to be conducted by compass entirely, the order being
+given by the captain to steer east by north, a term which indicates that
+the course was exactly two points north of a line running due east and
+west.
+
+Three miles an hour at the outside, would be considered good speed.
+Sails would have been useless without a wind, and there was not the
+slightest breeze, but about midnight there was an apparent rocking in
+the little boat that indicated a wind. Occasionally, there would be a
+jerk, as the boat would be thrown from one side to the other. The
+captain was awake and alert, but the boys were lying in the bottom of
+the vessel near the stern.
+
+It was a trying, weary night, and when the sun arose the sea was one
+panorama of short, choppy waves. The seamen were tired with rowing, and
+it was evident that no great effort was being made to hurry the boat
+along.
+
+"It does seem to me that the sun is coming up on the wrong side this
+morning," remarked Alfred, as they were partaking of the food prepared
+and stowed in the boat's lockers.
+
+"I imagine you are turned around somewhat," replied the captain. "The
+wind is now coming from the east, and you see the sun almost ahead of
+us. We are being carried west faster than the rowers can take us
+eastward, hence we are practically standing still, or rather going back,
+and they are now merely holding the boat so as to give us steerage way
+and prevent us from going into the troughs between the waves."
+
+"Have you sighted either of the other boats?" asked Alfred.
+
+"No; but one of the men observed a light at two this morning, three
+points to starboard, which was, possibly, one of our companions, but
+since that time we have searched the seas fruitlessly," answered the
+captain.
+
+"I don't know why it is that if all of the boats steer to the same point
+that they should be scattered in this way," said Alfred. "Can you
+explain it, Captain?"
+
+"It would not be so if in the open sea, or in mid-ocean; there they
+would be likely to keep together, or not separated more than three or
+four miles; but it is quite another thing in this great bay," replied
+the captain.
+
+"Why should it be different here?" asked Ralph.
+
+"If you will take a map of the western part of Europe, you will notice
+three great projecting headlands, or points on the western shore of the
+continent of Europe, namely, Iceland, in the north, and the Spanish
+peninsula in the south. Midway between you will notice Ireland and the
+British Isles. The great Gulf stream comes down from the north, passes
+Iceland, that is one branch, hugs the coast of Ireland, and strikes the
+point of land which projects out northwesterly from the main Spanish
+land, so that a sort of maelstrom is set up in the bay."
+
+"How far are we from that point of land?" asked Ralph.
+
+"About two hundred miles northeast; and I may also say that we are just
+about in the middle of the Bay of Biscay, and at that point where the
+sea is always more quiet than at any other part," answered the captain.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Ship to starboard, sir," sang out the forward watch.
+
+The captain turned to the right and, after a brief glance, lowered his
+hand. The boys looked at him in wonder. Evidently the sight of the
+vessel did not give him pleasure. It was a low-lying craft, with two
+short masts.
+
+"That looks like a submarine," shouted Ralph.
+
+"You are right," replied the captain.
+
+The submarine was coming forward rapidly, and within fifteen minutes it
+was within hailing distance. They now had an opportunity to examine the
+ugly thing with the long black back and the conning tower midway between
+the ends.
+
+"Are those the periscopes?" asked Alfred. "I didn't know they carried
+two of them."
+
+"That is the practice now," said one seamen.
+
+The submarine came straight toward them, then sheered off and stopped
+alongside less than thirty feet from the boat. One of the seamen tossed
+a rope, which was grasped by a marine on the undersea boat, and in that
+manner they were drawn close up to the side of the submarine.
+
+An officer now came forward, and in French invited the captain to step
+aboard. There was a broad smile on the officer's face, as he recognized
+the captain of the vessel which they had torpedoed the night before.
+With a respectful bow he requested the captain to turn over the ship's
+papers. The captain was, of course, powerless, but he refused to do so
+on the plea that he did not have them with him.
+
+"Search the boat!" commanded the officer to several of his crew.
+
+The captain was about to go back to his boat when the officer remarked:
+
+"We prefer the pleasure of your company for the present, sir."
+
+The captain folded his arms, and stood straight before the officer, as
+two marines jumped into the boat, and began the search. Eventually, a
+leather case was found, on which was inscribed the ship's name. It was
+tossed up to the officer, who, after receiving it, entered the conning
+tower, where he remained for some time.
+
+When he reappeared he said: "I shall have to detain you," and, glancing
+down into the boat, continued: "The two young men in the stern will also
+come aboard."
+
+The boys were astounded at this new turn of affairs. Slowly they arose,
+and stepped on the narrow platform which projected out from the side of
+the submarine.
+
+"There may be some reason why you should wish to detain me, but there is
+no excuse for making these young men prisoners; they are Americans
+returning home, and cannot be considered as belligerents," said the
+captain.
+
+The lieutenant looked at the captain and turned his gaze on the boys a
+few moments before replying: "In what business were they engaged while
+on the continent?"
+
+The captain started slightly, while the officer toyed with his mustache,
+and peered at the boys.
+
+"We haven't engaged in any particular business on the continent," said
+Ralph.
+
+"No; flying isn't engaging in any business, is it?" inquired the
+officer.
+
+"Well," said Alfred, "we took part in the Red Cross service, were with
+the infantry, served a time with the flying corps, then had a little
+experience with the transportation service, helped them out in the
+artillery, and did the best we could everywhere we went, if that's what
+you wish to know."
+
+The officer gave the boys a cynical glance, and nodded to one of the
+marines. The latter stepped forward and began searching the boys, Ralph
+being the first to undergo the ordeal; several letters, a few trinkets,
+a knife and a purse, containing all the boy possessed, were removed. The
+coat when thrown back revealed a cross, suspended by a ribbon, the
+decoration which had been bestowed on the boys after their last flight
+at Verdun.
+
+Alfred handed over the contents of his pockets. The German officer
+glanced at the medals, and made another motion. The seamen then pushed
+them into the conning tower and the boys saw a narrow flight of stairs
+to which they were directed, the captain following.
+
+Down into the bowels of a submarine! A warm, peculiar, oily odor greeted
+them as they descended, but the air was not at all unpleasant and
+breathing was easy. Glancing about they saw confused masses of
+mechanism, tanks, pipes, valves, levers, wheels, clock-faced dial plates
+and other contrivances, all huddled together, with barely room to pass
+from one place to another. Electric bulbs were everywhere visible,
+lighting up the interior.
+
+Suddenly there was a slight tremor in the vessel, indicating that some
+machinery was in motion. Once at the bottom they stood there until the
+seaman stepped forward and opened a small door through which there was
+barely room to pass, and he motioned them to enter. They did so, and
+found themselves in a compartment which did not seem to be more than
+five by six feet in size, and even in this small space mechanism was
+noticed. The moment the door closed they were in total darkness.
+
+"This is a nice place to get into," said Ralph.
+
+"I wonder if they are going to keep us cooped up like this without a
+light?" said Alfred.
+
+After an interval of ten minutes a rumbling was heard, which continued,
+a rhythmic motion followed in unison with the sounds generated by the
+machinery.
+
+"That is the propeller," said the captain.
+
+Voices were heard occasionally, but words could not be distinguished.
+Confined as they were the air seemed to be pure and in abundance at all
+times, and while there was not the faintest signs of closeness, there
+was an eternal monotony,--an existence in which there was nothing to do
+but breathe and think.
+
+How long they were thus confined, without a single thing to break the
+stillness, they could not conceive. It seemed that hours had gone by,
+during which time there was nothing to disturb them, except the one
+steady whirr, broken occasionally by some remark by one or the other.
+
+Then came an unexpected hum of voices; the machinery seemed to stop for
+a moment, and when it was again continued it had a different melody. The
+wheels, if such they were, seemed to turn with smoothness, and they felt
+a sudden inclination in the seats on which they were sitting.
+
+"What do you suppose has happened?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The electric mechanism has been hitched to the propeller, and, if I am
+not mistaken, we are going down," said the captain.
+
+"It did feel as though the forward end dipped down a moment ago," said
+Alfred.
+
+Another wait for a half-hour, and then a most peculiar sound reached
+their ears. Simultaneously, the ship seemed to stop and go on. Again
+voices were heard, and the same reaction in the hull of the submarine
+was felt, accompanied by the dull noise, as before.
+
+"They have just fired two torpedoes," said the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE TERRORS IN THE DARK ROOM OF AN UNDERSEA BOAT
+
+
+Imagine yourself locked in a compartment, barely large enough to stretch
+yourself out straight, in a ship under the sea, in total darkness,
+knowing that should any one of the hundreds of things within that ship
+go wrong, it would mean a plunge to the bottom of the sea, beyond the
+help of all human aid.
+
+The danger to them was just as great while on the surface of the water,
+for the guns mounted on most vessels at this time, would make the
+submarine a legitimate prey. One shot would be sufficient, for ingenuity
+has not yet found a way to quickly stop a leak in a submarine. Such a
+vessel, when once struck, dare not dive, for that would quickly fill the
+interior of the vessel with water.
+
+It must, in that case, remain afloat, subject to the hail of shot which
+must follow, their only salvation in that event would be to hoist the
+white flag. Few, if any submarine commanders have done so, and even
+should that occur, it would not prevent the hull from being riddled
+before the fact could be made known. The three-inch guns mounted on
+most of the merchantmen, with an effective range of three miles, could
+tear the weak hull of a submarine to pieces at a single shot, and all
+would be sure to go down before help could arrive from the attacking
+steamer.
+
+"The machinery seems to go very slow now," remarked Ralph.
+
+"They may be cautiously coming to the top," replied the captain.
+
+"Did you hear that peculiar noise?" said Alfred, as he laid his hand on
+the captain's arm.
+
+"That was plainly a shot from a ship," said the captain.
+
+"Do you think we could hear firing through all this metal?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Much easier than if we were on deck," answered the captain.
+
+"Why do you think so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Because water is a better conductor of sound than air," was the reply.
+
+"Do you mean that we can hear it better than if the sound came through
+the air?" queried Alfred.
+
+"The sound can be heard not only much plainer, but also much sooner than
+through the air," answered the captain.
+
+"I think we are going down again," remarked Ralph.
+
+"No doubt of it," answered the captain quietly.
+
+"Do you think they have hit us?" eagerly inquired Ralph.
+
+The captain did not reply. Alfred reached his hand forward and grasped
+the captain's hand. "You needn't fear to tell us if you think we are
+going down for the last time."
+
+"You are a brave boy!" said the captain. "I do not know what to answer.
+I have never been on a submarine when it was struck by a bullet; but it
+seemed to me as though something struck our shell, and if it did there
+is no help for us, for the devils would gloat on our misery, and would
+not think of liberating us, to give us a chance for our lives."
+
+Fifteen minutes elapsed before the captain continued: "This gives me
+some hope."
+
+"What is it?" quickly inquired Ralph.
+
+"We are still on an even keel," was the answer.
+
+"Does that mean that we are safe?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes, if the shell of the submarine had been pierced, and we were really
+going down it would not be long before the hull would lose its equipoise
+and turn around, or it might stand on end, due to the distribution of
+water throughout the interior," was the reply.
+
+"I understand now," said Alfred. "You think we are still floating, but
+do you think we are on the surface?"
+
+"We are, undoubtedly, submerged, for it is evident that the smooth
+motion of the propeller comes from the electric motors and not from the
+internal combustion engines, which are used solely while running on the
+surface," remarked the captain.
+
+After hours more of interminable waiting, they heard a noise close at
+hand. With something like a snap the door opened and a flood of light
+streamed into their compartment from the electric bulbs without, and,
+looking up, they saw, at the ceiling of their room, a small electric
+bulb.
+
+"Why is it we didn't hunt for that?" whispered Ralph, looking up.
+
+"But I can't see any way to turn it on," said Alfred.
+
+"That lights only from the outside," said the attendant. "Here is
+something to eat," he continued in English.
+
+"What time is it?" asked the captain.
+
+"Half past one o'clock," was the reply.
+
+They had been in that cramped prison pen five hours.
+
+"Did you torpedo another ship?" queried the captain.
+
+"We tried to; but a torpedo boat destroyer came up too close," he
+answered.
+
+"How many shots did it fire?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Two," was the laconic reply.
+
+"How long have we been submerged?"
+
+"Two hours," answered the man. "As I came down the report from the
+periscope showed a clear sea, and we are now about to resume surface
+travel and repair one of the periscopes."
+
+The boys glanced at each other and at the captain.
+
+"Yes," remarked the captain, "that was a pretty close call."
+
+The attendant left them without closing the door, and as the prisoners
+glanced about, nothing was to be seen of the stairway which led to the
+conning tower. Men were noticed at work, each being stationed at some
+particular machine or set of machinery. Then, with a bang, something
+like a trap door swung aside and the stairway was revealed, and a
+peculiar light streamed in through the hatch opening.
+
+"It's the sun," said Ralph, in ecstacy.
+
+"I never thought we'd see that again," said Alfred, almost overcome.
+
+"May we walk around?" asked the captain, as he approached an under
+officer.
+
+"There isn't much chance for exercising here," was the reply, "but I
+think you will be given top liberty after awhile," replied the man.
+
+"Will they let us go?" asked Ralph eagerly.
+
+"No; he didn't say that; he meant they would give us liberty to walk on
+the top deck for a short time," replied the captain.
+
+Shortly thereafter the lieutenant in command of the submarine appeared
+at the foot of the hatchway and informed the captain that they were at
+liberty to ascend. Never did the sun appear to be more beautiful or
+inviting, although there was a perceptible chill in the atmosphere. The
+submarine was moving along at a speed of twelve knots an hour. Four men
+were engaged in taking down a bent and partially ruptured periscope
+tube.
+
+The captain glanced at it and drew the attention of the boys to its
+structure. It was the tall periscope that received the shot, which
+struck it about four feet from the top.
+
+"It must have been hit on the water line," said the captain, addressing
+the lieutenant.
+
+The latter merely nodded, but made no remarks in response.
+
+They were permitted to walk to and fro for an hour, when the order came
+to descend, and they again entered their prison. As before, they were
+subjected to total darkness, but there was no necessity for this
+deprivation, and it is not clear why an enemy should treat prisoners in
+this manner, for such actions necessarily leave only resentments and do
+no good whatever.
+
+It was a long, long, dreary afternoon and night, which they tried to
+while away in sleeping, for conversation, under the circumstances, soon
+became irksome. When they awoke, or, rather, when all were again alert
+and felt as though the night must have passed, the captain was the first
+to break the silence, as he said:
+
+"We have been resting quietly for more than an hour, I should say,
+probably lying in wait in one of the steamer lanes for new victims."
+
+"Isn't it likely we are on the bottom of the ocean? Don't they go down
+sometimes and wait there?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes; but not in deep water, such as is found in this bay. At no place
+is it less than 150 fathoms, and in the central portion, where our ship
+went down it is more than 2,000 fathoms."
+
+"Why, that's two miles deep, or more," said Alfred.
+
+"Yes, the Bay of Biscay is one of the deep holes in the Atlantic coast
+line of Europe. The average depth of the Irish Sea, St. George Channel,
+the English Channel and the North Sea is only about 250 feet, and there
+are thousands of places in the North Sea, particularly, like the Dogger
+Banks, where the water is not more than a hundred feet deep," remarked
+the captain.
+
+"Then the submarines could easily rest on the bottom if the depth is not
+more than one hundred feet?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Submarines have, in several cases, gone down as far as 200 feet below
+the surface, but it is at a great risk," said the captain.
+
+"You mean risk from the pressure of the water?" said Ralph.
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"What would be the pressure of the water on a submarine at that depth?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"Pressure is calculated on the square inch of surface; for every
+twenty-eight inches the pressure is equal to one pound. If, therefore,
+200 is multiplied by 12 and then divided by 28, the quotient will
+represent the number of pounds on each square inch," answered the
+captain.
+
+"Why multiply 200 by twelve?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Because there are twelve inches in a foot," said the captain.
+
+"Oh, yes; I didn't happen to think of it; well, 200 by 12,--that's
+2,400, and divided by 28, is----"
+
+"Eighty-five," interrupted Alfred. "Well, that's not very much."
+
+"Quite true," rejoined the captain; "but how many square inches are
+there in a square foot?"
+
+"One hundred and forty-four," replied Alfred.
+
+"Then, eighty-five times one hundred and forty-four makes quite a sum,"
+continued the captain.
+
+"Whew,----" said Ralph with a half whistle in his tone, "why, if I have
+made it out right, it's over 12,000 pounds. No wonder it isn't safe to
+stay down very long, if at all, at that depth."
+
+"I have often wondered how it is that the submarine could rest on the
+bottom or come up at will," said Alfred.
+
+"All submarines are lighter than the water in which they float,"
+answered the captain. "They are provided with tanks holding compressed
+air. Now, in order to submerge, the only thing necessary is to permit
+enough water to flow into special tanks within the submarine, until the
+combined weight of the water, hull and mechanism, is the same as the
+amount of water that the ship displaces. If an added quantity of water
+is now added, it will go down, and remain under water until the air in
+the compressed tanks is used to force out a quantity of water from the
+special tanks."
+
+"But is that the only way they can go down?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Oh, no; a submarine can submerge without doing that, but in such a case
+power must be used," answered the captain.
+
+"What! push it down by power?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Exactly; these vessels have fins, the same as fish, so arranged that if
+they are properly turned and the ship moves forward, it will dive, and
+continue to go down at an angle as long as the fins are properly set. If
+the vessel should stop moving the submarine would come to the top,
+because it is lighter than the water," responded the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+SOME OF THE MYSTERIES OF A SUBMARINE
+
+
+With a click the door of their prison cabin opened and a seaman informed
+them that their breakfast was ready. They passed through the narrow
+door, and edged their way along a tortuous path that led to the rear,
+where they entered what might be called a miniature galley, on one side
+of which was a narrow shelf containing food of various descriptions.
+
+There was room only for the attendant to pass while they were seated. An
+abundance of the best food was served, cereals, and even fruit, forming
+part of the menu. Each of these vessels carry from twenty-two to thirty
+men, but there were in sight in the dining room only ten, besides the
+cook and waiter.
+
+After the meal, the captain inquired of the officer at the main hatch
+whether they would be permitted to go on deck.
+
+"I have no orders," he replied.
+
+Meanwhile, the boys had an opportunity to investigate the mysteries of
+the interior, for it was well lighted.
+
+"What are those long drums ahead there?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I think they are the casings which carry the torpedoes," replied the
+captain. "If you look beyond you will see the rear ends of the tubes
+which receive the torpedoes. The cylinders in sight hold the torpedoes
+until they are ready to be placed in the tubes and shot out of them."
+
+"You have orders to go on deck," the under officer at the bottom of the
+hatch now informed them.
+
+This was an invitation to which they quickly responded. They ascended,
+and found the sun hidden, and the sea about them calm. Glancing across
+the broad expanse of water, not a sail was in sight. It was a cold, gray
+morning, ordinarily uninviting weather, but after the house of
+confinement it was enjoyed to the fullest extent.
+
+"Down below!" shouted a voice.
+
+The boys looked around in surprise, for they had been on deck less than
+ten minutes.
+
+"Clear the deck!" shouted the same voice. The boys, with the captain,
+were hustled forward into the conning tower, and the iron door closed
+with a bang. The boys were permitted to stop only long enough to see two
+men turn eight swinging bolts, which hung about the margins of the
+doors, and quickly screw them up against the jamb.
+
+The lieutenant was leaning over a narrow table on which was a chart, and
+gazing through a crystal-covered port in the front of the conning tower.
+A bell tinkled, machinery began to turn and impart its vibration to the
+ship, and it was again a living thing. It glided forward with the same
+rhythmic noises for a half-hour, and then two bells were heard.
+
+The character of the sounds from the machinery changed; they seemed to
+move forward with less effort, and as they felt the same inclination in
+the motion of the ship, all were now satisfied that she was again
+submerging. Fortunately, they were not confined to their room, and,
+although no verbal orders had been given for the various operations
+required to handle the vessel, the prisoners had an opportunity to judge
+of what was going on.
+
+Thus, when the signal was given to change the motive power from the
+internal combustion engines to electricity, they could see the engine
+stop, and an attendant shift the clutch which engaged the electric
+motors. A dial swinging over a card alongside a pair of levers indicated
+the direction of movement, while another gave not only the inclination
+of the ship, but its speed as well.
+
+These things were very fascinating to the boys, but their attention was
+now attracted to a still more interesting scene. A bell forward gave two
+short, quick snaps. Four men sprang forward and stood at attention, two
+on each side of the tube at the right of the hold.
+
+"The indicator shows that the submarine is turning," said the captain.
+The boys watched the indicator; it had swung around almost half-way.
+
+"There,--look at the inclinometer," said Ralph. "It is moving
+upward----"
+
+"Ting! ting!" Two more sharp bells forward. The cylinder was off the
+torpedo, and it lay before them exposed.
+
+Three bells more; and now there was feverish haste. An oval door in the
+wall ahead was swung open, revealing a round, black hole.
+
+"That is the torpedo tube," said the captain quietly.
+
+The torpedo was moved back three feet, and then again carried forward on
+its truck so that the end of the torpedo entered the tube.
+
+One bell more. The torpedo moved into the tube, the breech block, which
+in this case was the oval door, closed, and the crew stood at attention.
+While thus waiting the boys glanced at the inclinometer and at the
+direction indicator.
+
+"See it swing back and forth," said Alfred. "It seems to act queerly."
+
+"Not at all," replied the captain. "Evidently we are chasing a ship
+which is zig-zagging, as we did, for the direction dial is constantly
+moving."
+
+While thus conversing they were startled by the signal of four bells.
+One of the men, reaching forward, touched a button, and the signal could
+be heard in the conning tower. That was, evidently, to inform the
+commander there that all was in readiness. Everything was expectancy
+now. The ship still manoeuvered.
+
+Then, without a warning of any kind, there was a singular dull sound,
+which seemed to shake the submarine from stem to stern.
+
+"They have fired it," said Alfred.
+
+"And they are putting in another one."
+
+"If I am not mistaken it is the last one they have," suggested the
+captain.
+
+"Why do you think so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I notice that all the cylinders with the open ends are without
+torpedoes, and you will notice that the one they are now putting in is
+the last one with the closed end," responded the captain.
+
+"I am glad they haven't any more of them," said Ralph.
+
+Three bells again sounded; the officer at the gun responded, and during
+the next two minutes of suspense, the boys were quiet, waiting for the
+next shot. It soon came; the ship shook as before, the breach block
+opened, the shell behind the torpedo was extracted, the door closed and
+the men stood at attention.
+
+When the officer, who had handled the torpedoes, walked down the steps
+from the conning tower, the boys noticed him shake his head sadly.
+
+"Did you notice that?" asked the captain.
+
+"Do you mean the way he shook his head?" said Alfred.
+
+"Yes; I am curious to get your views about that action of the officer,"
+remarked the captain.
+
+"That is, why he shook his head?" interjected Ralph.
+
+"Yes," answered the captain. "Do you think he looked discouraged because
+the shot failed in its mission, or because it went home successfully?
+That is the problem."
+
+The boys were quiet for a few moments. Ralph was the first to speak:
+"Well, I'll bet the torpedo didn't hit the ship, and he feels cut up
+over it, as it was the last one they had."
+
+"I don't agree with you," rejoined Alfred. "It struck the ship and sunk
+it, and the fellow feels so badly about it that he shook his head the
+way he did when he thought of the suffering it caused. Don't you agree
+with me?" said Alfred, addressing the captain.
+
+The captain could not repress a slight laugh as: he answered: "I must
+confess you advance good arguments in both directions; but really, I am
+of the opinion that either torpedo didn't get in its work."
+
+"Why do you think the first one failed?"
+
+"If the first one had succeeded, they would not have shot the second,
+would they?" replied the captain.
+
+"No; I don't think they would, seeing they had only one more left,"
+remarked Ralph. "But why do you think the last one was no more
+successful?"
+
+"I infer it from the following circumstances: It takes, on an average, a
+minute for a torpedo to reach its mark, after it leaves the torpedo
+tube. The officer in the tower is in a position where he can see the
+effect of the shot. If the torpedo struck, however favorable the blow,
+it would take at least fifteen or twenty minutes for the ship to go
+down. Sometimes the bulkheads will keep the ship afloat an hour or more.
+In fact, there are records of ships which have been torpedoed, that were
+actually towed into harbors and saved," answered the captain.
+
+"But I do not see how that is any sign that the torpedo missed," replied
+Alfred inquiringly.
+
+"Probably you did not notice the period that elapsed after the last
+shot, and the time the officer came down the tower hatch?" remarked the
+captain.
+
+"No, I did not observe," replied Alfred.
+
+"You remember, do you not, that as soon as the last torpedo was
+launched, the officer went up into the conning tower, and that within a
+minute, or not exceeding two minutes, he again came down the stairway,
+and shook his head in such a disconsolate manner?" continued the
+captain.
+
+"Well, yes; you may be right in that," responded Alfred.
+
+"Then, I inferred this," said the captain, "that the lieutenant had had
+ample opportunity to observe whether or not the shot went home, and, as
+it had not landed, he reported to the officer the failure. If the shot
+had struck he would have known it before the officer left the conning
+tower to come down. Do you get my idea?" asked the captain.
+
+"That seems to answer the question, to my mind, that it wasn't a hit,"
+said Ralph.
+
+"Well, it doesn't quite satisfy me," replied Alfred. "The lieutenant
+might have told him that the shot hit the ship, and that it was going
+down, and that's what made him feel so badly about it."
+
+The captain could not help feeling amused at Alfred's argument, as he
+replied: "I must admit that your view is logical, and I am also willing
+to assent that the question is one, which, in the absence of actual
+knowledge, could be settled in one way only."
+
+"How is that?" asked Ralph.
+
+"By knowing the mental condition and attitude of the officer who came
+down the hatchway. If he happened to be a humane person he would regret
+the loss of life, and show it, probably, by his actions. On the other
+hand, if he should be devoid of the finer feelings, and be a mere slave
+to duty, it is more than likely that he would shake his head
+discouragingly, to learn that the torpedo failed in its mission," was
+the captain's final word on the subject.
+
+"Now that they are out of torpedoes, what do you suppose they will do?"
+asked Ralph.
+
+"Go home; I suppose," replied Alfred.
+
+"Unless they have a base somewhere on the coast," replied the captain.
+
+"Where is the most likely place for such a base?" asked Ralph.
+
+"That is the enigma, of course. It has been believed that the Germans
+have a base somewhere along the northern coast of Spain," said the
+captain.
+
+"What are the reasons for thinking so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"One of them is that some of the Spaniards are said to be more or less
+friendly to the Germans, and, furthermore, there are few ports or
+harbors on the north coast, hence the shipping to Spain in the southern
+waters of the Bay of Biscay is very small, a condition which would help
+to keep a base along the coast line at one or more points."
+
+"But we ought to know in the next day or two whether they have such a
+base," said Ralph.
+
+"Yes; it will be the opportunity now for us to make some observation
+which will tell us whether we are going to Germany, or not," said the
+captain with a grin.
+
+Situated, as they were, below decks, with no instruments but the
+direction indicator, and the inclinometer in sight, it was impossible to
+judge of the direction they were going, for it was evident that the
+submarine was now moving ahead at full speed.
+
+"It will be, probably, twenty-four hours before we are able to get any
+information as to our destination," said the captain.
+
+"Do you intend to ask some of the men?" inquired Alfred.
+
+"No; that would be fruitless. It is not at all likely they will venture
+any information upon a subject of that character," replied the captain.
+
+"Then how would it be possible to learn anything about where we are
+going?" asked Ralph.
+
+"We are now somewhere in the Bay of Biscay, and I infer that we must be
+about a hundred and fifty miles from the Spanish coast. To reach that at
+the rate we are going, would take at least ten hours, for I assume that
+the vessel is capable of at least ten miles an hour. Then, we must take
+into consideration the possible meeting with vessels, in which case we
+must submerge, and thus go much slower," said the captain.
+
+"Then, if they have a base anywhere along the coast we ought to be there
+before tomorrow at this time?" ventured Alfred.
+
+"That is exactly what I mean," answered the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+GROPING THROUGH THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
+
+
+There was a steady pulsation of the engines during the entire afternoon
+without cessation until five o'clock, when the submarine submerged and
+continued under water for an hour. The three captives had now learned a
+great many of the manoeuvers incident to the diving operations, the
+signals accompanying each action, and studied with the greatest
+diligence and care the direction indicator and inclinometer.
+
+"I have been noticing the indicator for the last hour," said Ralph, "and
+it didn't change once. Are we going due north?"
+
+"The indicator that you see is not for the purpose of showing the points
+of the compass, but to tell whether or not there is a turning movement
+in the ship. If, for instance, the rudder should be turned to starboard
+or to port, the dial would swing in such a position as to show how much
+of a turn has been made, and no more," responded the captain.
+
+"Suppose then, that after making a quarter turn, the ship should again
+go ahead on a straight line, what would happen to the dial?" asked
+Alfred.
+
+"In that case the dial would again indicate that by coming back to its
+original position,--or, in other words, the dial would show that the
+ship had then assumed a new direction of sailing, and if it again
+changed to the right or to the left the indicator would reveal this to
+the observer," remarked the captain.
+
+"I wish we had a compass," said Ralph.
+
+"Unfortunately, they have taken our watches and pocket compasses," said
+the captain. "We may contrive, later on, to get a glimpse of the
+steering compass."
+
+"Do you know where it is?" eagerly inquired Alfred.
+
+"The navigating officer's instrument is in the conning tower, but it is
+usual, too, to have a similar instrument below, and I am sure it is
+located to the left of the cook's galley. It would not be safe, however,
+for either of us to be spying around in that quarter," responded the
+captain.
+
+That night they were again locked in their narrow apartment. As they had
+been provided with a good meal it was not such an unpleasant experience,
+and they were also comforted by the feeling that the submarine was now
+engaged in a no more perilous duty than trying to reach some port.
+
+That night was followed by a trying day of waiting. Singularly, they had
+not been permitted to ascend the hatchway stairs since the first day of
+their capture.
+
+"A glance at the sun would be enough to tell us the direction," remarked
+the captain after they left the table at the lunch hour.
+
+"I suppose they are keeping us down here for that purpose," suggested
+Alfred.
+
+"I have thought," replied the captain, "that the very fact of keeping us
+in ignorance of the direction they are going is the best indication that
+we are making for a concealed base."
+
+When they retired the second night the captain remarked: "It is now
+plain to my mind that we are on the way to Germany, or, possibly, to a
+base somewhere at a greater distance than Spain."
+
+"How long would it take to make the trip to Germany?" asked Alfred.
+
+"If we circled the British Isles and came in by way of Norway, it would
+mean a run of 1,400 miles. To go by way of the Channel would be about
+800 miles. It would make but little difference in point of time,"
+answered the captain.
+
+"Why wouldn't it take longer to travel 1,400 miles?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Because on the long route we would be able to travel four-fifths of the
+way on the surface, and would not have to avoid mines and nets. The
+Channel route is a dangerous one, requiring the utmost caution," said
+the captain.
+
+The second morning Alfred was outside, as usual, consulting the
+instruments, when a voice remarked in response to an inquiry: "48, 10."
+He paid no attention to it at the time, but later on, in a conversation,
+remarked to the captain:
+
+"Some one in the conning tower, this morning, said '48, 10.' What do you
+suppose he meant by that?"
+
+"Glad you remembered that. Are you sure the figures you give are
+correct?" asked the captain eagerly.
+
+"Sure of it," was Alfred's reply.
+
+"Then we are near the English Channel. Good; I am glad to know that. Did
+you hear them refer to any other figures?" asked the captain.
+
+"What would the other figures be?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Of course, I can only guess. The figures you have given me
+unquestionably represent forty-eight degrees and ten minutes north
+latitude. What interests me most is to get our position east and west,"
+said the captain.
+
+"About what longitude are we in?" asked Ralph.
+
+"If we are less than five degrees west we must be in the English
+Channel, and it would appear that they are taking the shortest route. If
+we should be seven or eight degrees west I should regard it as a pretty
+sure symptom that we are going to encircle the British Isles," remarked
+the captain.
+
+Late that afternoon Ralph rushed into their little cabin and said:
+
+"I have an idea that I can tell you the direction we are going."
+
+"Have you heard anything?" asked the captain.
+
+"Not a word," answered Ralph. "I have just made an observation," he
+continued, laughing.
+
+"That's good," responded the captain. "I think we are sailing north by
+west."
+
+"You are wrong," replied Ralph; "we are going due east."
+
+"Are you sure?" asked the captain, exhibiting unusual interest in the
+news. "How did you find it out?"
+
+"I saw the sun," said Ralph with a chuckle.
+
+"How and where did you see it?" asked Alfred, incredulously.
+
+"Well, I didn't exactly see the sun, but I saw a streak that came from
+the sun," was the reply.
+
+"That's just as good," responded the captain. "Where did you see it?"
+
+"I was at the indicator when an officer went up and the hatch was
+raised. As he didn't push it all the way down I had an idea he might
+soon return, so I moved up and stood between the twin tanks to the right
+of the steps. When the officer raised the hatch a streak of sunlight
+went right across the under side at the corner of the door, and I knew
+it couldn't come in at the front port hole," said Ralph, with a glow of
+pleasure in the discovery.
+
+The captain shook his head slowly, as he said: "I am afraid this will
+mean an additional source of worry to all of us; it is bad enough to be
+locked up and subjected to the guns of vessels and warships, but it will
+be doubly hazardous to pass through the mine fields, and avoid the
+nets."
+
+"Do you know anything about them, and how and where they are located?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes, I have a pretty good knowledge of their location, and how to avoid
+them, although they constantly change the nets, or provide new safety
+outlets," said the captain.
+
+[Illustration: _The Steel Nets_]
+
+"What do you mean by safety outlets?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Immense steel nets are stretched across the straits from Calais to
+Dover, two lines, in fact, between which the vessels plying between
+England and France go to and fro in safety. Furthermore, war vessels
+guard these nets on both sides, so that it would be a difficult matter
+to get near the nets," said the captain.
+
+"But submarines do seem to get through somewhere; do they not?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Yes; owing to their ability to make the trip under water, and taking
+advantage of the darkness, it is sometimes the case that they get
+through without being entangled in the nets," he replied.
+
+"But how do the ships that sail along the Channel get through?" asked
+Alfred.
+
+"That is just what I was referring to when I spoke of safety outlets. At
+a certain point there is an opening through the nets at one side,
+through which vessels can pass into the line between the two wire
+cordons. The opening in the other line of nets is not directly opposite,
+but a mile or so off to one side, so that in order to get to the opening
+in the other nets, it is necessary for the ship to sail along in the
+safety zone between the two nets, and make a turn at right angles to get
+out through the second opening. That method has been found to be most
+effective, and is called the safety lane," responded the captain.
+
+They were now in or near the most widely traveled part of the ocean on
+the western front of the continent. Thousands of ships pass and repass
+that zone which reaches from the southern part of Ireland to the western
+coast of France, and it was remarkable that the submarine was able to
+move along up to this time on the surface without being detected.
+
+Before the sun had gone down that night, however, they were compelled to
+submerge twice, and then the mantle of night shrouded the vessel and it
+moved along with more boldness. On this the fourth night of captivity,
+they were not locked in their prison.
+
+"I cannot account for it," said the captain. "Possibly the commander
+has some little human sympathy left, and does not want to drown us like
+rats in a cage."
+
+Neither the captain nor the boys slept much that night. They were too
+much occupied with constantly watching the manoeuvers necessary on the
+part of the commander and his crew to prevent detection as they passed
+up the Channel.
+
+"I have spent years on the Channel as a navigating officer and in charge
+of various types of ships in the merchant service, as well as on our own
+naval vessels, and I know, probably, better than the lieutenant in
+charge of the submarine, what the dangers are. It is my belief that the
+lieutenant has come over this course before, and probably knows a safe,
+or measurably safe route, and has taken the chances of returning, but no
+one, however skilful a navigator he may be, can be sure of making
+exactly the same course twice. The tides may be against him; he may be
+out of his reckonings hundreds of feet, and that is too big a margin,
+where a hundred feet in width is the limit through which his vessel may
+pass in safety."
+
+The captain thus, in general terms, set forth the perils of the route
+that the commander of the submarine had taken, and stated also, very
+plainly, that they must now be prepared to meet the greatest of all
+dangers. Sleep, therefore, could not be considered.
+
+The long and weary night at last came to an end, and the appetizing
+odors of the morning meal were wafted to them. Their toilets were
+exceedingly simple affairs, a small cake of soap, warm water, and a
+long towel serving for the three. They had no trouble in dressing, for
+their clothing had not been removed. They were obliged to dispense with
+the bath, for, although all these boats are provided with comforts of
+that kind, none of them was available to the captain and the boys, and
+they did not ask that any privileges be extended to them.
+
+No sooner had breakfast been served than the machinery began to slow
+down until finally it ceased. Not a perceptible motion was now observed.
+A pulsator or two were at work, and a slight rumble due to the action of
+the dynamo came to their ears.
+
+"I suppose we are now on the bottom," suggested Ralph.
+
+"Yes; during the daytime it will be necessary to keep quiet. Even the
+periscope may reveal our presence," remarked the captain.
+
+A little information as to the activities of the crew during these
+periods of rest may be interesting. Idleness breeds discontent and
+mischief. It is upon the principle that constant work encourages
+contentment and makes for efficiency, that the Germans require the
+continued activity which was shown by the occupants of the submarine.
+
+The vessel was manned by twenty-seven officers and men. The personnel
+being as follows: A lieutenant, a sub-lieutenant, two under or petty
+officers, a physician, a cook and two oilers, two first-class
+machinists, and seventeen helpers, or seamen, although it was evident,
+as the captain expressed it, that few of the helpers had seen much sea
+duty.
+
+While it is customary to divide the duties on shipboard into three
+watches, during the period of twenty-four hours, so as to give each
+squad a period of service every day at a different period, it would be
+difficult to carry out the same regulations on board a ship of this
+character.
+
+The captain said: "I notice that they have practically two watches, one
+taking up the duty from midday until twelve at night, and the other from
+midnight to noon. Yesterday, I noticed the same shift that was on duty
+in the morning continued at work all the afternoon, so it is possible
+that every three or four days shift No. 1, which works from noon to
+midnight, will be changed so that for the next four days the time for
+their services will be from midnight to noon."
+
+Attention is called to this method of doing duty so that the reader may
+understand certain events which will be referred to later.
+
+The personnel of the shifts was also changed at intervals so that while
+the lieutenant during one shift would have at work a certain machinist
+and petty officer, during the next or second shift thereafter another
+machinist or petty officer would be on duty. In this manner all became
+efficient, for they had the opportunity afforded of being drilled and
+handled by different combinations of men and assistants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+CAUGHT IN THE DEEP SEA NETS
+
+
+The starting of the heavy machinery was sufficient indication that night
+had come. They were now going up and at an angle which was very
+perceptible. The boys had become quite expert in detecting certain
+activities, as they tried in every way to understand the use of the
+signals. One thing was certain; two sets of bells were brought into play
+as the signal for changing the motive power. The first signal, three
+bells followed by two more, was invariably the necessary preparation for
+this event.
+
+A highly pitched bell next gave the signal to stop the gasoline engines
+and a deep-toned bell indicated the coupling of the electric motor.
+Occasionally a new set of signals would resound, which they tried to
+figure out. During the night Alfred thought he had found the key.
+
+"Did you notice the big hand wheel on the side of the upright tank,
+which we pass as we go into the dining room?" he remarked.
+
+"That is connected with a large valve," said the captain. "What did you
+observe?"
+
+"Well, did you ever notice that before they rang the shrill bell four
+times we always have heard a whistle?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Why, I have heard the bell ring four times on several occasions without
+the whistle," contended Ralph.
+
+"So you have, but it was always after the four rings that followed the
+whistle. A little while ago I was near the tank, and I heard the
+whistle. The attendant sprang to the wheel, and when the four rings came
+he turned the wheel around twice. When the four next rings came (without
+the whistle, of course), he quickly turned it back again," said Alfred.
+
+"That is the submerging tank," said the captain. "I see you are rapidly
+learning how to handle a submarine," and he laughed at the eagerness of
+the boys trying to conquer the details of signaling.
+
+During that night there was hardly a half-hour but some movement or
+other was indicated by the bells. They submerged, halted, rose to the
+surface, steamed at full speed, and in one or two instances it was
+evident from the sudden stopping that the submarine had to reverse.
+
+This constantly kept them alert, and while engaged in conversation late
+in the morning, they were thrown forward on their seats with a motion
+that indicated a collision with something which was not very rigid, for
+there was no concussion such as usually accompanies the contact of the
+hull of a vessel with a hard object.
+
+The boys looked at the captain in astonishment. They could now feel the
+propeller pulling in the opposite direction, only to be brought back
+again with the same springy collision, as when it had gone forward and
+first struck the strange obstacle.
+
+The captain's face paled, and the boys plied him with questions as they
+saw his perturbed countenance.
+
+"What do you think it is?" asked Ralph, as he saw the anxious seamen,
+and the second officer rushing about shouting orders, while one of them
+seized the main valve wheel and turned it.
+
+"We are caught in one of the steel nets," said the captain quietly.
+
+The boys' faces grew deadly pale. They knew what such a calamity meant.
+Few, if any of the submarines caught in the nets, ever escaped. The
+boys, while they did not know this, were, in a measure, aware of the
+great danger to submarines from this source. They were alarmed
+particularly on account of the serious manner in which the captain acted
+the moment the first impact took place.
+
+The captain now arose, followed by the boys, and marched through the
+narrow passageway toward the lieutenant who was leaning over one of the
+air compressors.
+
+"Is there anything we can do to help you?" asked the captain.
+
+The lieutenant looked up and replied: "We can do nothing but change the
+trim of the ship. Everything portable in the stern must be moved
+forward. Your assistance will be appreciated," was the reply, an answer
+that was in marked contrast with his former demeanor.
+
+The lieutenant then quickly detailed four men, who, together with the
+captain and the two boys, were directed what articles to carry forward.
+In this exercise they found many unexpected nooks and turns. The
+articles removed were mostly ship's supplies, stores, boxes of canned
+goods, drugs in cases, and a lot of tubing. Some of the boxes must have
+contained machinery, or mechanical parts, for they were very heavy.
+
+They were engaged at this work for fully an hour, and the task proved a
+difficult one, for the passageways were narrow and tortuous, and
+sometimes it was necessary to move through narrow alleys which ran
+almost directly across the ship. Every available bit of space is
+utilized in these vessels for the operating machinery.
+
+The entire length of the submarine was 126 feet, and the material had to
+be carried a distance of about eighty feet. The lieutenant was in the
+stern portion, pointing out the articles which should be taken, while
+the sub-lieutenant directed the placing of them in the bow.
+
+The captain and Ralph were just depositing a load in the hold near the
+bow, when a peculiar noise was heard, resembling a scraping, rasping
+sound. Before they had time to turn around, or move from their
+positions, the rear end of the submarine seemed to swing upward,
+bringing down and scattering among the machinery a choice lot of boxes
+and parcels.
+
+A groan followed. Something peculiar had happened,--a thing unique in
+the annals of submarining. The vessel, after the peculiar motion, was
+quiet, but it was lying at an angle of forty-five degrees. The seamen
+and the captain hurriedly tried to move back in order to discover what
+had happened and from whom the groans proceeded.
+
+It was hard work, and dangerous, too. Alfred was found pinned between
+the tanks, and temporarily held by several cases, but, fortunately, he
+was not hurt in the least.
+
+Directly forward of the conning tower stairway the captain now noticed
+an object, and upon examination it was found to be the lieutenant, who
+had been thrown a distance of more than thirty feet through the tangled
+machinery. He was unconscious.
+
+The physician was soon by his side, and a frightful gash was observed on
+the right side of the officer's face. Two men nearby were groaning. One
+had a broken leg, and the other several contusions about the head, and,
+owing to their crippled condition, it was just as much of a task to
+lower the bodies down into the inclined hold as to walk upward.
+
+This was finally accomplished, and the lieutenant, with the two injured
+men, were landed in the long compartment, which served as the dining
+room.
+
+The sub-lieutenant was found pinned by some boxes between two
+stanchions, which had not been distributed and placed within the
+compartments. The seaman soon released him; he was not injured in any
+way, and now that the lieutenant was in a serious condition, the command
+devolved on him.
+
+"That motion, if anything, will disentangle us from the nets," said the
+captain, addressing the sub-lieutenant. The latter did not reply, but
+turned on the captain with a frown.
+
+"Your opinion is not requested!" he said in a terse manner.
+
+The captain made a quiet bow and moved toward their small room, the boys
+following.
+
+"I am sorry that fellow is in command," said Alfred. "I never liked him
+from the first."
+
+"I'll bet we were locked up by that fellow's orders, for I don't believe
+the lieutenant had anything to do with it," remarked Ralph. The captain
+nodded his head, as he replied: "I knew that from the first day."
+
+"I'd like to get ahead of him some way," said Alfred.
+
+The captain looked at the boys for a few moments, then quietly put his
+hands on their arms, as he said: "Getting ahead, or getting even,
+doesn't pay, as a rule; but I have known where a few have been able to
+overcome a great many, as a duty, for that is what makes men strong."
+
+Alfred's eyes fairly bulged, as he gazed at the captain. "Isn't it a
+duty to capture this submarine?"
+
+The captain leaned forward and held up a warning hand. Ralph rose up and
+glanced around. "Why can't we do it?" he asked.
+
+"There is only one thing lacking; yes, it has been in my mind from the
+first moment we came aboard, but we cannot do it without weapons. With
+them in our possession we might succeed. Why, if we could have had them
+this afternoon it would have been an ideal time to make the attempt,"
+said the captain.
+
+"I have something to tell you," said Alfred, as he lowered his voice.
+
+"What is it?" asked the captain.
+
+"I know where there is a box of revolvers," he replied.
+
+"Where?" asked the captain, agitated visibly.
+
+"Do you remember the two big upright drums which I was pinned against
+when the ship went up?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes," replied the captain.
+
+"Well, one of the boxes broke open when it came down the passageway, and
+when I saw what was in it I pushed it way under the base of the tank on
+the left side," said Alfred.
+
+"The revolvers are all right, but we may have some trouble in getting
+cartridges," replied the captain. "But wait," he continued, "I am sure I
+carried cases of them down the passageway."
+
+"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes near there,--rather long,
+slim boxes, are they not?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes; with a red label on the corner," interrupted Ralph. "I can put my
+hands on a box any minute."
+
+"Then you are with me and will carefully follow out my instructions?"
+inquired the captain, looking at them intently.
+
+"We will follow you in whatever you ask us to do," replied Ralph.
+
+"You must remember that the business we are about to engage in means
+life or death. Once begun we cannot go back. We have no line of retreat.
+While it is most hazardous, the feat would be a wonderful one," said the
+captain.
+
+"No; we are not afraid. Both of us have been in some dangerous places
+and have come out all right. We have confidence in you," said Alfred
+slowly and deliberately.
+
+"Thank you for that," replied the captain. "We must begin the
+preparations at once, for at the present time when all is confusion we
+can get the opportunities that may not be offered later on."
+
+"The boat seems to move," said Alfred.
+
+A perceptible swaying motion was now observed. The vessel was still
+lying at the inclined position heretofore described. As they were about
+to crawl out of their cabin, they heard the voice of the sub-lieutenant:
+
+"Connect the forward motor!"
+
+They drew back into the room. "What is that for?" asked Ralph.
+
+Before the captain could reply came the second order:
+
+"Reverse!"
+
+The motor buzzed, but no effect was produced on the boat.
+
+"That seems singular," observed Alfred.
+
+"Not at all," answered the captain.
+
+"Why not?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The stern of the submarine is out of the water," answered the captain.
+
+The power was shut off, and again turned on. It was now obvious that
+they were dangling in the water with the prow of the boat held fast in
+the entangling nets. As they glanced out the door they could see the
+faces of the seamen moving to and fro with terror depicted on their
+countenances.
+
+"They may well fear the results," said the captain. "But we have a duty
+to perform, and I might as well advise you of several things which we
+should do and observe. We must try to obtain the weapons and ammunition.
+That will be the first duty. Does either of you know where the electric
+switches are?"
+
+"Yes," answered both of the boys in one breath.
+
+"I mean the switch in the hold," said the captain.
+
+"Yes," said Alfred. "The one I mean is close to the dynamo on the
+switchboard, behind the steps leading to the conning tower."
+
+"That is correct," answered the captain. "The control switch for the
+lighting is in the conning tower, however, and I call your attention to
+this, as it may be of service to us in our work."
+
+"I can see, now, that to keep that in our control would be the main
+thing," said Ralph.
+
+"The officer has not yet given any orders to put the boxes in the
+passageways aside, and he will not do so, probably, until they are able
+to ascertain whether or not the ship will free itself; under the
+circumstances, Alfred, I must delegate you to secure a half-dozen of the
+revolvers, or remove them from the box so that we can secrete them
+later," said the captain.
+
+As Ralph crawled from the cabin and moved toward the main gangway, the
+captain added: "If you remember where one of the ammunition boxes is you
+might smuggle it into this room, but proceed very cautiously."
+
+Ralph soon made his way back, carrying with him one of the revolvers.
+"There are a dozen in the box," he said, "and I brought one over to show
+you. You see, it is the kind from which the cylinder can be removed.
+Wouldn't it be a good idea to take the cylinders out of all that we
+can't use?"
+
+"Capital idea," said the captain. "If you can find any wire, put it
+where you can quickly place your hands on it."
+
+"I found a box of ammunition also," continued Ralph, "but I haven't
+tried whether it would fit the revolvers."
+
+An examination revealed the fact that the cartridges were not of the
+same calibre. It was, indeed, a terrible disappointment.
+
+"Here it is," said Alfred, as he slipped into the door of the room.
+
+"Ah, this is a different size; you have the right ones, fortunately,"
+said the captain.
+
+"Now, let me give you a few words as to the next,----"
+
+A pronounced lurch in the vessel's position interrupted the captain. The
+seamen were now rushing around frantically, and talking excitedly.
+
+"Hold your tongues!" shouted the sub-lieutenant.
+
+The vessel was, evidently, moving. Occasionally, there would be a heavy,
+rasping sound, and the rear end of the boat would seem to settle down a
+few feet.
+
+"It's coming all right," said Ralph in excitement.
+
+"Connect forward motor!" again shouted the sub-lieutenant.
+
+The motor turned smoothly without producing a disturbing influence on
+the ship, indicating that the propeller was still in the air.
+
+"I fear that the sub-lieutenant does not know his business any too
+well," remarked the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE NIGHT'S STRUGGLE TO FREE THE VESSEL
+
+
+The boys wondered at the remark which the captain had made, and were
+about to ask him for an explanation, when the electric lights suddenly
+died out, and all were left in total darkness. The captain crawled past
+the boys and felt his way toward the stern of the vessel.
+
+"The storage batteries!" was all he said.
+
+That there was confusion on the part of the crew of the vessel, was
+apparent, for the sub-lieutenant shouted one order after the other,
+until he seemed to be incoherent, and, as a result, no one knew what was
+expected of him or what to do.
+
+Evidently, the captain knew the trouble and how to remedy it, for within
+a minute the lights were again in commission, and the captain was
+noticed at the main switch. From that point he shouted to the
+sub-lieutenant:
+
+"I found a box on the switchboard. It had slipped down and thrown out
+the switch bar at the time the boat made the last lurch."
+
+"Thank you for the service," said the sub-lieutenant, to the surprise of
+the captain and boys.
+
+As the captain returned to their room he remarked: "The sub-lieutenant
+was very polite; probably he would not be so likely to thank me for some
+other things I have done."
+
+"What! since you left us two minutes ago?" asked Ralph.
+
+The captain nodded. "But I started to say a few minutes ago," he
+continued, "that we ought to have our work planned out ahead and
+thoroughly understand each other. There is one thing I must impress on
+you, and that is, we must not again be locked up in this room. I have no
+faith in the present commander, and would be very much mistaken if he
+permits us to have our freedom after we once get free of the nets."
+
+"What must be done if he again orders us locked up?" asked Alfred.
+
+"That brings us to the point where we must make a canvass of the
+situation as it confronts us. Let me see; there are three men in
+addition to the commander, who need not be reckoned with in a contest.
+Fortunately, one of the men is a machinist, and the only other man
+except the sub-lieutenant, of any intelligence, is the doctor. I doubt
+if he would be a strong factor against us," said the captain.
+
+"The fellow who had charge of the men carrying the boxes is nothing but
+a chump," said Ralph. "I wouldn't be afraid of him."
+
+"I am considering more the character of the men who are able to handle
+the boat, and who know the intricacies of the mechanism. I can see where
+men of that sort will be able to make it very interesting for us if we
+should attempt to capture the officers and crew," said the captain
+thoughtfully.
+
+It was evident that the vessel was slowly righting itself, for every
+minute or two there would be a slight sinking movement, which was very
+gratifying.
+
+"Where are the revolvers?" asked the captain.
+
+"I found a dandy place for them, and can get them in a minute, if
+wanted," said Ralph.
+
+"Captain, I wanted to ask you some time ago what you meant by saying
+that the sub-lieutenant didn't know any more about submarining than he
+ought to. What did you mean by that?" asked Alfred.
+
+"One of the things I had in mind was, when he was trying to start the
+propellers, that he could have found an easier way to learn whether they
+were in the water or not," was the answer.
+
+"How so?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The indicator board in the conning tower shows just how far the vessel
+is under water," replied the captain.
+
+"But," said Alfred, "would that tell it correctly if one end of the
+vessel should be up and the other down, as this is?"
+
+"Why not? It would indicate how far down in the water the hull would be
+amidship, and it would not require much involved calculating to figure
+out where the stern of the vessel would be if he knew the angle at which
+the hull was resting," answered the captain.
+
+"I would just like to know how far we are down," said Ralph, looking up
+the stairway into the conning tower.
+
+"Do you think you could spot the right dial face if you went up?" asked
+the captain.
+
+"I think I could," said Ralph, rather doubtingly, it must be admitted.
+
+"Then I'll give you a little hint, if you'd like to try to make an
+investigation," said the captain. "Directly forward of the table, which
+contains the chart, and below the three levers, you will see a glass
+column with red colored liquid in it,----"
+
+"I know what you mean now," said Ralph, interrupting.
+
+"Well, simply get the number on the card on the right side of the glass
+column. Do you understand?" remarked the captain.
+
+"Yes; but why not take the numbers on the left side also?" asked Ralph.
+
+"They merely indicate the pressure. Depth below the surface is all we
+want," rejoined the captain.
+
+"Well, here goes; and I hope they won't catch me at it," said Ralph, as
+he slowly moved out.
+
+"One moment," said the captain, as he put forth a restraining hand.
+"What will you do, or how will you act if some one should catch you in
+the tower?" he asked.
+
+Ralph hesitated: "I hadn't thought of that; why,--well,--I suppose I
+should try to explain it in some way or other," he said.
+
+"I am afraid that would not do. Allow me to make a suggestion. Go up
+boldly, as though you had a perfect right to, or that you did not
+suspect it was a forbidden place; if some one accosts you look at him in
+a surprised way, make an apology, and retire; I give you this pointer
+because you may be flustrated and unable to make a prompt reply, and
+that would show guilt of some kind," said the captain.
+
+Ralph went out and loitered about, gazing at the various pieces of
+machinery, and finally stood on the steps of the conning tower, which,
+at the angle of the boat in its inclined position, were almost
+horizontal. He stretched himself out on the stairs, and turned his head.
+From that point he could see the red liquid in the glass column, but it
+was difficult to read the figures.
+
+The glare from the electric light interfered with his sight, and before
+he had an opportunity to get a glimpse of the figures from his new
+position, one of the petty officers crawled along the passageway, and,
+noticing him lying on the stairs, peremptorily ordered him to get down.
+
+Ralph glanced at the man, smiled at him, and promptly complied,
+chagrined at his failure. As he entered the little room the captain
+eagerly questioned him: "What did it say?" he asked.
+
+"That fellow ordered me away before I could make out the figures," said
+Ralph, "but I'm going to try it again."
+
+"How near was the liquid from the top of the glass tube?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"Well, I should say about so far," replied Ralph, indicating space
+between his thumb and finger. "I guess it was about an inch."
+
+"How long do you think the tube is?" asked the captain.
+
+"I think it must be a foot long; probably more," was the answer.
+
+"I asked you to give me an estimate of the length of the entire tube so
+as to give me some assurance that you knew the value of an inch. You
+were right; those tubes are twelve inches long. Now let me see; I ought
+to know what figures are an inch from the top!" remarked the captain
+thoughtfully.
+
+"Pardon me, Captain, but how does it come that you know all about these
+boats?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I used to be an officer on a French submarine," he replied in a quiet
+tone, and immediately proceeded to make certain mental calculations.
+Then he continued: "One inch below the top! That is twenty."
+
+"Twenty what?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Twenty feet; the Germans have the English foot on all their boats. I
+wonder they didn't think about that, and make a change before starting
+out."
+
+"Maybe it's twenty meters," said Alfred, with a slight laugh.
+
+"Oh, no," replied the captain. "That would be too Frenchy for the
+Germans. Besides, it would be too much by all odds. I am sure the
+conning tower is not more than twenty feet below the surface of the
+water."
+
+"Then the stern of the submarine must be sticking out of the water,"
+remarked Alfred.
+
+"Unquestionably," replied the captain.
+
+"How far, do you suppose?" asked Ralph.
+
+"We can easily figure that out," said the captain. "Let me see; we must
+first get the angle at which the boat is lying."
+
+[Illustration: _The Entangled Submarine_]
+
+After looking about for some time he continued: "The door jamb is built
+in vertically; that is sure. A string, or piece of thread will make a
+plumb-bob; here it is: now let us see; according to the plumb line the
+boat is at an angle of 33 degrees, as nearly as our imperfect device
+indicates. There, now this line A shows the top of the boat and B the
+base of the conning tower. A line C, from the top of the water to the
+center of the conning tower, measuring 20 feet, shows where the water
+line is. Do you understand how I am doing it?"
+
+"That is very plain," said Alfred, "and it is an interesting way to get
+at it, too. Then how far is the tail of the boat out of the water?"
+
+"I should say it is about nine feet," replied the captain.
+
+"No wonder the propellers didn't do any good when they sent them
+spinning!"
+
+"There is one thing I forgot about," said the captain, as he shook his
+head. "Why didn't I tell you to note the time. We are in the greatest
+danger, I fear."
+
+"Why, what makes you think so?" asked Ralph.
+
+"This accident happened during the night, and we have now been in this
+condition for at least four hours. If we are caught here at daylight it
+is all up with us," remarked the captain.
+
+"Why, is it any more dangerous then than now?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Because the patrol boats and submarine chasers will spy us, and then a
+shot, and all will be over," replied the captain with a solemn voice.
+
+"Then I think we ought to do something right away," said Ralph, as he
+half rose and glanced out.
+
+"I am afraid that will put the burden of getting out of the nets on our
+shoulders," replied the captain. "No, let them work at it, as long as
+they care to, but we must try by some means to determine the time."
+
+"Do you think the seamen would object to telling us?" inquired Alfred.
+"Just let me alone; I am going to try it on, anyway," he said, as he
+slipped out of the door, picked up a box and stowed it away snugly at
+one side out of the way of a young fellow who was making his way up the
+incline toward the stern.
+
+Alfred struck up a conversation, and asked: "Can I help you in any way?
+Tell me what to do."
+
+The request seemed to warm up the fellow, and the information was given
+that the officer had instructed him to remove the stray boxes from the
+machinery. The two engaged in this work for more than fifteen minutes.
+Finally Alfred said: "How are you, pretty tired? You haven't had much
+sleep so far?"
+
+"Oh, no; but we're used to that," he replied, "why, in the last run we
+had hardly an hour's sleep in the last four days before reaching port."
+
+"That must be very trying," rejoined Alfred. "But it must be near
+daylight."
+
+"It is just about an hour off; and when the day comes I don't know what
+will happen," remarked the seaman.
+
+"Why, what are you afraid of?" asked Alfred, appearing to be greatly
+alarmed.
+
+"They have caught us this time for good, as I heard the lieutenant,----"
+
+The sentence was never finished, for at that moment there was another
+rasping sound, and the stern of the boat came down with a sudden spring,
+then rebounded, and after two or three oscillations, rested quietly in
+the water, still at quite an angle.
+
+The sub-lieutenant sprang toward the conning tower as fast as he could
+scramble. The signal was given to reverse, the motors began to hum and
+the ship vibrated. It was a glorious feeling, and the captain grasped
+the hands of the boys in an ecstacy of joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE CAPTURE OF THE SUBMERGED VESSEL
+
+
+"Why does it still keep at this angle?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Have you forgotten the stuff we carried back into the stern?" replied
+Alfred.
+
+"Do you think that really is the trouble?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes; it is out of balance, and I suppose we may look out for another
+job," said the captain. "That may be the opportunity we are seeking.
+Furthermore, what is to be done must be done just as soon as possible."
+
+"What makes you think so?" eagerly inquired Alfred.
+
+"Several things. The first is, that we are now in the English Channel
+under the guidance of a man much less skilful than the lieutenant; and,
+secondly, the lieutenant, although badly wounded, may recover
+sufficiently to be able to direct affairs," replied the captain.
+
+"When I was out there talking with the seaman," said Alfred, "I learned
+that the lieutenant was in a very low state."
+
+"I should judge so, too," rejoined the captain, "for the reason that the
+doctor has not left the room once since the lieutenant was taken there.
+In making a calculation of the forces against us I have considered that
+the lieutenant, the cook and the doctor are disposed of, so far as being
+of any aid to the crew. Three others are also so badly injured that they
+do not need to cause us much worry. I am not certain in my mind,
+however, where they are at this time."
+
+"Do you mean the men who were injured?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Two of them are in the bunks behind the compressed air tanks," answered
+Ralph.
+
+"Are you quite sure of that?" queried the captain.
+
+"I know it," was the answer.
+
+"Well, that makes six accounted for, so that there are twenty-one we
+must meet. Now I shall give a few general instructions before we
+proceed. The sub-lieutenant has gone into the conning tower. As he
+entered I tried to get a glimpse to ascertain whether or not the sun had
+risen, but was unable to decide, but I should judge that it is not yet
+daylight or he would not be running on the surface. As a precautionary
+measure we must have the weapons ready, and have the revolvers put away
+so as not to expose them before we are ready."
+
+"Here they are," said Ralph, who cautiously brought them to the room.
+
+"Shall we load them?" asked Alfred.
+
+"By all means; and let me warn you of one thing: when you aim be sure to
+hit. There must be no pretense about it. The matter is too serious for
+anything but strict business. I hope we shall not have the opportunity
+or necessity for using the revolvers. Now pay attention to the details:
+the sub-lieutenant must be the first one captured, and he must be taken
+into the conning tower. I suggest that you, Ralph, take your place
+beneath the stairway, hiding, as much as possible, behind the amidship
+tank, while you, Alfred, remain at the door of our room here."
+
+"Shall I stay here so I can be seen or keep out of sight?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Remain under cover inside the room, but in sight of the stairway. You
+have probably noticed that the under officer makes frequent trips to the
+conning tower, and that on returning each time he turns a short lever
+below the hinge," said the captain.
+
+"I have noticed that several times and wondered what it was for," said
+Ralph.
+
+"That is for the purpose of holding the hatch door so that it can be
+opened by him when he again ascends the stairway. Now, when the under
+officer opens the hatch and comes down the hatch stairs, will be the
+time for you to come out of the room and take up your position at the
+forward corner of the room; that will completely hide you from the eyes
+of the officer. I shall then go into the room, the moment he reaches the
+last step, and thus he will not suspect me. The moment he reaches the
+passageway opposite the door, I will hold him up with my revolver, and
+compel him to enter the room. The moment that is done you will push the
+door shut, as you will see that it has a spring lock. Do you fully
+understand the instructions so far?" asked the captain.
+
+"I think so," answered Alfred, "although I don't exactly understand why
+I am to go into the room first, and then come out the moment the hatch
+is being opened."
+
+"For the reason that we must not be suspected by the others, some of
+whom are at all times not far away, and if, while we are waiting, some
+of the crew should pass the end of our room they would be sure to see
+you and consider that a peculiar place for you to be in. Do you
+understand it now?" replied the captain.
+
+"Then, after that what will take place?" asked Ralph, his breath coming
+thick and fast.
+
+"I shall go up the stairway, followed by Alfred. While this is going on
+it will be your duty, Ralph, to watch the workers at the dynamo and the
+aft tank. They are the only ones who will be able to see the stairway
+clearly. If you see any look of alarm on their faces, or see that they
+notice what is going on, move around into the opening, and level both
+revolvers at them, without, however, making any sound. Hold them in that
+position until I raise the trap-door and warn the sub-lieutenant. Alfred
+will follow close and hold the trap-door from being sprung. Then move up
+the companionway as fast as you can. There, he is going up now. Take
+your place, Ralph."
+
+The crucial time had come. Alfred retreated into the little room as the
+captain leisurely moved along the narrow passageway toward the dynamos.
+Thus they waited and waited, five, ten minutes. Ages seemed to pass.
+Then the hatch door opened slowly. Alfred came out quietly without
+looking around, moved forward, and then walked back and slid into the
+corner of the room.
+
+The petty officer closed the hatch and moved down the steps, brushing
+past the captain. As he did so the captain entered the door and
+immediately turned with the revolver pointing at the officer's breast.
+
+"Not a sound, or I fire," said the captain in a voice which could not be
+heard a dozen feet away. The captain stepped aside, and pointed to the
+open doorway, at the same time indicating by motions that the German
+should enter it. The officer gritted his teeth and finally obeyed. As
+the captain stood there with the revolver at his side, but pointed at
+the man, Alfred slowly closed the door.
+
+The captain now turned and moved up the stairway. With his revolver
+drawn he pushed open the trap-door quietly, and, in a quiet voice, said:
+"Hands up!"
+
+The sub-lieutenant turned quickly, to look into the muzzle of the
+revolver. His hands reached out to seize a lever.
+
+"_Stop!_" said the captain, and the officer quickly raised his hands.
+
+Alfred was now in the tower, and Ralph, walking up backwards, had his
+head through the hatch opening, when a shot was fired. He dropped one of
+his revolvers, and Alfred quickly seized him by the shoulders and drew
+him up. The hatch cover came down with a bang.
+
+"Are you hurt?" asked Alfred, as Ralph dropped down, but he was
+reassured as the latter arose. For the moment the captain's gaze was
+averted, when, quick as thought, the officer's hand touched a lever.
+
+The captain smiled, as he said: "I am afraid the valve of the submerging
+tank will not work; I prefer running on the surface. But, in the
+meantime, as I am commander of this vessel, and I notice that you are
+trying to interfere, I shall have to restrict your movements somewhat."
+
+Saying this he drew a small cord from his pocket and instructed Alfred
+to bind the arms at the wrists. The hands of the officer were then
+carried around to the back and the cord fastened to a stanchion at one
+side, where he was out of reach of the instrument board.
+
+This gave the captain an opportunity to examine Ralph's wound. The
+latter had quickly rallied. It was the shot, coupled with the extreme
+tension, which caused him momentarily to collapse, for it was found that
+the wound had passed through the fleshy part of the arm above the elbow.
+
+"I suppose you want the destroyers to sink us," said the officer.
+
+"Not at all," replied the captain. "Unscrew the bolts of the door,
+Alfred. And now a word more, Mr. Officer. Where are your flags?"
+
+"I refuse to inform you," said the officer, with a look of determination
+in his face.
+
+"I expect a shot every minute," said the captain, "for I know as well as
+you do that there is a cruiser on our port side. I shall give you
+another opportunity; where are the flags?"
+
+"You must open the hatch for them," said the officer.
+
+"All the bolts are out," said Alfred, turning to the captain.
+
+"Guard the officer while I go out and signal," said the captain.
+
+Before the captain reached the door there was an ominous boom in the
+distance. Alfred could see the officer's face grow pale. A shower of sea
+water sprayed over the deck, and some of the water entered the open
+door. Looking out he saw the captain, who had thrown off his coat and
+vest, and was now drawing off his white shirt, which he held up and
+waved to and fro, just as the second shot boomed.
+
+Fortunately, the shot was too far away to be at all dangerous, as Alfred
+thought, but the voice of the captain explained it.
+
+"Signal to stop!"
+
+"Which lever?" inquired Alfred.
+
+The latter hesitated. He glanced out the door and then at the boy. To
+refuse meant that the ship was doomed and his companions below without
+hope of rescue.
+
+The captain, with the white signal in his hand, stepped to the door, and
+with the revolver pointing full into the face of the officer, said:
+"Stop the ship or you will never have an opportunity to save yourselves
+or your companions."
+
+"Pull the second lever," he said, and Alfred did as directed.
+
+"Reverse!" demanded the captain.
+
+"The lever below," said the officer.
+
+A mile away was a small, speedy craft, sailing around the submarine. It
+seemed fairly to skim over the surface of the water, and cast the spray
+astern like a mist. It had come up unnoticed by the captain.
+
+"Look at the little boat," shouted Ralph, who had now recovered and had
+moved to the open door.
+
+The captain turned quickly toward the stern, waving the white flag in a
+frenzy. It must have been regarded as a remarkable thing to those on
+board the little cutter to see a German submarine hoisting a surrender
+flag. It seemed too good to be true. They evidently supposed the white
+flag was a ruse of some kind, for they did not venture nearer.
+
+Meanwhile, the cruiser, which had fired the two shots, came up behind
+the little craft, and the latter cautiously steamed up. The small vessel
+was one of the speedy torpedo boat chasers, carrying two three-inch
+guns, and drawing less than six feet of water. The safety of these boats
+lies in their great speed and in the shallow draft, which prevents the
+submarine from reaching them with their torpedoes.
+
+Once abreast the commander called out: "I am sending a boat for your
+officers."
+
+"I have only one here, that we can get at, at present," shouted the
+captain.
+
+"What is that?" asked the commander of the chaser.
+
+"I have one of the chief officers in the conning tower, and the others
+are below," said the captain.
+
+"Who are you?" asked the commander.
+
+"Captain Leclere, of the French service," replied the captain.
+
+"Captain Leclere!" almost shouted the German officer in the conning
+tower.
+
+"That's the man," said Alfred.
+
+"Then I am not surprised," said the officer in a low voice.
+
+"Surprised?" said Ralph. "Did you say 'surprised?'"
+
+The officer sighed, turned his head away, and was silent.
+
+A lieutenant and four seamen reached the side of the submarine, and were
+drawn aboard.
+
+"Ah! it was your ship that went down in the bay last Wednesday," said
+the chaser's lieutenant.
+
+"Yes; we were picked up by the submarine, together with my two young
+friends here," said the captain.
+
+"And how does it happen that you are in command of this vessel?" he
+asked in surprise.
+
+"We captured it about a half an hour ago, and have the chief officer and
+the crew below," replied the captain.
+
+"That is certainly a remarkable exploit," replied the lieutenant. "I
+suppose you will be glad to meet the commander of _l'Orient_?" said the
+lieutenant.
+
+"Ah! Captain Tournai, you mean! I recognized the French colors. But I
+supposed he was in the Mediterranean; it will be quite a pleasure,
+indeed. Do me the honor to signal him," said the captain.
+
+The lieutenant gave the necessary instructions, and the flags wig-wagged
+from the bridge of the little vessel.
+
+The sub-lieutenant was called out of the conning tower, and Alfred
+directed to unloosen the cords.
+
+"I suppose you will take charge of the prisoners," said the captain.
+
+"I should be glad to do so, with your permission, although you have a
+right, of course, to turn them over to _l'Orient_," said the lieutenant.
+
+"No; it is sufficient gratification to know that we have the vessel,"
+said the captain, "and I shall be glad to leave to you the disposition
+of the men and the vessel."
+
+"What procedure would you suggest?" asked the lieutenant.
+
+"I shall give an order to the sub-lieutenant directing the men to come
+out of the hold," said the captain. Then, turning to the sub-lieutenant,
+he said:
+
+"You will inform the men below that they are to present themselves at
+the hatch."
+
+The officer bowed, and entered the conning tower He immediately
+descended. Before he had, reached the bottom the captain said:
+
+"Halt! Notify them from where you are. I shall not permit you to go any
+farther."
+
+All the men were found to be stationed near the hatchway steps. One by
+one they appeared, and were escorted out, a dozen marines in the
+meantime having appeared in two boats. As they emerged from the door
+they were escorted to the side and directed to take their places in the
+ship's boats.
+
+"That makes twenty-one," said Alfred.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE SECRET KEY TO THE BOMB FUSE
+
+
+"Shall I go down and assist in bringing up the lieutenant?" said the
+sub-lieutenant, as the doctor of the submarine passed out.
+
+"No; I have decided that he shall not be removed until this evening,"
+said the captain. "In the meantime the doctor may return, and give him
+such aid as is necessary."
+
+The sub-lieutenant's face turned pale, and he trembled. This was the
+first show of weakness that he exhibited. The boys looked at the
+captain, and turned their glances toward the officer of the chaser. They
+could not understand it. The captain continued:
+
+"I believe the chief machinist is also injured, as well as two of the
+machine tenders. They may also remain until after the lieutenant is
+brought up."
+
+All present noticed the wrought-up condition of the sub-lieutenant, and
+the latter soon exhibited evidence that he was breaking down. At last he
+remarked with trembling voice:
+
+"At what time can they be brought up?"
+
+"I cannot tell at this time; possibly not until tomorrow," said the
+captain, directing a searching glance at the officer.
+
+"He is very ill," said the doctor.
+
+"I have no doubt of it," replied the captain. "The length of their stay
+in the submarine will depend on the length of the fuse attached to the
+time explosive in the hold."
+
+The sub-lieutenant almost dropped as the captain uttered these words,
+and the boys exchanged significant glances, while the lieutenant of the
+chaser smiled.
+
+"You did not think," continued the captain, "that I would be so lax in
+my duty as to permit you to plant a mine under our feet?"
+
+The sub-lieutenant dropped his eyes without answering. The captain gazed
+at him intently, as he continued: "For the present you will be detained,
+and the time of the removal of the lieutenant with his companions will
+be decided within the next two hours."
+
+With this decision the sub-lieutenant was put in charge of the marines,
+while he descended to enter the boat. As he was about to step aboard, he
+turned to the captain and said: "It will be too late if you defer the
+decision for two hours."
+
+"Ah!" said the captain with a faint smile, "you have thought better of
+it. Will the fuse last an hour?"
+
+The sub-lieutenant nodded. The captain waved his arms and directed the
+officer to proceed. The latter unceremoniously pushed the sub-lieutenant
+into the boat.
+
+"I will see to it that the fuses are taken out," said the
+sub-lieutenant, recovering from his sullen attitude.
+
+The captain paid no attention to the remarks of the officer. As soon as
+the sub-lieutenant was well out of hearing, the captain turned to the
+boys and said: "It may be a difficult and trying duty to you to perform,
+but it is the only safe thing to do. As you know almost every part of
+the submarine from the investigation you have made, I would ask you to
+follow me, and I will tell you what to do."
+
+The boys nodded their heads, and entered the conning tower with the
+captain. The latter turned, before descending, and said:
+
+"You will have observed, no doubt, that the scheme was to turn over the
+submarine to us as soon as possible, leaving a time fuse, which, within
+a specified time, would have blown the ship to atoms. By so doing they
+would accomplish two purposes, namely, destroy the ship, and save their
+own lives. We must not put confidence in any statement they may make."
+
+"But wouldn't it be a good idea to let the sub-lieutenant remove the
+fuses, as he said he would do?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Would you be willing to rely on that?"
+
+"Well, I wouldn't," replied Alfred. "I could tell by the way the
+sub-lieutenant acted that he would play a trick if he could."
+
+"That is just why I want you to assist me in check-mating," said the
+captain.
+
+"Tell us just what to do, and you may depend on us," replied Ralph.
+
+"As you know many of the dark places below I want you to go down with me
+and find several where you can secrete yourselves. I will then send the
+sub-lieutenant down, and order him to remove the fuses. I want you to be
+particular to observe every step he takes, and, as far as possible, note
+what he does at each place; do you understand?" said the captain.
+
+"Perfectly," replied Ralph.
+
+Together they descended. All were well aware that the lieutenant, the
+doctor, and the three wounded men were still in the dining galley, the
+door of which had been closed and locked by orders of the captain, after
+the last of the submarine crew reached the upper deck.
+
+"I know one good place where a fellow can hide and still see what is
+going on," said Alfred.
+
+"Where is that?" asked the captain.
+
+"At that tank by the side of the dining galley," replied Alfred.
+
+"That would be a good vantage point," answered the captain. "It is the
+aft trimming tank, and if you can find a place of concealment it would,
+at the same time, enable you to overhear any conversation that might
+possibly take place, when the sub-lieutenant is performing his unwelcome
+duty."
+
+"Then maybe I ought to get somewhere forward of the main hatch?"
+proposed Ralph.
+
+"I suppose you have your revolvers with you?" said the captain.
+
+"I know mine is all right," replied Ralph.
+
+"So is mine, I think," said Alfred, "although I haven't had an
+opportunity to try it so far."
+
+"I hope there will be no necessity for anything of that kind," said the
+captain. "However, we are dealing with men who are desperate, and who
+have been taught that they must do desperate things to accomplish their
+purposes, hence the safe rule, in all cases, in dealing with them, is to
+do the very opposite of that which they wish you to do."
+
+"Is that the reason why you refused to let him remove the fuse?" asked
+Alfred.
+
+The captain laughed quietly, as he replied: "He thinks I have refused to
+let him do so, but he will be surprised to get the order to remove the
+fuses, and be permitted to go down into the vessel unaccompanied."
+
+"Then he is to come down here without you?" said Ralph in surprise.
+
+"Why, certainly; and that is why I want some one here to watch
+proceedings," said the captain.
+
+"Oh! I understand now," replied Alfred. "That's a good idea. If anything
+happens we'll find out what it is if any one can."
+
+"I believe it," answered the captain. "And now select your places. I
+will go up and send him down within the next fifteen minutes."
+
+Alfred took up his station at one side of the aft trimming tank, and
+Ralph, after some investigation, upturned one of the boxes which was
+still lying in the passageway directly to one side of the steps leading
+to the conning tower, and after a little search, found two more, which
+were drawn together, thus forming a retreat which enabled him to observe
+the movements of any one on three sides.
+
+All this was done in silence, and all preparation having been made, the
+captain ascended. After reaching the deck-house of the chaser, he
+requested the sub-lieutenant's presence. As he approached, between the
+two guards, the captain said: "I have concluded that you may go down and
+remove the fuses, and I shall depend on your honor to do it
+effectually."
+
+The sub-lieutenant bowed stiffly, and was led to the boat, followed by
+the captain. As they reached the conning tower, the captain continued:
+"I will remain here. I shall give you ten minutes' time to do the work."
+
+The sub-lieutenant descended, and was somewhat surprised to find himself
+alone in the interior. The electric lights were burning brightly. Ralph
+was the first to view his movements. The officer first moved to a point
+directly opposite, and with a key opened a door, which Ralph had never
+theretofore noticed. In a moment the door was again closed and Ralph saw
+a short section of a fuse, which the officer quickly pushed into a dark
+recess below.
+
+From that point he moved toward the stern, stopping at the motors; then
+he quickly turned around and glanced about in a suspicious manner. As he
+stooped down, Ralph made a slight noise on one of the boxes, and the
+officer straightened up like a shot. The movement indicated a guilty
+act, and Ralph divined that the purpose was to injure the motors.
+
+The sub-lieutenant moved cautiously to the rear, and in a few moments
+was abreast of the dining galley. Here he was within hearing of Alfred
+behind the aft trimming tanks. He saw the officer go to the door, and
+give three quick knocks. "Herr Schwoger!" he said in a subdued voice. In
+another moment a voice within replied: "The fuses; you must not forget
+them."
+
+To this the sub-lieutenant answered: "I have been ordered to remove
+them; what shall I do?"
+
+"Take out all but the forward fuse, and report," said the voice. "Tell
+us what has happened," continued the voice, which was now recognized as
+the doctor's.
+
+"They have complete command, and two warships are outside," was the
+reply.
+
+From this point the officer crossed over to the starboard side of the
+vessel and at a large stand-pipe stooped down. Alfred tried to ascertain
+what he was doing, but was unable to detect the nature of his work. The
+sub-lieutenant then crossed back to the other side, and, working his way
+quickly to the motors, stooped down. Ralph could no longer restrain
+himself. He quickly and quietly moved toward the officer, as he saw him
+with a long tool of some kind in his hand reach down to the base of the
+motor.
+
+"Hands up!" shouted Ralph.
+
+The tool dropped from the hands of the officer with a click.
+
+Alfred was at the side of the sub-lieutenant in an instant. "You may go
+on deck," said Ralph.
+
+The officer glanced at Alfred, whom he had seen emerge from the aft
+hiding place, and then turned a look of contempt on Ralph.
+
+"Move!" said Ralph, pointing to the gangway.
+
+Alfred cocked his revolver and menacingly pointed it at him.
+
+There was only one thing to do and he did it. He was met by the captain
+at the head of the stairway.
+
+The boys followed quickly. The captain looked on at the leveled
+revolvers and appeared to be surprised.
+
+"What does all this mean?" he asked.
+
+"It means that he tried to destroy the motors, and we caught him at it
+in time," said Ralph.
+
+"That is not so," replied the officer.
+
+"What is this for?" asked Alfred, as he held up the tool which the
+officer had dropped.
+
+"But you have removed all the fuses, of course?" said the captain,
+apparently not heeding the tool referred to.
+
+"I have," said the officer, straightening up.
+
+"All but the one at the forward part of the vessel," replied Alfred.
+
+The officer turned, with a look of surprise and chagrin on his face. "He
+does not know what he is talking about," said the officer.
+
+"Then you are lying to me as you are to the captain," said Alfred. "You
+told the doctor in the galley that you had removed all but the forward
+one. Did you lie to him?" asked Alfred.
+
+A blush seemed to suffuse the officer's face, as the captain said:
+
+"We will go down together. There may be some more work to do; come on,"
+said the captain, as he indicated the way. "You may go first, Ralph, the
+sub-lieutenant will follow."
+
+There was no help for it. Once below the captain said: "You will save
+yourself considerable trouble by removing the fuse from the forward
+bomb, and that without further waste of words."
+
+The officer knew that the manner in which the words were uttered meant
+business. Without waiting for the second warning, he led the way, opened
+another secret door, and removed the tell-tale fuse.
+
+"Ah, ha! cut for two hours! Now, while we are about it you might as well
+start the motor; we have some use for it," said the captain.
+
+"I cannot do that," replied the officer.
+
+"So you succeeded in injuring it," said the captain.
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+The captain picked up the tool, which Alfred was so particular to carry
+along. "And what was this used for?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; I have disarranged the motor fields so that they are useless; and
+I don't deny it," said the officer, straightening up and looking at the
+captain defiantly.
+
+"There; that is something like it; but you haven't deceived me in the
+least. I have brought a very useful article with me," continued the
+captain, drawing from his pocket a paper and presenting it to the
+officer. "It contains instructions, which I expect you to follow, for
+your own safety. I shall see to it that the fuses you removed are again
+put into place and the mechanism set for one hour. Of course, I shall
+hold the keys. Under those conditions you may remain locked below, and I
+shall expect you to obey my signals, as we intend to navigate the vessel
+to port, which will, as you know, occupy about fifty minutes of time. Do
+you know where the fuse boxes are?" said the captain, turning to the
+boys.
+
+Ralph marched to the side wall and pointed to the place where the
+sub-lieutenant opened the first box.
+
+"Open it!" ordered the captain, turning to the sub-lieutenant.
+
+The latter hesitated. The captain stared at him sternly and repeated the
+order. As he made no motion, the captain continued: "Why do you
+hesitate?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OPERATING THE SUBMARINE WITH A CAPTIVE CREW
+
+
+The officer now saw that he was dealing with a man who understood the
+motives of those aboard the submarine, and it was also evident that the
+sympathy of the boys was turned from the young man. The latter had
+played his part to the ultimate.
+
+"You have now done all and more than is required of you," said the
+captain, as he altered his tone of voice. "You have set the automatic
+device, which, in due time, would have sent this vessel to the bottom. I
+understand all these devices, and they will not avail you. I understand,
+as well as you do, that to open that box will cause an explosion; but it
+is necessary to make an example of you." Then, turning to the boys, he
+said: "You may go on deck. As for you, Mr. Officer, I shall detain you
+below a sufficient length of time to be sure that the automatic device
+gets in its work. We really have no use for the submarine."
+
+He turned and started up the stairway, when the sub-lieutenant, with
+trembling voice, said: "I am powerless to prevent the explosion,----"
+
+"Unless," interrupted the captain.
+
+The officer nodded his head. "I supposed so!" continued the captain.
+"The lieutenant in the galley has the key which controls the automatic
+device. You may open the door and get the key, and from this time
+forward, if I find that you deceive me in the slightest degree, or make
+any attempt to injure the vessel, I will make it your grave without a
+moment's hesitation, and without the least compunction."
+
+The sub-lieutenant moved toward the galley, and opened the door. In a
+moment he reappeared with the key and followed the captain to the
+conning tower.
+
+Below the switchboard was a tiny slot. Into this the key neatly fitted,
+and upon giving a turn, a set of switches was exposed.
+
+"These are the control circuits," he said.
+
+"Turn them off and open the boxes below!" ordered the captain. This was
+done.
+
+"Who are the men that operate the trimming tanks?" asked the captain.
+
+"The machinist Scholer and his assistant Bracher," was the reply.
+
+"Lieutenant," said the captain, addressing the commander of the chaser;
+"send those men on board."
+
+When they appeared the captain continued: "You will go below with these
+men, and obey my signals, as we take the vessel to port, and remember,
+that if any part of the machinery is destroyed I will not guarantee to
+deliver you safely on shore."
+
+As they disappeared, the trap-door was closed, and the boys were free,
+for the first time since the eventful morning, five days previous to
+this time, when they stepped aboard the submarine.
+
+They now realized, in a particularly pointed manner, that while the air
+in a submarine seems to be fairly pure, it is filled with the most
+noxious fumes, due to the petroleum and lubricants, as well as to the
+odors due to cooking, all of which cannot be gotten rid of, however
+constantly the air-circulating apparatus of the ship is in operation.
+
+The greatest efforts have been made to automatically discharge these
+odors, but the hundreds of dead corners within a hull of this character
+make it impossible to effect a thorough discharge, and when the
+trap-door finally closes down there is a peculiar feeling, not unlike
+seasickness, which seemed to attack one.
+
+"I understand your feelings," said the captain, as he noticed the pale
+faces of the boys. "It is wonderful how you have been able to keep up,
+and not exhibit symptoms before this. I will have two seamen come over
+to assist me in the conning tower."
+
+"I wish you wouldn't do that," said Alfred, as he placed his hand on his
+temples. "I am sure we will get over this in time."
+
+"No, no; we want to stay with you, if you don't mind," insisted Ralph.
+"I am all right now," and he tried to smile, but it was not a very
+successful effort.
+
+"Then I suppose I shall have to accede; yes, lieutenant, we can take
+care of the boat, but I shall expect you to act as our convoy," replied
+the captain.
+
+The lieutenant directed his men to pull for the chaser, and the captain
+turned to the operating board. "Forward," the word was plain. The signal
+was made by two distinct rings. The propellers turned. The captain, with
+his hands on the wheel, turned to starboard and made a short turn. This
+brought the vessel alongside the chaser. A slight turn to port, then
+forward, and they glided alongside _l'Orient_.
+
+The crew had been lined up on the port side, and the captain at the end
+of the bridge raised his cap in salute as they passed by.
+
+"Where are we going?" asked Ralph, as he saw the prow pointing to the
+south. "Are we going to France?"
+
+"What are those funny things bobbing up there for,--that whole line?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"They are the floats for the torpedo nets," replied the captain. "We are
+now on our way to go through the gates, and thus avoid the nets."
+
+"Is that why we are following the torpedo chaser?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes, and when once inside the lane, we will change our course and reach
+the English base for craft of this kind," said the captain.
+
+The submarine followed the wake of the chaser for fully a half hour,
+when, for some reason, that boat stopped. As they neared it they noticed
+the sailors and marines aboard on the port side, and intently engaged
+in looking forward.
+
+"What's up now, I wonder?" said Alfred, as he opened the door of the
+conning tower and stepped on the deck.
+
+"Look at the floats ahead," said the captain.
+
+On investigation two of them were noticed moving back and forth, and
+occasionally dipping in an unaccountable manner.
+
+"Look at those fellows with the guns on the deck of the chaser," said
+Ralph.
+
+Alfred looked up. He saw the gun crews at their stations, with the
+officers in charge of the guns standing at one side in attitudes of
+expectancy.
+
+"I know," said Alfred. "They have caught one of them."
+
+"Yes; and they are making the same efforts to get away that we were
+engaged in only a few hours ago," said the captain.
+
+The chaser steamed back and forth in a quiet, determined way, the men
+never for a moment relaxing their watch.
+
+"What are they trying to do with that funny-looking, big, fat gun on the
+side near the front end of the deck?" asked Ralph.
+
+"That is a howitzer," answered the captain.
+
+"What in the world do they want a howitzer for?" asked Alfred.
+
+"To use it on the boat if it should get free from the net," replied the
+captain.
+
+"Why don't they use it now?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Because they do not want to destroy the boat unless it is absolutely
+necessary," answered the captain.
+
+"But how will they know whether the boat gets away?" asked Alfred.
+
+"By the condition of the floats," answered the captain. "You will notice
+that the two floats within range of the submarine's action are being
+dragged down. If the floats should be in a normal condition, or float on
+their true water line, which you can readily observe by glasses, it is
+evident that the submarine is free."
+
+"And then that would be the time they would use the howitzers?"
+suggested Alfred.
+
+"But how could they reach the submarine?" asked Ralph. "Do they know
+just where the vessel is now?"
+
+"Yes, they can locate it within a hundred feet; but that would be near
+enough for their purpose," replied the captain.
+
+"Do you mean," asked Alfred, "that they would send the shell from the
+howitzer anywhere near them, and that it would destroy the submarine
+even though it didn't hit it?"
+
+"Yes; the detonating or rupturing effect of the high explosive in the
+shells is such that even though the explosion would take place a hundred
+feet from the hull, it would put it out of commission at once, and, in
+all probability, crush in the sides like an egg shell," said the
+captain.
+
+"Why are they signaling?" asked Ralph, as the wig-wagging began.
+
+"I think that's _l'Orient_ in sight on the port side," replied the
+captain, after gazing in the direction indicated.
+
+"Then the cruiser will take the position of the chaser?" said Alfred.
+
+"Quite likely," answered the captain.
+
+"Look at the smoke; she's coming this way," shouted Ralph.
+
+The captain waved his hand to the lieutenant on the chaser, as he
+shouted: "They have responded to your signals."
+
+As _l'Orient_ approached and took up position, the chaser, with a
+parting salute, turned and started for its former course along the line
+of buoys. The boys looked back and kept their eyes on the moving buoys
+as far as they could see them.
+
+"It will never get away," said the captain.
+
+The chaser described a long curve, and changed its course due east, and,
+following it, they were at the entrance which had been left free. Beyond
+were several other small vessels, two of which dashed up and steamed
+alongside. The crews cheered as the boys emerged from the conning tower
+and waved their caps.
+
+The lieutenant quickly informed the officers aboard the other boats of
+the prize, which had been taken by those aboard of her, and the news
+redoubled their noisy welcome. The tell-tale number on the side of the
+conning tower, U-96, was sufficient to inform the crews of the passing
+vessels that another of the dreaded boats was out of action.
+
+Once within the lane, as the path between the two lines of buoyed nets
+is called, they turned and steamed north. Vessels were passing and
+repassing; transport and hospital ships; immense freight carriers, and
+saucy little tugs drawing barge-like flat-boats; innumerable fast
+launches and large war vessels, going to and fro between the shores of
+England and France.
+
+Within a half-hour they again approached the place where _l'Orient_ was
+watching the struggles of the entangled submarine. The boys thought of
+the trying hours when they, too, were thus imperilled, and could hardly
+refrain from shuddering at the thought of the human beings in the narrow
+prison house below the waves.
+
+Evidently, something exciting was taking place, for the cruiser was
+constantly manoeuvering, and the men at the howitzers were keenly alive.
+Occasionally, there would be a lull in the movement of the buoys and it
+was during those moments that the most intense activity was shown on
+board the guarding vessel.
+
+"I don't understand how it is that the submarine can get fastened to the
+nets," said Ralph to the captain, as they leaned over the rail of their
+vessel.
+
+"The meshes of the nets are very large,--that is, of sufficient
+diameters to permit the ends of the submarines to pass into them,"
+replied the captain.
+
+"But, if that is the case why cannot the submarines back out in the same
+way that they went in?"
+
+"They can, if the mesh is too small to take more than the bow of the
+vessel; but, in the event the mesh is large enough to permit the bow to
+enter, and the net once gets behind the fins of the submarine, that is
+the end of them, for the vessel cannot, in that case, free itself,"
+responded the captain.
+
+"How was it in our case?" asked Ralph. "Do you think the fins of our
+ship got caught?"
+
+"I did not explain it to you at the time, as I did not wish to alarm
+you; but this vessel had one of its fins through the net. Evidently we
+struck the nets at an angle, and the tide helped us in keeping the hull
+against the net at the proper angle. The lieutenant knew this, for he
+adopted the only method known to free the ship under those
+circumstances," said the captain.
+
+"So you think the lieutenant knew that only one fin had caught, and for
+that reason he tried to up-end the ship?" inquired Alfred.
+
+"Yes; but not that alone. I observed one thing that you may have
+overlooked," remarked the Captain. "He was particular to store all the
+boxes which we helped to carry aft, on the starboard side."
+
+"I noticed that," said Ralph hurriedly, "and that wasn't all. Every time
+a box was brought in he would ask: 'Heavy or light,' and I have many
+times wondered why he did so."
+
+"I did notice one thing, though," said Alfred, "and that was, when the
+rear end of the submarine shot upward, and the boxes came tumbling
+down, that the hull seemed to roll around to the left."
+
+"That was our salvation," replied the captain. "I then knew we had a
+chance."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE DEATH BLOW TO THE SUBMARINE
+
+
+Let us try to get some idea of the situation. Ahead of the boat on which
+the boys were watching the scene, and probably not more than eight
+hundred feet distant, was _l'Orient_. Between them was the row of buoys,
+as far as the eye could see, stretching from the shore of England to the
+coast of France. To their right, and not two hundred feet distant was
+the saucy little chaser, which acted as their convoy.
+
+At a point which might be termed midway between the three vessels thus
+described, were the two buoys, which moved with spasmodic jerks, due to
+the action of the imprisoned vessel below. As they looked along the
+bobbing buoys in either direction, small vessels were observed,
+patrolling to and fro, in the tiny mast, or lookout of each, being two
+or more men, with glasses, constantly scrutinizing the floats as the
+ships slowly moved past.
+
+Apparently, at regular intervals, were large ships of war, all of them
+in motion. Sailing vessels and steamers, carrying freight, were coming
+up the channel, convoyed to the open doors in this giant network which
+guarded the channel.
+
+The lieutenant on the chaser backed his vessel toward the submarine and
+hailed the captain:
+
+"Do you wish to remain?" he asked.
+
+"The chances of that fellow seem to be pretty slim. I would like to see
+the finish of the game; but I suppose we ought to get into port as soon
+as possible," answered the captain.
+
+"Then I will give the order to proceed," replied the lieutenant.
+
+The captain nodded, and the boys started for the door.
+
+"One moment!" said the captain. "We may still be able to see an
+interesting sight."
+
+The boys rushed out of the door. Glancing up at the deck of the chaser
+they could see the marines aboard rushing to the side of the vessel. As
+they looked at the buoys it was noticed that they were silent.
+_L'Orient_ was slowly backing away from the obvious location of the
+submerged vessel.
+
+"They are about to throw a shell," observed the captain.
+
+The remark had hardly left his mouth when an explosion was heard and the
+shell could be observed moving upward at a very high angle, and
+descending into the water with a vicious plunge.
+
+No sooner had it struck the sea than it seemed to raise the surface of
+the water like the foaming mass in a boiling pot. The explosion was
+dull, vibrant, ominous.
+
+"They are shooting another one," shouted Alfred, although he tried to
+suppress his voice.
+
+"Boom!" came the sound, as he uttered the words.
+
+The second shot struck the water not fifty feet distant from the first
+one.
+
+"Do you think they will fire another?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Probably not," answered the captain.
+
+"What is that little boat going over there for?" asked Ralph, as one of
+the torpedo boats boldly advanced over the spot where the two shells had
+entered the water.
+
+The captain nodded his head for a few moments before speaking.
+
+"The shots were successful."
+
+"I can see that now," said Ralph. "Look at the oil coming up and
+covering the sea."
+
+It was, indeed, a sad sight to witness, knowing that the shots meant the
+death of thirty or more human beings.
+
+"Well, I am awfully sorry for them, even if they had no sympathy for us,
+and didn't wait to see whether or not we were put into safety before
+they sent our ship down," said Alfred reflectively, as he turned and
+entered the conning tower.
+
+The scene had its fascination for Ralph, although he felt the horror of
+it all as he stood leaning over the railing, gazing at the patrol boats
+which were sailing back and forth in and around the spot where the
+petroleum was fast covering the surface of the water in all directions.
+
+"You can understand now, can't you, why flying machines are such good
+spotters for submarines?" remarked the captain.
+
+"Do you mean the oil that comes on top of the water?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"But does oil arise at all times when a submarine is submerged?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"More or less oil is constantly detaching itself from the body of the
+hull, at the discharge ports, and it can't be helped because all of the
+gas discharge ports are under water at all times, whether the vessel is
+running on or under the water, hence, as it moves along it will leave a
+trail of oil which can be easily detected by a machine in flight above
+the surface of the water," said the captain.
+
+"But doesn't a machine, when it is under the water, leave a ripple that
+is easily seen by a flying machine?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes; I was going to refer to that," replied the captain. "An aviator
+has a great advantage over an observer on a vessel, for the reason that
+the slightest movement of the surface of the sea, even though there may
+be pronounced waves, can be noted. If the submarine is moving along near
+the surface, the ripple is very pronounced, and the streak of oil which
+follows is very narrow. Should the submarine stop, the oil it discharges
+accumulates on top of the water at one place, and begins to spread out
+over the surface of the water and this makes it a mark for the watchful
+eye of the airmen of the sea patrols," answered the captain.
+
+"I heard one of the officers at the aviation camp say that a submarine
+could be seen easily through fifty feet of water by an airman," remarked
+Alfred. "Do you think that is so?" he asked.
+
+"I know it is possible," replied the captain.
+
+"But why is it that when you are on a ship it is impossible to see
+through the water that depth?"
+
+"For this reason," answered the captain: "if you are on a ship, and you
+are looking even from the topmast of the vessel, the line of vision from
+the eye strikes the surface of the water at an angle. The result is that
+the surface of the water acts as a reflector, exactly the same as when
+the line of sight strikes a pane of glass."
+
+"Do you mean that the sight is reflected just as it is when you are
+outside of a house and try to look into the window at an angle?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Exactly; that is one explanation. The other is this: sea water is clear
+and transparent. By looking down directly on the water, a dark object,
+unless too far below the surface, will be noted for the reason that it
+makes a change in the coloring from the area surrounding it, and a
+cigar-shaped object at fifty feet below, whether it should be black or
+white, would quickly be detected," explained the captain.
+
+"I remember that Lieutenant Winston, who has flown across the channel
+many times, told me that he could tell when he was nearing land, in a
+fog, by sailing close to the water, even though the land couldn't be
+seen. Do you know how he was able to do that?" asked Ralph.
+
+"That is one of the simplest problems," replied the captain. "The
+shallower the water the lighter the appearance to an observer in an
+airship. As the water grows deeper the color seems to grow greener and
+bluer, the bluest being at the greatest depth."
+
+The chaser was now under way, and described a circle to the right. The
+captain, after saluting the officer on the bridge of _l'Orient_, gave
+the signal "Forward," and slowly the submarine sheered about and
+followed.
+
+The second line of buoys appeared a quarter of a mile to the east of the
+one they had just left. In a half-hour the two vessels passed through
+the gateway and turned to the north.
+
+"We can't be very far from England," remarked Alfred.
+
+"I judge we are fifteen miles from Dover," replied the captain.
+
+"Do you intend to go to Dover?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No; there are no stations there that can receive crafts of this kind. I
+do not know to what point they may take us; possibly to the mouth of the
+Thames, and from there to some point where the vessel will be interned,"
+answered the captain.
+
+"How deep is the channel here?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Probably not to exceed 120 feet," was the reply.
+
+"Not more than that in the middle of the Channel,--half way between
+England and France?" asked Alfred in surprise.
+
+"No; the Channel is very shallow," answered the captain.
+
+"No wonder then," said Alfred, "that the submarines are having such a
+hard time getting through, even though they don't have the nets!"
+
+Having passed the cordon of nets the chaser turned and slowly steamed
+past the submarine. The lieutenant stepped to the side of the bridge and
+said:
+
+"I suppose, Captain, you can now make the pier-head at Ramsgate, where
+you will get a ship to convoy you to the harbor. Good luck to you!
+Adieu!"
+
+The boys waved their caps in salute, as the chaser began to move, and
+the crew lined up to give the final goodbye.
+
+The captain smiled and replied: "I think I have ample assistance on
+board; give my regards to the admiral."
+
+"How far is it to Ramsgate?" asked Ralph.
+
+"It cannot be more than twenty-five miles, and at the rate we are now
+going we should reach the head at five this evening. That will be the
+end of our troubles, as the naval officials will take care of this
+vessel from that point," said the captain.
+
+"Well, I shall be glad of it," replied Alfred.
+
+It was a glorious day, the sun was shining brightly, and the air,
+although somewhat cool, was not at all disagreeable. The boys insisted
+on taking their turns at the wheel, the course being given by the
+captain as west by north. Everything was moving along in fine shape, and
+Alfred was at the wheel, while Ralph was peering through the periscope,
+for this interested them from the moment they boarded the ship.
+
+"Where is that steamer bound?" asked Ralph, who noticed a large
+two-funnel steamer crossing the field of the periscope.
+
+"It belongs to the Australian line," replied the captain.
+
+"Aren't we in the barred zone?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I was about to remark a moment ago that it does not seem as though the
+German edict of a restricted zone makes much difference in the sailing
+of vessels," replied the captain.
+
+While speaking, the submarine seemed to slow down, and the captain
+turned toward the conning tower. "I wonder what is up now?" he asked.
+
+Alfred's head appeared at the door and shouted: "They don't seem to
+answer my signals."
+
+The captain entered the tower, and pulled the lever, _Attention!_ There
+was no response to the signal below the word. He again rang, with the
+same result.
+
+[Illustration: _The Periscope_]
+
+"I will open the hatch," said the captain.
+
+It was quickly swung open. The sub-lieutenant appeared at the hatch with
+haggard face and staring eyes. "The captain has gone mad!" he shouted.
+
+"I will go down if you want me to; I am not afraid," said Ralph.
+
+The captain looked at him for a moment, and glanced down into the
+hatchway. "Why do you not obey my signals?" he asked.
+
+The sub-lieutenant stared at the captain, but did not make a reply.
+"Answer my question!" shouted the captain.
+
+The officer raised his face, threw up his hands, and fell back across
+the low railing, which served as a guard at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"You may go down, and ascertain what is the matter, but use caution,"
+said the captain.
+
+Ralph stepped into the open hatch, and, as he did so, the captain laid
+his hand on his shoulder, and said: "Take out your revolver; do not
+trust those men for a moment, under any consideration; we know them too
+well."
+
+Ralph quickly drew the weapon and held it in his hand, then cautiously
+descended. He passed the inert form of the officer on the rail, and not
+until he reached the last step did he see the doctor and the chief
+machinist by the side of the dynamo.
+
+The doctor held a revolver, which he pointed straight at Ralph. "Drop
+that revolver!" shouted the doctor. "The lieutenant is dead, and the
+time fuse will soon send this ship to the bottom."
+
+The moment he saw the revolver and heard the voice, Ralph dropped behind
+the stanchions to which the stairway was attached. The doctor's revolver
+was fired. Instantly the captain divined the cause. Without waiting for
+a warning cry from Ralph, he leaped into the open hatch, and saw the two
+men with their weapons. He covered them with his revolver.
+
+"Come up!" he shouted to Ralph.
+
+The latter raised up from his crouching position, with his revolver now
+leveled full in the faces of the two frenzied men. Before Ralph had
+reached the upper step both men in the hold fired, fortunately, without
+doing any damage.
+
+The moment Ralph gained the deck the captain jumped out of the hatch and
+slammed it down.
+
+"Now, quickly, boys; tie this rope to the railing close to the periscope
+tube, and arm yourself with the life preservers; there, you will find
+them under that couch," said the captain, as he quickly threw back the
+cover from the couch and handed out four preservers.
+
+"Why do you want four?" asked Ralph, as he hastily buckled one of them
+around himself.
+
+"To attach to the end of the line that you have just fastened to the
+rail," replied the captain.
+
+The captain sprang out through the open door, and attached one of the
+life belts to the end of the line. The boys now noticed the coil of
+rope, which must have been more than a hundred feet in length.
+
+"I wonder what that is for?" asked Alfred, as the captain disappeared.
+
+"There," said the captain, as he again appeared at the door. "If she
+goes down that preserver will tell them where to fish for her."
+
+"Do you think there is any danger?" asked Ralph.
+
+"I do not know; I am not taking any chances. I have my opinion, though,"
+replied the captain thoughtfully.
+
+"Do you think they are going to blow up the vessel?" asked Alfred.
+
+"No; but I am inclined to think that they have not been able to
+disconnect the automatic fuse, or, that the death of the lieutenant, if
+such should be the case, has prevented them from finding the secret key,
+and,----"
+
+"That the sub-lieutenant has actually gone mad," interrupted Ralph.
+
+The captain nodded, and continued: "Although they deserve death, still,
+I am not a barbarian, and shall give them a chance for their lives,"
+and, saying this, he moved through the door, and, sighting a large
+steamer, gave a signal. Once, twice, three times he moved the flag from
+right to left. Almost immediately there was a response and two short
+whistles responded.
+
+Before the great ship had time to stop, the forward end of the submarine
+moved upward with a violent heave, followed by an explosion that seemed
+to tear everything to pieces. Ralph was thrown clear of the top, and
+landed fully twenty feet from the side of the hull. Alfred and the
+captain seemed to be propelled to the stern of the ship and dashed into
+the waves at least fifty feet from the spot where Ralph had landed.
+
+Ralph did not appear to be even stunned, but Alfred's head dropped
+lifeless on the side of the life preserver, and the captain was prompt
+to reach his side and support him so that his head was kept free from
+the water.
+
+Ralph was bewildered at the suddenness of the affair, and, while
+splashing in the water, glanced first at the captain and Alfred, and
+then swung around to get a view of the big ship, which they had
+signalled. The submarine had vanished. The sea around appeared to be a
+mass of bubbles, and he could plainly see the petroleum which was oozing
+up.
+
+Nothing was visible where the submarine floated but a single belt,--the
+life preserver which the captain had used as a buoy, to mark the
+location of the sunken vessel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE RESCUE IN THE CHANNEL
+
+
+"The boat is on the way," shouted the captain, as Ralph tried to direct
+himself toward the captain and Alfred.
+
+"We were just in time," said Ralph. "How is Alfred?" he asked.
+
+"Only stunned," replied the captain. "I think he hit the conning tower
+as the vessel up-ended."
+
+"Poor fellows," said Ralph, "I suppose it's all up with them."
+
+"They are gone beyond all help. But we did the best we could," answered
+the captain. "Here, take this fellow first," continued the captain,
+addressing the officer in charge of the boat.
+
+The boys were soon dragged in, and the officer gazed at the captain most
+earnestly, as he said: "Why, Captain, we heard just before we left the
+dock about you and two boys capturing a submarine; was that the
+submarine? What has happened?"
+
+"That is a long story, but you shall hear it as soon as we get aboard.
+Where are you bound?" asked the captain.
+
+"For the Mediterranean," replied the officer.
+
+"Where is your first port?" asked the captain.
+
+"Havre," was the answer.
+
+"Couldn't be better," replied the captain. "Ah! I see Alfred is coming
+around all right."
+
+"He seems to be breathing all right now," said Ralph.
+
+"So they heard about our exploit?" asked the captain.
+
+"Why, yes; the papers made quite an item about it; I think we have a
+copy on board," replied the officer.
+
+As the boys ascended the ship's ladder they saw two torpedo boat
+destroyers crowd up alongside the ship. The captain leaned over the
+taff-rail and said:
+
+"The buoy yonder marks the resting place of the U-96, late in the
+service of the Imperial German Navy. Please report same, with my
+compliments."
+
+Alfred was taken aboard and the ship's doctor was soon in attendance.
+Every one crowded around and the names of the boys and the captain were
+soon known to all the passengers. The _Evening Mail_ gave the most
+interesting account of the affair, and Ralph read and re-read the item.
+
+An hour afterwards, when everything had time to quiet down, and Alfred
+had recovered sufficiently to sit up, Ralph drew out the newspaper, and,
+to the surprise of Alfred, read the following:
+
+ "AN EXTRAORDINARY FEAT
+
+ "A SUBMARINE CAPTURED BY THREE
+ PRISONERS
+
+    "The war is a never-ending series of startling and remarkable
+    events, the latest being the capture of a German submarine by
+    the captain of one of the transatlantic liners and two American
+    boys who were passengers on the captain's ship when she was
+    torpedoed. The commander of the submarine took the captain and
+    the two boys from the boat in which they had sought refuge,
+    after their vessel went down in the Bay of Biscay.
+
+    "It was learned from the first officer of one of the
+    torpedo-boats that the submarine while on its way to Germany
+    was caught in the nets in mid-channel. While trying to
+    disentangle itself, the chief officer of the submarine met with
+    an accident, and, taking advantage of the situation, the
+    captain and his two boy companions, having found a case of
+    revolvers, held up the second officer and the crew, and
+    imprisoned them below.
+
+    "They are now bringing the submarine to England, and we hope to
+    be able to give more details tomorrow."
+
+"There, what do you think of that?" ejaculated Ralph.
+
+Alfred smiled, but a shadow came over his face, as he looked at Ralph.
+The latter, seeing the change, jumped up, and cried: "Are you sick?"
+
+"No," replied Alfred wearily; "but I have been thinking of father and
+mother; I had a dream that I saw them standing on a dock; I wonder where
+they are?"
+
+"I have some interesting news for you," said the captain, as he entered
+the cabin, holding a French paper in his hand.
+
+"What is it?" asked the boys in unison.
+
+"Boats three, four and five of our ship have reached port all right,"
+said the captain.
+
+"Have you heard about No. 1?" asked Alfred, as he leaned forward, and
+anxiously awaited the reply.
+
+"No; but it is likely that the other boats may have been picked up by a
+west bound vessel, and it is not time yet to hear from the other side,"
+replied the captain.
+
+"But do you think they are safe?" asked Ralph.
+
+"I do not see that they were in any great danger, as there was calm
+weather for at least forty-eight hours after the ship went down,"
+answered the captain. "I understand that all but three of the boats have
+been accounted for."
+
+"Have the submarines been doing much damage?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes; they have sunk a great many ships," was the answer.
+
+"Any American ships?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No; but a number of Americans have lost their lives on vessels that
+have been sunk."
+
+"Where are we going?" asked Alfred.
+
+"To Havre," was the reply.
+
+"I wouldn't worry about father and mother now," said Ralph soothingly.
+
+"No, indeed; the boats were perfectly safe, and I have no doubt but we
+shall hear from them by the time we reach port," reassured the captain.
+
+Ralph waited until Alfred dropped off to sleep, and then strolled up on
+deck and mixed with the passengers. He was kept busy telling them about
+the terrible hours on board the submarine, until he was tired and
+sleepy. Then he wended his way to the cabin and was soon asleep.
+
+The distance from the point where they boarded the ship to Havre was
+about two hundred miles. Ordinarily, they would have reached port at six
+in the morning, but the route during the night was a slow and tedious
+one, for the reason that all ships along the channel route were
+permitted to pass only during certain hours when the war vessels acted
+as guides and convoys through the open lane.
+
+Once near the zone of the nets no lights were permitted, and each ship
+had to be taken through by special vessels designated for this work,
+and, when once clear of the nets, extra precautions were taken to convoy
+them to relative points of safety beyond.
+
+When Ralph awoke the next morning, and saw that it was past six, he
+hurriedly dressed himself, and, taking a look at Alfred, who was quietly
+sleeping, ascended the deck. He was surprised to see nothing but the
+open sea on all sides. Addressing a seaman, he asked:
+
+"Haven't we reached Havre yet?"
+
+"No; we may not get there until nine o'clock. We have had reports of
+many submarines in the mouth of the channel, and they are, probably,
+lying in wait to intercept steamers going to or coming from Havre,"
+replied the man.
+
+Pacing the deck he found many of the passengers excited at the news,
+although it was the policy of the officers to keep the most alarming
+information from them. Meeting the second officer he inquired about the
+captain, and was informed that he had just gone down to see Alfred.
+Nearing the companionway he met the captain and Alfred, the latter
+looking somewhat pale, and rather weak or unsteady in his walk.
+
+"I am glad to see you looking so well," said Ralph. "Where are you hurt
+the most?"
+
+"Look at the back of my head," replied Alfred. "I suppose I must have
+struck the railing as the thing heaved up."
+
+The captain suddenly sprang forward and the boys followed in wonderment.
+Before they had time to ask any questions they were startled by a shot.
+
+"That was a pretty big gun to make such a racket," remarked Ralph.
+
+"It's one of the four-inch forward guns," said a seaman, standing near.
+
+"But what are they shooting at?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Submarine, I suppose," was the reply.
+
+"But where?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Don't know; haven't seen one; but I suppose the lookouts spotted the
+fellow," was the reply.
+
+Every one now crowded forward, and gazed in the direction of the pointed
+glasses in the hands of the officers. In the distance nothing was
+visible but the conning tower and the two periscope tubes, but that was
+enough.
+
+[Illustration: _The Conning Tower, All That Could Be Seen of the
+Submarine_]
+
+The boys moved forward, and the captain noticing them, spoke a word to
+the commander on the bridge.
+
+"Come up, boys," said the captain.
+
+Once on the bridge the captain said: "I take pleasure in introducing my
+companions on our little jaunt; they are brave fellows, and are made of
+the right kind of stuff. I think you will hear from them if America gets
+into the fight."
+
+"And America is bound to get in, for we have just learned that the first
+American ship has been sunk without warning," said the navigating
+officer, as he pressed the hands of the boys.
+
+The captain took up the receiver, which communicated with the topmast.
+After listening awhile, he turned to the group and said: "The sub has
+disappeared."
+
+"That will mean an interesting time for us," said the captain. "I have
+had the same experience, but was not fortunate enough to be armed when
+they attacked us. Are all the vessels from England now armed?" he asked
+the captain commanding the vessel.
+
+"Yes; fore and aft. We have found that but a small percentage of armed
+vessels have been sunk, and those which have guns at both ends are
+surely doubly armed," answered the commander.
+
+The boom of the guns had brought every passenger on deck. The officers
+could not conceal the real state of affairs, but there was no sign of a
+panic. The officers did not even take the precaution to warn the
+passengers that they should apply or keep the life belts close at hand.
+
+"That is the policy I suggested from the first," said the captain. "That
+boat must have been three miles away, at least, and a careful gunner
+would come pretty close to hitting the mark at that distance, and those
+fellows know it."
+
+"Then why do you think the interesting or dangerous time is now coming?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"Because the safety of the ship now depends on the ability of the
+observers to report the moment a periscope appears in sight. If the
+submarine is close enough to fire a torpedo, it is near enough to be a
+fine target for the gunners aboard, and, as the submarine would not be
+likely to attempt a shot unless it had a broadside to aim at, you can
+see that such a position would expose her to the fire of the guns both
+fore and aft," responded the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE
+
+
+"What do you make the reckoning?" asked the captain, as the navigating
+officer lowered his instrument, and turned to the book.
+
+"Fifty, ten north," was the reply.
+
+"On the line?" asked the captain.
+
+"Twelve minutes east," answered the officer.
+
+"Then we are forty miles due north of Havre," responded the captain.
+
+"What did you mean by being 'on the line?'" asked Ralph, addressing the
+captain.
+
+"The zero line, or the point where all calculations east and west are
+reckoned from, runs north and south through Greenwich, in England, a
+place a little east of London. We are about fifteen miles east of that
+line," replied the captain, "and one hundred and eighty miles south of
+London."
+
+But all were now interested in the further developments which might be
+expected. The wireless was constantly receiving messages, and
+occasionally the commander received messages which were, evidently,
+interesting reading, judging from the comments made. Most of the
+information related to the activities of the undersea boats, and only
+in that region where they were now approaching.
+
+The vessel was proceeding slowly, when suddenly the officer in the
+crow's nest sent down a signal that vitalized the gunners. The guns
+swung around instantly. Away off to starboard was the faintest ripple,
+for the water was comparatively smooth.
+
+Two shots rang out almost simultaneously from the fore and aft guns. It
+was a thrilling sight to see the streaks of glistening water, which the
+two shells brought up to be reflected by the brilliant sun. A shout from
+the gunner at the bow caused a chorus of answering shouts.
+
+"Did they hit it?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Well, there is one less periscope, if I know anything," replied the
+navigating officer.
+
+Ralph had descended the stairs leading down from the bridge, and quickly
+made his way to the bow.
+
+"I want to congratulate you on that shot," he said, as he approached.
+
+The gunner, with glowing face, turned, and, seeing Ralph, replied:
+"Thank you, lad! Coming from you it's a compliment. Lor', but we like to
+spot 'em."
+
+"That fellow's as good as useless," remarked the officer in charge.
+
+"But suppose the submarine has any torpedoes left?" queried Ralph.
+
+"That wouldn't do him any good; he would have to use that to sight by,"
+replied the officer.
+
+"Yes; I can see that now," replied Ralph. "If he came to the top in
+order to fire the torpedo he wouldn't last very long with these guns
+pointing at him."
+
+As Ralph was ascending the stairway leading to the bridge on his return
+a half-hour later, the watch shouted out a warning: "Five points to
+starboard!"
+
+Every one was now keyed up to the highest pitch. The guns were quickly
+swung to the angle indicated, and another tense moment arrived.
+
+The captain walked over to the commander, and said: "It seems to me that
+the best policy is to bear down on him with all speed possible. That
+will give the gunners the best chance, and at the same time present the
+smallest target for the submarine."
+
+The commander nodded and gave the necessary order, but before the
+helmsman had time to execute the turning movement the forward gun was
+heard, quickly followed by the second gun. The aft gun also responded,
+making three shots that were fired, striking the water in such close
+proximity to each other that the aim must have been very accurate.
+
+"Gunners from the Royal Navy," remarked the captain, as he lowered his
+glasses. "And they have hit the mark."
+
+"Do you think so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I am sure of it, for this reason," said the captain, as the officers on
+the bridge crowded around; "neither of the periscopes is visible, and I
+can plainly see the boiling that follows a sinking submarine."
+
+The ship was now at full speed, sailing directly over the course where
+the submarine was sighted. It did not take long for the vessel to cover
+the mile, and, as they neared the tell-tale spot, the ship was veered
+slightly out of its course, so that a good view could be obtained of the
+surface of the water.
+
+"How deep do you suppose that submarine is now?" asked Alfred.
+
+"It is in less than two hundred feet of water; see, the air bubbles are
+still coming up, although it went down fully fifteen minutes ago."
+
+The steamer slowed down as it came abreast, and the passengers leaned
+over the side in intense excitement, watching the signs which indicated
+the death of another sea terror. Even while they were watching one
+immense boiling zone appeared and settled down, indicating that another
+air tank had given way, or that the pressure of the sea water had forced
+the air from one of the innumerable pockets in the interior of the
+submarine.
+
+Four bells indicated a resumption of the journey. The great funnels
+began to pour forth smoke in immense volumes, and the ship fairly shook
+with the revolutions of the twin screws.
+
+"So we are going directly south," said Ralph, who had just examined the
+compass, and started for the stairway.
+
+"There will be no let-up now," remarked the captain.
+
+Every one understood that forced draught would now be resorted to, both
+to avoid the likelihood of being torpedoed, and also to enable the ship
+to reach port at the earliest possible moment. The _St. Duneen_,
+although a twin-screw vessel, was not of more than 5,000 tons burden,
+having been built as a mail carrier for distant ports, in which speed
+was regarded as the important element in her construction.
+
+As the commander remarked to the captain, after the latter reached the
+bridge, he felt sure that the speed alone, which he was able to make in
+an emergency, would baffle any attempt to reach his hull. It seemed so,
+for the vessel fairly skimmed the surface of the water, and left a trail
+which could be marked for miles.
+
+Every one felt happy, and there was a feeling of security aboard that
+was shared by every one. Luncheon was announced, and the boys were
+descending the stairway leading to the cabin, when they felt a peculiar
+sensation. They were thrown down the steps, taking with them several
+women and children, who were alongside.
+
+No sooner had they landed at the bottom, when the most terrific crash
+was heard.
+
+"Submarine!" shrieked a voice.
+
+The sensation of the oscillating movement of the vessel was a sickening
+one. The dining room was half-filled with women, children and men.
+
+"To your cabins at once; life belts as quickly as possible!" shouted an
+officer. "The men must aid the women and children. Do not become
+excited."
+
+This warning had a marked effect; it restored the confidence which had
+been so rudely shocked. Ralph and Alfred sprang for the closets where
+the life preservers were kept, and threw them out on the floor as fast
+as they could grasp them. They caught up one child after the other, and,
+without heeding the resistance which some offered, adjusted the belts,
+and, as fast as this was done, they assisted in pushing the children
+toward the companionway.
+
+[Illustration: _A Contact Mine_]
+
+The ship was slowly sinking to one side. The angle was very perceptible,
+and especially noticed as the boys reached the stairway, for it was
+found to be impossible to ascend by the starboard stairs. This made it
+more difficult to get the people out of the crowded rooms below.
+
+"Don't get excited!" shouted the officer from the head of the stairs.
+"We can all clear the ship safely before she goes down."
+
+As fast as the passengers reached the deck, officers were present to
+direct them to the most advantageous boats, but no orders were given to
+man the boats. The bow of the ship had gone down, and she was now lying
+at a considerable angle, but it was evident that there was considerable
+buoyancy in the vessel, and that there was no immediate danger.
+
+"Are you sure that all are out of the cabins?" asked the captain, as one
+of the porters appeared at the end of the passageway.
+
+"We might as well take a look," said Alfred, as he rushed toward the
+port passage.
+
+"I will go through the other passageway and meet you at the aft
+stairway," said Ralph, as he darted toward the gangway leading along the
+right side of the ship.
+
+Alfred diligently opened every door and glanced about; he was not long
+in reaching the aft stairway area, and waited for some minutes for Ralph
+to appear. As he was crossing the open space between the two
+passageways, he heard a shriek, followed by piercing screams, evidently
+from the port passage.
+
+Directed by the sounds he sprang from door to door, and soon detected a
+terrific struggle. "Help! help! I am being murdered!" was the cry.
+
+At the door of a cabin Alfred saw two forms, one the woman, and the
+other Ralph in a fierce struggle, the woman with her arms around the
+post, which extended upward from the floor at the side of the cabin
+couch. She defied every effort on the part of Ralph. Alfred seized her
+hands, gradually loosened them, and when they had succeeded in freeing
+her, she dropped down, completely exhausted, threw her head to one side,
+and swooned.
+
+This greatly facilitated her removal. The boys dragged her along the
+passageway, and, nearing the stairs, noticed a peculiar sound, something
+like a muffled explosion, followed by a sudden lurch of the ship, which
+destroyed their balance so that they were compelled to drop their
+burden.
+
+"What can that be?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Seems as though we have been hit the second time," replied Alfred.
+
+"Oh! here you are!" shouted the captain, as he rushed down the stairway,
+followed by an officer.
+
+"What was that?" asked Ralph.
+
+"A bulkhead has just given way," replied the captain.
+
+"Then we are bound to go down," said Alfred with a sigh. "We must get
+her up before she comes to."
+
+"Yes, but we'll try to save her," replied the captain.
+
+The ship was slowly sinking. The motion of a vessel as it loses its
+buoyancy gives a most peculiar feeling to those on board, independently
+of the knowledge that danger is lurking very near. The sinking motion is
+not a smooth and steady going down, but the movement is accompanied by
+successive throbs, as it seems,--it almost appears as though the ship
+were a living thing, sobbing away, until the final plunge takes place.
+
+Aided by the captain and the officer, the woman was quickly brought to
+the deck, where it was learned that her husband had lost his life on a
+torpedoed vessel a month before. She opened her eyes as they were
+placing her in the boat, and instantly recognized Ralph.
+
+"Did I resist and try to injure you?" she asked. "Forgive me!" she said
+pleadingly. "But I have had so much trouble. You must be a brave boy to
+act as you did."
+
+"Don't mind that for a minute," replied Ralph. "We were bound to get you
+out; we didn't think of anything else."
+
+"Come on, boys; take the boat at the next davit," said the captain. "I
+will be with you in a moment."
+
+The boys entered the little dory and sat down. The navigating officer
+was the last one to step in. He stood there with his instruments in his
+hands, and cast a gloomy look along the deck. "Too bad, too bad!" he
+said reflectively.
+
+"Say, Ralph, I have an idea that we are hoodoos!" said Alfred, with a
+serious air.
+
+"Who is a hoodoo?" asked the captain, approaching and overhearing the
+conversation.
+
+"Hoodoo, nothing!" answered Ralph.
+
+"Well, it begins to look like it," responded Alfred. "There is some sort
+of deviltry around wherever we have happened to be ever since the war
+began."
+
+Notwithstanding the gravity of the situation, the captain could not
+repress a smile, which he quickly suppressed, as he answered:
+
+"Then what would you call me? They have sunk four ships under me by
+torpedoes, and one by a mine. You have seen and experienced some of the
+other adventures I have had within the past ten days, and now this is
+another vessel to go down under me on account of a mine," said the
+captain.
+
+"A mine! a mine, did you say?" almost shrieked Alfred.
+
+"Yes; one of the floating mines that the Germans are strewing about in
+open defiance of all the laws," answered the captain with a bitter
+voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A FRIGHTFUL MINE EXPLOSION
+
+
+The order was given. There was no hope for the ship. "Lower the boats!"
+Everything was done with precision and in order, indicating that there
+was no panic on shipboard. Up to the last moment the wireless S. O. S.,
+_St. Duneen_, 48, 50 N., 10 E., repeated and repeated the message of the
+disaster.
+
+At a signal the wireless operator obeyed the commander's orders, and
+emerged from the little room high up aft of the main stacks. He sprang
+into the boat, as it was moving down.
+
+"Pull away! pull away!" shouted the commander, as the boats reached the
+surface of the water. The order and its execution did not come too soon.
+Like a giant, in a death struggle, there were a few spasmodic movements,
+and more pronounced ones as the bulkheads gave way.
+
+They were fully two hundred feet from the ship, when suddenly it seemed
+to roll around half-way, and they could look over the entire deck, so
+fully was it exposed to those on board of the dory in which the boys had
+taken refuge.
+
+The vessel rested on its side for a moment only, then it slowly
+staggered back, the bow quickly dipped, and failed to come back again.
+Then it seemed actually to slide forward into the depths, the stern
+rising higher and higher, as the bow moved under. More than fifty feet
+of the stern of the ship was still out of the water, when a peculiar
+thing happened. The hull ceased to move. It remained at an angle in the
+air for a quarter of a minute, while every one stared at it in silence.
+
+"What is the matter with it?" asked Alfred, who was the first to break
+the silence.
+
+"The bow is on the bottom of the ocean," said the captain.
+
+That was, indeed, true. Soon it began to sink, by falling back, and it
+quietly sank beneath the waves, leaving scarcely a ripple above the
+surface.
+
+"That would have been different if she had been struck amidship, for the
+hull would have gone down on an even keel," remarked the commander.
+
+The nine boats were now afloat near each other. In the distance could be
+seen smoke in two directions, evidence that vessels were not far away.
+Then, almost like an apparition, from the east came two of the speedy
+little ships, which act like spit-fires and lie so low in the water that
+they are able to creep up unawares. They do not give forth any smoke to
+warn an enemy, or indicate their presence to friends.
+
+Long before the ships, which had announced their positions by the smoke
+on the horizon, came into sight, the saucy chasers were sailing around
+and about the fleet of _St. Duneen's_ boats.
+
+"It rather makes me feel good to think that we didn't get caught by
+either of the submarines," said Alfred. "I would hate to give them that
+satisfaction."
+
+"But what's the difference, after all?" replied Ralph. "So long as they
+sink the ships, what matter does it make whether they do it by mines or
+submarines?"
+
+"Yes; one is as bad as the other, both done against all law," answered
+Alfred.
+
+The first boat to answer the signal was a French cruiser, which came up
+rapidly after the chasers arrived. There was ample room on board for the
+passengers, but it took fully an hour before all were safe on board and
+orders were given to start. As the cruiser turned, a great, gray British
+battleship came up to port, saluted, and passed on, followed by another
+far in the distance, those two great vessels with their black smoke
+trailing out in the distance and moving along majestically seeming to be
+the acme of power.
+
+The boys were on the upper deck and watched the scene with admiration.
+Before the cruiser had proceeded far the smoke of more than a dozen
+ships were visible, and the boys could not help but be impressed at the
+tremendous power of the Allies on the water, notwithstanding the
+calamity which had just befallen their ship. After all, the ships had
+been sunk by an enemy which dared not show his face above the surface of
+the water.
+
+"Submarine sunk near the harbor of Brest and one off Cherburg," was the
+startling announcement of the wireless operator. "Five American ships
+have arrived at the Loire," was another message. "America is aflame with
+excitement, and demands action," came later.
+
+"Is it possible that the United States will go to war?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The United States is now at war," replied the captain.
+
+"What? do you mean to say that the President has declared war?" asked
+Alfred in astonishment.
+
+"No; it is not necessary that America should declare war. Germany has
+done so by torpedoing your ships, and killing your citizens; that is an
+act of war; for every nation, and Germany itself, knows that its
+submarine war is illegal, and without any standing in International Law.
+It is no justification to say that to give notice makes it legal. If a
+man wished to commit murder it would not make him less a murderer if he
+had given notice of his intention beforehand," said the captain.
+
+"Then I'm not going back to New York," said Alfred.
+
+"Nor I; we've been in it from the first, and we might as well stick it
+out;--if I only knew that mother was safe," concluded Ralph with a
+shadow across his face.
+
+Within an hour the boys saw a faint streak of peculiar gray to the left,
+far ahead.
+
+"That must be land," said Alfred.
+
+"And that looks like a town, away in the distance," remarked Ralph.
+
+"You are right; that is the coast of France, and the houses you see
+belong to the town of Fècamp, a seaport and watering place, 22 miles
+from Havre," said the navigating officer.
+
+Every minute brought them nearer the city of Havre. How they longed to
+hear some news of their parents, now that all excitement had died away,
+and they were permitted to think of home and those dear to them.
+
+Vessels began to accumulate on all sides of them, indications that they
+were now within the safety zone. For a period of eight days they had not
+known what absolute quiet and rest meant. First, the terrible suspense
+within the hull of a submarine, the trying experience attending the
+capture of the vessel, the unquiet feeling that they had desperate men
+below who might do anything to gain their liberty, the explosion and
+sinking of the submarine, their rescue, and then the last sinking,
+seemed to form a chapter of misadventures which constantly kept them on
+the alert.
+
+It was such a different feeling now, and, as such things generally do,
+caused a reaction. They actually felt ill, and Alfred, especially, after
+the last accident, felt too weak to remain on deck.
+
+They retired to the cabin assigned to them in the officers' quarters,
+and were soon asleep. The captain, missing them, made a search and soon
+found them. He smiled, and, turning to the officers, said:
+
+"They are fine fellows; the experiences have been most trying, and would
+test the mettle of most men; but they went through with it, obeyed all
+orders, without asking why, and never showed the white feather."
+
+"Who are they?" asked one of the cruiser's officers.
+
+"American boys, caught in the war, where they helped the fighting until
+two months ago, and were just returning to the United States on my ship.
+That is how I happened to meet them and learned to love them," replied
+the captain with pride in his voice.
+
+As they were leaving the cabin, Alfred awoke. "Are we near Havre?" he
+asked anxiously.
+
+"We are now turning the point; we expect to reach the dock in a
+half-hour," answered the officer.
+
+Every one crowded the rails and watched the ever-changing panorama, for
+Havre is the second seaport in France, has the largest foreign trade,
+especially with America, and is noted for its great docks, and
+ship-building facilities.
+
+"Hurrah for the Stars and Stripes!" shouted Ralph, as he pointed to the
+banner above the mast on a ship, which was just being warped out of the
+dock.
+
+The passengers, as well as officers and seamen of the cruiser, took off
+their hats and cheered. Ralph blushed at the hearty response, but he
+knew that it was a tribute which they were paying to America, about to
+become a new ally. The seamen on board the American ship gave a hearty
+response to the salute, and this swelled the pride of the boys beyond
+measure.
+
+How slowly the ship moved, now that they were nearing the end of their
+journey from the perils of the sea. How anxiously they awaited the time
+they could step ashore and visit the consul's office, there to learn, if
+possible, the fate of their parents.
+
+"They are going to take us to the main foreign dock," said the captain,
+as he approached. "And I want to say that you must not get away from me
+in your eagerness. There are some people who want to talk to you and
+tell you how they appreciate your bravery and good work."
+
+"Thank you, Captain," said Alfred. "We had no cause to fear, as long as
+you commanded."
+
+"Indeed not," chimed in Ralph. "Even if we knew other perils that might
+come to us, we would be glad to follow you again wherever you ordered us
+to go; that's the way we feel about it."
+
+"That is, indeed, a compliment," replied the captain.
+
+"We have never felt the slightest fear or doubt," said Alfred, "but, of
+course, we have been sad many times, to think that our parents were
+separated from us, after we had not seen them for over two years."
+
+"There is the dock. We will be off within fifteen minutes now. You must
+allow me to conduct you to the consul's office; I know him very well,"
+said the captain.
+
+As the vessel touched the dock the captain turned to the boys, and said
+with a wicked grin on his face: "Get your luggage, boys, and come on."
+
+The boys laughed at the remark. "For my part," answered Ralph, "I had
+forgotten that there was such a thing as luggage, or baggage, or
+anything of that sort."
+
+"Ralph! Ralph! who is that coming across the dock? Look! it is just like
+father! I believe it is!" almost shrieked Alfred.
+
+"It is! yes; I am sure of it; and there is mother, too," replied Ralph,
+now all excitement.
+
+"Of course, they are there; I knew it; I told you it would be all
+right," said the captain with a jubilant voice.
+
+The boys glanced at the captain, and Ralph turned his head slyly, as he
+said: "And did you know they were here?"
+
+"Well, I think they got my message this morning," replied the captain
+with a laugh. "Where is your father; point him out," said the captain to
+Alfred.
+
+"The tall man with the gray overcoat; do you see him coming?--and there
+is mother, too," shouted Alfred.
+
+The boys were the first ones down the plank, closely followed by the
+captain, the passengers standing by and witnessing the reunion of the
+families.
+
+The captain came forward and shook hands with Mr. Elton. "Thank you for
+the wireless; we had about despaired, when it came to the hotel."
+
+"I didn't tell the boys," replied the captain. "I left that pleasure for
+their own eyes; and here are the mothers; how I must congratulate you on
+having such sons. I know their worth."
+
+"And is it true what they say about your doings with our boys, that you
+captured the submarine, while it was under the water?" asked Mrs. Elton.
+
+"Yes, that was true, and much more," answered the captain.
+
+"We felt so proud about it," replied Mr. Elton, "and it was some
+compensation for having been twice torpedoed within a week."
+
+"What? did you say that you were torpedoed the second time?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Yes," replied Mr. Elton. "We were picked up by a ship, the next
+morning, which was bound for New York. Two days afterwards, when out of
+the danger zone, our ship went down, and we had to take to the boats.
+This time we were picked up by a ship that landed us in Havre, three
+days ago. Then we heard of your exploits, of which the French papers
+were full, and we determined to remain here until we heard from you."
+
+"But I cannot understand how it was that the captain happened to reach
+you by wireless?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The cruiser wireless telegraphed the fact of our rescue to the U. S.
+consul, and I wired the commander of the cruiser," replied Mr. Elton.
+
+"I answered Mr. Elton's message," said the captain with a smile. "But
+are you going back to America now?" continued the captain.
+
+"Why, what has happened?" asked Alfred.
+
+"America is at war with Germany," was the reply.
+
+We shall now take leave of our young friends, but we do so with the
+feeling that before long we shall hear more about them, and be able to
+follow their adventures enlisted under the banner of their own beloved
+land in the fight against oppression and savagery.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+THE MOTION PICTURE COMRADES SERIES
+
+By ELMER TRACEY BARNES
+
+
+The object of these books is to place before the reader the unusual
+experiences of a party of boys who succeed in filming a number of
+interesting scenes.
+
+The stories are replete with striking incidents on land and sea, and
+above all they describe with remarkable accuracy the methods employed to
+obtain many of the wonderful pictures which may be seen on the screen.
+
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades' Great Venture;
+    or, On the Road with the Big Round Top=
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades Through African Jungles;
+    or, The Camera Boys in Wild Animal Land=
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades Along the Orinoco;
+    or, Facing Perils in the Tropics=
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades Aboard a Submarine;
+    or, Searching for Treasure Under the Sea=4836
+
+
+  _12mo.   Cloth_           _50c per volume_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  201-213 EAST 12th STREET        NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+By CYRIL BURLEIGH
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys; A Story of School Life=
+
+Jack Sheldon, a clean-minded and popular student in the academy, gains
+the enmity of several of the boys, but their efforts to injure him fail.
+A mystery, connected with Jack's earlier life, is used against him, but
+he comes off with flying colors.
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys in Camp; or, The Rebellion at the Academy=
+
+A strange situation arises in which an airship figures as the bearer of
+an important letter. The head-master acts without investigating all the
+facts, but matters are all finally adjusted to the satisfaction of all
+concerned.
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys on Lost Island; or, An Unusual Adventure=
+
+The scene now shifts to the West Indies and Jack figures as the hero of
+a daring rescue. Their experiences in tropical waters form a most
+stirring narrative, and the young reader is assured of a tale of
+gripping interest from first to last.
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys on the River=
+
+The Doctor takes a number of the boys on a cruise up the Hudson. An
+unlooked for incident finds Jack Sheldon equal to the occasion, and what
+at one time promised to be a disastrous trip for all concerned was
+turned into a complete victory for our young friends.
+
+  _12mo. Cloth_             _50c per volume_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE MOUNTAIN BOYS SERIES
+
+=1. Phil Bradley's Mountain Boys=
+
+=2. Phil Bradley at the Wheel=
+
+=3. Phil Bradley's Shooting Box=
+
+=4. Phil Bradley's Snow-Shoe Trail=
+
+=5. Phil Bradley's Winning Way=
+
+
+=By SILAS K. BOONE=
+
+These books describe, with interesting detail, the
+experiences of a party of boys among the mountain
+pines.
+
+They teach the young reader how to protect himself
+against the elements, what to do and what to avoid, and
+above all to become self-reliant and manly.
+
+  _12mo. Cloth._             _50c per Volume, Postpaid_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  201 EAST 12th STREET          NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE CAMPFIRE AND TRAIL SERIES
+
+=1. In Camp on the Big Sunflower=
+
+=2. The Rivals of the Trail=
+
+=3. The Strange Cabin on Catamount Island=
+
+=4. Lost in the Great Dismal Swamp=
+
+=5. With Trapper Jim in the North Woods=
+
+=6. Caught in a Forest Fire=
+
+=7. Chums of the Campfire=
+
+=8. Afloat on the Flood=
+
+=9. The Cruise of the Houseboat=
+
+
+=By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE=
+
+A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an interesting way and
+appealing to their love of the open.
+
+  _Each, 12mo.  Cloth_      _50c per Volume_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  201 EAST 12th STREET          NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+    +-----------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                           |
+    |                                               |
+    | Typographical errors corrected in the text:   |
+    | Page  39  ofcer changed to officer            |
+    | Page  46  possed changed to possessed         |
+    | Page  73  missing word "get" inserted         |
+    | Page  76  personnal changed to personnel      |
+    | Page  77  personnal changed to personnel      |
+    | Page 119  blow changed to below               |
+    +-----------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine
+Fleet, by Kenneth Ward
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS--SUBMARINE FLEET ***
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet, by Kenneth Ward
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet, by 
+Kenneth Ward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet
+
+Author: Kenneth Ward
+
+Release Date: December 31, 2008 [EBook #27674]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS--SUBMARINE FLEET ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Barbara Kosker and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+
+<div class="img">
+<a href="images/cover.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/cover.jpg" width="45%" alt="Front Cover" /></a>
+</div>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h2>THE BOY VOLUNTEERS SERIES</h2>
+
+<h3>By KENNETH WARD</h3>
+
+<p class="cen"><i>12mo. Cloth. Fully Illustrated. 50&cent; per Volume</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Newest Boys' Books on the European War, Relating the
+Adventures of Two American Boys and Their Experiences
+in Battle and on Air Scout Duty. All Profusely Illustrated
+with Authentic Drawings</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front</b></p>
+
+<p>Describes the adventures of two American boys who were in Europe
+when the great war commenced. Their enlistment with Belgian
+troops and their remarkable experiences are based upon actual
+occurrences and the book is replete with line drawings of fighting
+machines, air planes and maps of places where the most important
+battles took place and of other matters of interest.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen</b></p>
+
+<p>This book relates the further adventures of the young Americans in
+France, where they viewed the fighting from above the firing lines.
+From this book the reader gains considerable knowledge of the
+different types of air planes and battle planes used by the warring
+nations, as all descriptions are illustrated with unusually clear line
+drawings.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Boy Volunteers with the British Artillery</b></p>
+
+<p>How many boys to-day know anything about the great guns now
+being used on so many European battle fronts? Our young friends
+had the rare opportunity of witnessing, at first hand, a number
+of these terrific duels, and the story which is most fascinatingly
+told is illustrated with numerous drawings of the British, French
+and German field pieces.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet</b></p>
+
+<p>Our young heroes little expected to be favored with so rare an experience
+as a trip under the sea in one of the great submarines. In
+this book the author accurately describes the submarine in action,
+and the many interesting features of this remarkable fighting craft
+are made clear to the reader by a series of splendid line drawings.</p>
+
+<br />
+<p class="cen">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY</p>
+<p class="cen">PUBLISHERS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEW YORK</p>
+<br />
+
+<div class="img"><a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a>
+<a href="images/frontis.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/frontis.jpg" width="50%" alt="Frontispiece: An Explosion followed..." /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>An explosion followed that seemed to tear everything
+to pieces.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h1>THE BOY VOLUNTEERS</h1>
+<h2>WITH THE</h2>
+<h1>SUBMARINE FLEET</h1>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>KENNETH WARD</h2>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h4>THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+NEW YORK</h4>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h4>Copyright, 1917, by<br />
+AMERICAN AUTHORS PUBLISHING CO.</h4>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="80%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" width="10%"><span style="font-size: 80%;">CHAPTER</span></td>
+  <td class="tdl" width="83%">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdl" width="7%"><span style="font-size: 80%;">PAGE</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#I">I.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Ominous Warning on Shipboard</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">13</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#II">II.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Torpedoed Ship</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">25</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#III">III.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Prisoners on Board of a Submarine</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">37</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#IV">IV.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Terrors in the Dark Room of an Undersea Boat</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">49</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#V">V.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Some of the Mysteries of a Submarine</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">58</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#VI">VI.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Groping Through the English Channel</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">68</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#VII">VII.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Caught in the Deep Sea Nets</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">78</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#VIII">VIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Night's Struggle to Free the Vessel</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">89</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#IX">IX.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Capture of the Submerged Vessel</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">99</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#X">X.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Secret Key to the Bomb Fuse</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">110</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#XI">XI.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Operating the Submarine with a Captive Crew</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">120</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#XII">XII.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Death Blow to the Submarine</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">130</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#XIII">XIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Rescue in the Channel</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">142</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#XIV">XIV.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Ten Hours in the Danger Zone</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">151</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#XV">XV.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></td>
+  <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">A Frightful Mine Explosion</span></td>
+  <td class="tdr">161</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="toi" id="toi"></a><hr />
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="80%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations">
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl" width="90%"><i>An Explosion Followed That Seemed to Tear Everything to Pieces</i></td>
+  <td class="tdrb" width="10%"><a href="#frontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdr"><span style="font-size: 80%;">PAGE</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>The Points of the Compass</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep027">27</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>The Submarine Decoy</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep030">30</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>Map Showing the Scene of the Wanderings of the Boys</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep043">43</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>The Steel Nets</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep073">73</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>The Entangled Submarine</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep095">95</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>The Periscope</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep137">137</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>The Conning Tower. All That Could Be Seen of the Submarine</i></td>
+  <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep148">148</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdl"><i>A Contact Mine</i></td>
+  <td class="tdr"><a href="#imagep156">156</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>
+<h1>THE BOY VOLUNTEERS<br />
+WITH THE<br />
+SUBMARINE FLEET</h1>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br /><a name="I" id="I"></a>
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h2>THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>"Submarine two points to starboard, sir!"
+shouted a voice.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly there was confusion; the captain
+sprang from the end of the bridge to the board
+behind the quartermaster and pushed a lever to
+the right.</p>
+
+<p>"Ralph, come out quickly; the second officer has
+just shouted to the captain that a submarine is in
+sight," said Alfred, as he rushed into the reading
+room where Ralph was deeply engrossed in a book.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph needed no second warning. Together
+with a dozen or more, who were in the room, he
+sprang to the door, and followed Alfred, who was
+now nearing the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you see it?" asked Ralph excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but they are pointing to the right; it
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>seems as though we are turning around," responded
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"So we are," said Ralph. "There! what is
+that?" shouted Ralph, as he followed the direction
+pointed out by the second officer.</p>
+
+<p>The captain gave another wrench to the wheel,
+and the ship straightened out on its course. All
+eyes were now directed to a point to the right,
+and astern, for the boat had described a half
+circle.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait till I get the glasses," said Alfred, as he
+dived for the main companionway, and slid down
+the railing.</p>
+
+<p>He was back in record time, followed by his
+father and mother, accompanied by Ralph's
+mother. Needless to say all were agitated, for
+they had been told on the morning of sailing that
+the trip might be a dangerous one, and it was only
+urgent business necessity that compelled Mr. Elton
+to take the risk.</p>
+
+<p>"I can see something away back there, just like
+a trail of foam. I wonder whether that's what
+they are so excited about on the bridge?" questioned
+Alfred, as he lowered the glasses, and
+glanced up at the officers who were vigorously discussing
+the situation.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me look," said Ralph, reaching for the
+glasses. He was silent for a few moments, then,
+handing the glasses to Mr. Elton, he continued:
+"There is something coming; see if you can make
+it out."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Elton gazed intently, and turned to his wife,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>as he said: "I am afraid that is a torpedo on the
+way now."</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, he made the remark quietly; those
+around heard the warning, and the boys glanced
+at the bridge. The captain again moved the wheel,
+and the ship swerved.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a torpedo," shouted Ralph. Every one
+leaned over the ship's side and waited, some with
+terror on their faces, others pale but calm. Two
+or three rushed for the companionway, and several
+fainted.</p>
+
+<p>"It's going to miss! It's going to miss!"
+shouted Alfred. He turned around and waved his
+cap to the officers on the bridge, but they were too
+intent watching the submarine to notice the salutation.
+It was evident, however, from their actions
+that they had no immediate fear.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a thrill that the two hundred passengers,
+who were lined up on the port side of the
+steamship, saw a foamy trail, one hundred feet
+distant, pass alongside their vessel, and disappear
+in the distance, far ahead.</p>
+
+<p>"There comes another one," said a voice.</p>
+
+<p>It was easy to distinguish the second peril, and
+it seemed to come straight and true. The ship
+veered slightly from its course, and breathlessly
+the passengers watched the trail. On, on it came.
+The vessel again slightly changed its course, and
+this time the torpedo went wide of the mark.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, for the next one," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! we are now too far ahead, and going too
+fast for them. Even if the submarine comes to
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>the surface it cannot possibly catch us," said the
+navigating officer, who passed along and quieted
+the anxious ones.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, for the time being, they escaped, but the
+vigilance was greater than ever. They would be
+in the danger zone for twelve hours more.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Two and a half years previous to this time, Mr.
+and Mrs. Elton, accompanied by their son Alfred,
+Mrs. Elton's sister, and her son Ralph, were traveling
+through Europe, and happened to be in Germany
+when war was declared. The boys, together
+with Mr. Elton's chauffeur, were on their way to
+Antwerp with their car, and were pursued by the
+Germans as they were entering Belgium territory.</p>
+
+<p>Their car was requisitioned by the Belgium government,
+and as the German forces entered Belgium
+south of Liege, they were cut off from reaching
+Antwerp. In the effort to make their way
+across the country the two boys met the Belgian
+forces, and were in the first battle, which was
+fought between the Germans and Belgians. They
+took part in the defense of Belgian territory with
+the Belgian forces, from Liege, to Louvain, Aerschott,
+and Malines, until the city of Antwerp was
+besieged, and were among the last to leave when
+the Belgians evacuated that place.</p>
+
+<p>They were fortunate enough, however, to reach
+French territory with the bulk of the Belgian
+army, and arrived at Dunkirk, on the Channel,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>during that period when the British were sending
+over the first forces to resist the invasion of
+France.</p>
+
+<p>The second day they visited the hangars where
+the British were setting up their aircraft and
+training the recruits for the aviation service.
+While approaching the grounds they were the witnesses
+of an accident to one of the flyers, who
+made a disastrous landing near them, and they
+were prompt enough to lift the machine from one
+of the men, which saved his life.</p>
+
+<p>This incident was the changing point in their
+career, for they then determined to enter the aviation
+corps, if possible. Despite their efforts, they
+were not able to succeed, at this time, and as the
+father of Alfred had sent word to them to meet
+him in Paris, they regretfully worked their way
+to that city, only to learn, on arriving, that Mr.
+Elton was not permitted to leave Germany.</p>
+
+<p>By an accidental circumstance they went to Bar-le-Duc,
+in eastern France, and visited the aviation
+grounds there. Having made themselves useful,
+they were favored with the privilege of making
+ascensions, and were instructed in the handling
+of the trial machines on the grounds.</p>
+
+<p>On one occasion they were aloft with Lieutenant
+Guyon, who, owing to heart troubles, fainted while
+at a high altitude, and the boys brought the machine
+down safely. Thereafter, the lieutenant was
+their constant friend, and when the corps moved
+to Verdun they were regularly enrolled as members,
+and subsequently became engaged in many
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>exciting flights. While on a scouting operation
+with their friend, several German machines appeared
+and a battle followed in which the machine
+was injured, and during the descent both boys
+were wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant was caught in the wreckage, as
+the machine finally plunged to earth, and within a
+week died of his wounds. The boys were heart-broken
+at his death, and after a week at the base
+hospital were transferred to the American hospital
+in Paris. After recovery they were regularly
+discharged from the service, and started for
+home.</p>
+
+<p>On their way to the Channel they became interested
+in the artillery branch and happened to take
+part in the first great French drive in the Somme
+region and later were with the British artillery
+when it began its great fight against the Germans
+in the region west of Bapaume.</p>
+
+<p>It was there that Alfred's parents and Ralph's
+mother learned of their whereabouts, and, through
+the kindly offices of the American ambassador,
+were permitted to visit the battery where the boys
+were stationed, and where they finally prevailed
+upon them to accompany them home.</p>
+
+<p>They sailed from Bordeaux early in the morning
+of the same day that the events took place
+which we have just related. On the day of sailing
+the thrilling news reached France that President
+Wilson had given the German minister his passports,
+and while such an act does not, ordinarily,
+mean war, the strained relations between the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>United States and Germany made it probable that
+war would follow.</p>
+
+<p>As stated, Mr. Elton's business compelled him
+to sail, notwithstanding the danger, and they now
+found themselves within the danger zone prescribed
+by the German authorities, for, as they
+were sailing on a ship belonging to one of the belligerent
+nations, they knew that it was a prey for
+any submarine and subject to be sunk without
+warning.</p>
+
+<p>Although instructions of a general nature had
+been issued by the captain after the vessel left
+port, he called the passengers together immediately
+after the excitement attending the appearance
+of the submarine had died away, and addressed
+them as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"For the next twelve or fifteen hours we shall be
+in the danger zone, and it is imperative that each
+of you should at all times carry a life belt. I impress
+this on you not for the purpose of creating
+alarm, but because I know that people become
+careless. The officers will give full instructions
+to all of you as to the way the belts should be worn,
+so there will be no confusion at the last moment.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, another thing, which you must remember.
+More lives are lost through undue excitement
+than from the real danger, in case of
+trouble. We are here for the purpose of giving
+due warning and assistance, and every man in the
+ship's crew will be faithful to his duty. Do not
+rush about and become excited, because that unduly
+alarms those about you, I will give you
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>ample warning. Five short blasts on the ship's
+whistle will call you to the boats. When you hear
+that go to your cabins quickly, seize such clothing
+as you have prepared for such an event, and if
+you have not strapped on the life belt do so at
+once.</p>
+
+<p>"It should be the first duty of the men to aid
+the women and children, see that the belts are
+properly put on, and assist them to the deck. Once
+there, go as quickly as possible to the davits and
+await orders, for the officers and men will be there
+to direct and take charge of the passengers.
+Should the boat be so badly hit that it is impossible
+for all the passengers to get into the boat
+before the vessel goes down, the men must see to
+it that every one goes overboard and clears the
+ship's side.</p>
+
+<p>"Many women will, even in this extremity, refuse
+to jump overboard without their husbands,
+but in such cases there must be no hesitancy on
+the part of the men. Do not argue, but push them
+overboard, and the life belts will hold them in position
+in the water until the waiting boats can
+rescue them. There will be no danger of drowning
+under those conditions, but be sure to jump as
+far from the vessel as possible."</p>
+
+<p>It was not such a speech as tended to relieve
+nervousness, but it certainly made every one
+within hearing very thoughtful. Women, and men,
+as well, turned white, and many of them timidly
+examined the tiny life belts which were handed
+out.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>"It seems that we get into trouble wherever we
+go," said Alfred, not in a spirit of alarm, however,
+but more because he felt a deep concern for
+his father and mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Ralph, isn't this terrible!" said his
+mother, as she came forward.</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly is; but this is something like the
+experiences we have had for over two years, and
+it doesn't make it seem so bad;&mdash;do you think so?"
+he added, addressing Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't be at all worried, Auntie," responded
+Alfred. "Here comes mother; I hope she
+is not broken up or worried."</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Mrs. Elton. "It is dreadful, but
+it is no worse for us than for others. I am glad
+the captain spoke as plainly as he did. We must
+understand and do our duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mother, you and Auntie go to the ladies'
+room and stay there. If anything happens we will
+know where to find you," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"But I want you to come and stay with us," replied
+Mrs. Elton.</p>
+
+<p>"We cannot do that," replied Alfred. "We
+have fine glasses and every one should be on the
+watch. It takes a great many eyes to see in all
+directions."</p>
+
+<p>"Alfred is right," said Mr. Elton. "I will remain
+with you; but do not be alarmed for the present."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait until I get my binoculars," said Ralph, as
+he rushed down to the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>He was up at once, and together they ran <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>forward
+to the bridge, as the second officer descended.</p>
+
+<p>"Can we be of service to you in any way?" said
+Alfred, pointing to their glasses.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, you can," said the officer.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the captain, leaning over the
+rail of the bridge, shouted: "Come up, boys; those
+are the right kind of weapons. We ought to have
+dozens more of the same kind."</p>
+
+<p>The boys fairly stumbled up the steep, narrow
+ladder that led to the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"At your service," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled, as he said: "Take positions
+at the end of the bridge."</p>
+
+<p>The boys walked across to the other side, and
+Ralph elevated his glasses.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later the captain, in his walk to and
+fro, stopped before the boys. "You have evidently
+had occasion to use the binoculars before,
+but probably not while at sea," he observed.</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Ralph; "we used them in flying
+machines and while serving in the artillery, but
+this is really the first opportunity we have had to
+use them on shipboard."</p>
+
+<p>"Then a little instruction will be of service to
+you and to all of us," said the captain. "I noticed
+that you were sweeping the sea to the rear.
+That is not necessary, for at our speed a torpedo
+boat would not be able to catch us. All your time
+should be devoted to scanning that quadrant from
+straight ahead to a point but a little astern of your
+left quarter, as it is from that section, and the
+corresponding section on the right side of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>vessel
+that we expect the enemy; do you understand
+what I mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," replied Ralph. "But suppose a
+submarine should be well ahead of us and submerge,
+and then wait until we have passed. In
+that case couldn't it again come up and send a
+torpedo into the stern of the ship?"</p>
+
+<p>"That might be possible, but not probable. A
+submarine is absolutely in the dark when completely
+submerged," said the captain. "It must
+come to the surface sufficiently near to bring its
+periscope out of the water, and that would reveal
+its presence to us. It would be a pretty hard job
+for a navigator in a submarine to calculate when
+the boat had passed sufficiently near to know the
+opportune time to come to the surface and give us
+the shot."</p>
+
+<p>"But couldn't they come near enough to take
+a chance? They might come up 500 feet away
+or 2,000. At either distance they could land a torpedo,
+couldn't they?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true; but the submarine might not know
+whether we were armed or not, and it would not
+take the risk of exposure in that reckless manner,"
+replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But we are not armed, are we?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No; our guns will be ready for us on the return
+trip," answered the captain. After a moment
+he continued: "Let me also give you a hint
+as to the particular manner of using the glasses
+to get a correct view. Do not attempt to take in
+the entire field at one sweep. Sight at a point near
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>the ship, say at a distance of a quarter of a mile;
+then slowly raise the glasses so that your view
+grows more and more distant and finally the focal
+point reaches the horizon. Then turn a point to
+the right or to the left, and bring down the forward
+end of the glasses until the view is again concentrated
+on the point nearest the ship."</p>
+
+<p>"That is something like making observations on
+a flying machine," replied Alfred, "only in that
+case the glass is held stationary, as the machine
+moves along, and in that way objects can be seen
+much better than by sweeping it around continuously.
+We learned that from Lieutenant
+Guyon."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true; I see you are well qualified to observe.
+But to continue: after you have thus made
+the first observation as I have explained, the
+glasses should be held horizontally to take in the
+view at the horizon, and then swept around at
+that angle to the right or to the left, depressing
+it at each swing. That is called sweeping the sea."</p>
+
+<p>"I know two men who have glasses," said
+Ralph. "Shall I get them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you can; this is the kind of service
+which is appreciated," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph sprang down the ladder, and ran along
+the deck. He was absent for some time, but soon
+appeared with two men.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on," said Ralph, as he ascended the ladder.
+The men hesitated for a moment, and followed,
+as an officer appeared and invited them to
+come up.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br /><a name="II" id="II"></a>
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h2>THE TORPEDOED SHIP</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>During the next hour or more every field glass
+on board ship was put into use, and many were
+the weary arms that used them until the luncheon
+hour arrived at one o'clock. The captain, knowing
+how trying the constant watching must be to
+civilians who are not used to this work, appointed
+two watches, so they might relieve each other
+every hour.</p>
+
+<p>The boys went to the dining room, and as Mr.
+Elton and his family sat at the captain's table,
+the latter took occasion during the meal to refer
+to Ralph and Alfred's services on the bridge in
+commendatory terms, which was greatly appreciated
+by their parents.</p>
+
+<p>"I am curious to know," said Ralph, "what the
+officer meant when he said 'two points to starboard.'"</p>
+
+<p>"That is explained in this way," replied the captain.
+"The compass is divided into thirty-two
+points, or eight points in each quadrant."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember you spoke about a quadrant when
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>we were on the bridge. What is a quadrant?"
+asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have said, in the beginning, that the
+compass is divided into four parts, one line running,
+we will say, east and west, and the other line
+north and south. In that way there are four cardinal
+points. You will understand, therefore, that
+from the north cardinal point to the east cardinal
+point, which represents one quadrant, are eight
+points, and so on, from the cardinal point east to
+south, are eight more points," responded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then when the officer said 'two points to starboard,'
+did he mean two points from one of the
+cardinal points?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No, he had reference to two points from the
+line ahead, or for the time being, he took the line
+upon which we were traveling, as one of the cardinal
+lines, and when he said two points he described
+a line which was just one-fourth of the
+distance around the circle or quadrant to the
+east," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we might say that the keel of the ship
+is one of the cardinal lines, and the bridge, which
+runs across the ship is the other line?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a very homely and plain way of putting
+it," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>An hour thereafter, while the boys were on the
+bridge, they noticed the first signs of excitement
+on the part of the officers. A message had been
+handed the captain a few moments before. Of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>course, all were curious to know the news it contained,
+but no one seemed to be bold enough to
+ask any questions.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep027" id="imagep027"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep027.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep027.png" width="55%" alt="The Points of the Compass" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>The Points of the Compass</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>As the second watch appeared at the bridge the
+boys descended and rejoined their parents. A
+voice was heard outside summoning the passengers
+on deck. They were ranged along the
+deck house, and the second officer appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to make an announcement, and give
+further instructions. In order that there may be
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>no confusion, in the event the enemy should attack
+us and compel the passengers to take to the
+boats, I am going to assign places to all of you, so
+that the moment you hear the five bells you will
+know where to go, ready to man the boats. Now,
+notice the numbers on the boats, which you see are
+swung out on the davits ready to be launched.
+Be particular to note where your boat is located,
+and its number. When you come up the companionway
+from your cabin, fix in your mind whether
+your own boat is on the right or on the left side;
+some are liable to become confused in coming up.</p>
+
+<p>"Boat No. 1; Mr. Elton, how many are in your
+party?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then three more will be assigned; Mr. Wardlaw,
+wife and daughter; that will complete the first
+boat. No. 2," continued the officer, as he made the
+assignments. This was continued until the entire
+list was completed.</p>
+
+<p>Four seamen were then designated for each of
+the boats, and the steward was directed to prepare
+emergency food for the different boats, and by direct
+orders the food was actually placed in the
+boats.</p>
+
+<p>It was really with a sigh of relief from the suspense
+that the boys awaited the signal for their
+term of duty on the bridge. They were in their
+places instantly, and seized the glasses. It was
+now four o'clock in the afternoon. They were
+moving toward the setting sun. The sky was free
+of clouds and the ocean fairly smooth. It was an
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>ideal sea for observation. The boys were on the
+port or left side of the ship.</p>
+
+<p>"Ralph," said Alfred under his breath, as he
+moved toward Ralph, and laid his hand on his arm,
+without lowering his glasses, "look over there!
+there!&mdash;two or three points,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I see it,&mdash;yes,&mdash;Captain, what is that, a half-mile
+off to the left?" interrupted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The captain shot a glance in the direction indicated.
+"Three points to port!" he said, as he
+sprang to the wheel and gave a signal to the engineer.
+As he came back to the point of observation,
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Young eyes are very sharp. You have beaten
+the watch on the top mast."</p>
+
+<p>The officer in charge of the telephone beckoned
+to the captain. The latter rushed over, and the
+boys saw him nod.</p>
+
+<p>"How far are they from us?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Two miles," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Two miles!" said Ralph in astonishment.
+"Why, I thought I was stretching it when I said a
+half mile."</p>
+
+<p>"To be more exact, the range finder in the
+crow's nest makes the distance 10,980 feet," said
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, they can't hit us at that distance," said
+Ralph, "can they?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; we can easily avoid that fellow, but he may
+have appeared as a ruse," said the captain, glancing
+to starboard, with an anxious air.</p>
+
+<p>The first officer standing near, although intently
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>watching the submarine in the distance, remarked:
+"It is now the custom for two or more of the
+undersea boats to operate in unison; the one we
+are now looking at may be a decoy."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by 'decoy'" asked Ralph,
+in astonishment. "Is it likely that they would
+expect us to steer right into them?"</p>
+
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep030" id="imagep030"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep030.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep030.png" width="55%" alt="The Submarine Decoy" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>The Submarine Decoy</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"No; their idea is to have one of the submarines
+show up in front, knowing that the intercepted vessel
+will turn to avoid it. Then the other submarine,
+with nothing but its periscope above the
+water, and on the other side of the sailing course
+of the ship, will be in position, the moment the turn
+is made, to deliver the shot. That is why the captain
+has gone to the other side, as you will notice
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>the vessel is now going to starboard," said the
+officer.</p>
+
+<p>The ship had now turned so that it was broadside
+to the distant submarine. Not only its conning
+tower was now visible, but a long black object
+fore and aft could be plainly observed.</p>
+
+<p>"Three points to port!" shouted the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The quartermaster swung the wheel around, and
+the ship seemed to heel over, so suddenly did the
+rudder act.</p>
+
+<p>"One point to starboard, and full speed ahead!"
+was the next order from the captain.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed that the order had no more than been
+executed than he again sang out:</p>
+
+<p>"Two points to port!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is that for?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"He is zig-zagging the ship through the sea,"
+replied the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"What for?" inquired Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another submarine three points to
+starboard astern."</p>
+
+<p>"Then,&mdash;then the captain,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the one behind us is near enough to reach
+us if we keep on a straight course, but the captain
+has manoeuvered so as to bring him directly in
+our wake, and continually changed the target so
+that the submarine cannot aim with accuracy," interrupted
+the officer.</p>
+
+<p>The passengers on the decks below did not need
+to be told that something unusual was happening.
+The changing course of the ship, the unusual activity
+on the bridge, the leveling of the glasses to
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>the port side and to the stern by the different
+groups, were sufficient warnings of the presence
+of the dread monsters.</p>
+
+<p>The submarine on the port side was now coming
+forward with all the speed it possessed, and again
+the captain turned the ship another point to starboard.
+The funnels were belching smoke, and
+sparks flying from the top. The engineers were
+putting on forced draft and the ship seemed to be
+trembling as it shot through the smooth sea. It
+was an ideal condition for the launching of a torpedo.</p>
+
+<p>"Torpedo coming on starboard side!" shouted
+a voice.</p>
+
+<p>Every one now rushed to the right side of the
+bridge. There was a shriek below. From an unexpected
+quarter the third submarine's periscope
+was visible, and a foamy trail, straight as a mark,
+began to lengthen out toward their vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"Reverse! Reverse engines!" shouted the captain.
+The order was executed, but too late. The
+trail came nearer and grew broader. Some of the
+passengers put their hands over their eyes, others
+stood like fixed statues. The captain placed his
+hand to his brow, but quickly turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Order the men to the boat!" he said in a quiet
+voice, as he stepped forward and seized the handle
+of the boat's whistle.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had the order been given when a terrific
+crash followed. The bridge seemed to have
+been seized with a giant hand and it vibrated with
+an intense force. A hundred feet from the stern
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>of the ship a great mass of water shot upward and
+fragments of the deck were hoisted up and scattered
+around.</p>
+
+<p>The ship at first swayed to port and then quickly
+swung back to starboard, but did not again roll
+back to port. The captain shook his head. There
+was a perceptible list in the position of the ship.</p>
+
+<p>"Take your position in the boats!" he shouted
+to the men on the bridge, and as he did so he
+quickly pulled the lever,&mdash;one, two, three, four,
+five.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the last blast sounded the seamen
+were at the boats assigned to them. The engines
+had stopped. The passengers, all except those
+who had fainted, had left the deck. Ralph and
+Alfred made a dash for the waiting room. Their
+parents were not there. Down they went to the
+cabins, passing on the way the crowded hallways
+and the unutterable confusion which resulted from
+the order to hurriedly leave the ship.</p>
+
+<p>They found their parents in the cabin, and, due
+to the forethought of Mr. Elton, the lifebuoys had
+been adjusted, and their valuables secured beforehand.
+Others, however, were not so fortunate.
+Across the way were several women and children.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me help you," said Alfred, as he entered
+the first cabin. "I will take care of the baby," he
+remarked, as he picked it up, while the mother
+was almost frantic.</p>
+
+<p>"I will take the other one," shouted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"We can't stop here another minute," said Alfred.
+"Do you see how the ship is leaning over?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>"Come on, Mother," cried Ralph; "follow us
+or we may not be able to go up the stairs."</p>
+
+<p>Alfred crowded close behind Ralph, and Mr. Elton
+assisted the two women along the passageway.
+All arrived on deck, the boys with the two children
+in their arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is No. 8?" "I can't find No. 9," said
+another. "What has become of the girl?"
+shrieked one; "Are we going to turn over?" asked
+a trembling voice. The officers were going to and
+fro, mingling with the passengers.</p>
+
+<p>"What is your boat number?" asks one officer.
+"This way; that is the place you are assigned to."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Elton and his party reached No. 1 without
+accident, and all but the boys were safely placed in
+the boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, boys," said Mr. Elton. "But where
+is the mother of the children?" he asked, as he saw
+the boys were unaccompanied.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the baby," said Alfred, as he passed it
+to his mother.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph handed the little girl to one of the seamen,
+and sprang after Alfred. There was now a
+dangerous list, and Mrs. Elton noticed it.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any danger if our boys go below to the
+stateroom?" she asked the petty officer, who was
+holding the rope connected with the tackle of their
+boat.</p>
+
+<p>"She'll have to sway over a great deal further
+to go down," he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>This comforted her for the moment. Passengers
+were still coming up from the c<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>ompanionways;
+some were being dragged along, and others
+acted like drunken men and women. It was a terribly
+trying sight.</p>
+
+<p>An old man shambled forward as he emerged
+from the cabin door, glanced along at the filled
+boats held in the davit, tried to speak, and fell
+headlong on the deck. A surgeon near by rushed
+up, turned him over, felt of his heart and pulse,
+shook his head, and drew the body close up to the
+side of the cabin wall. Then the officer made a
+search to ascertain the name of the man, and extracted
+papers from his pockets.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the boys had not returned, and the
+ship was turning over on its side more and more.</p>
+
+<p>"Launch the boats!" ordered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But our boys! our boys!" shrieked Ralph's
+mother, but as she arose she was forcibly restrained.
+The captain did not hear, and at the
+command the boats went down. Even then a half-dozen
+passengers emerged from the door too late,
+and one of them, notwithstanding the warning,
+was without a life belt.</p>
+
+<p>The ship's deck was now at an angle of fully
+thirty degrees,&mdash;as steep as the ordinary roof.
+Those emerging from the cabin on the port side
+could not maintain a footing, but were compelled
+to slide down to the side railing. This was the
+situation when Ralph and Alfred reached the door
+which led to the deck from the companionway.
+They were carrying the woman whose children
+they had rescued, as she was in a frenzy, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>struggled with the boys. The moment the inclined
+deck was reached Alfred said:</p>
+
+<p>"See that she goes overboard, and I will go
+down for that little girl," and he crawled back
+into the ship.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph finally succeeded in loosening the
+woman's hold, and together they slid down the
+deck. The woman was now uncontrollable. She
+threw her arms about wildly, and cried for her
+children. Ralph pointed to the boats below, but
+this did not quiet her. Taking advantage of the
+moment when both hands were free, Ralph, by a
+terrific effort, pushed her across the railing, and,
+with a loud shriek, she shot downward.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph looked around, and caught a momentary
+sight of his parents in the boat below. Mrs. Elton
+was calling for Alfred. Ralph nodded his head
+and tried to crawl back up the inclined deck, but
+it was useless. An arm then appeared through
+the door opening, then a head, and he knew it must
+be Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you help me up?" shouted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred disengaged himself and extended his
+body down along the deck. This enabled Ralph to
+seize hold of his legs and draw himself up into the
+doorway.</p>
+
+<p>Once there he saw the trouble that Alfred had
+to contend with. Lying half-way up the stairs
+was a poor cripple, half dead with fright, and the
+little girl, not much better. Laboriously, he had
+assisted, first one and then the other, and was
+about exhausted when Ralph came to the rescue.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="III" id="III"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h2>PRISONERS ON BOARD OF A SUBMARINE</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The captain was still on deck, together with the
+first officer, both of them being at that time on the
+upper side of the vessel. They made the most
+careful examination of the staterooms and
+searched every corner to be sure that no one lingered
+behind. Coming forward they witnessed the
+struggles of the boys with the cripple and the girl,
+but the ship was now too far over on its side to
+permit them to render assistance.</p>
+
+<p>The cripple was soon brought to the door, and,
+without ceremony, pushed down the incline. The
+little girl followed, but before the boys could reach
+the railing the poor cripple slipped over the railing
+and disappeared. The boys held the child
+aloft for a moment, and then dropped her into the
+waves.</p>
+
+<p>"Jump as far as you can!" shouted the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph placed a foot on the railing, and, looking
+back at Alfred, said: "Here goes! Come on!"</p>
+
+<p>Both boys landed at almost the same time. The
+little girl was aroused by the cold water, and was
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>wildly floundering about, but the cripple lay upon
+the surface of the water, with face upturned, limp
+and still. They glanced about; where were the
+boats? They could not be far away.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid he's done for," said Alfred, as he
+glanced toward the cripple.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we might as well stay near him; he might
+be all right," replied Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Move away from the ship quickly," said a
+voice in the water, not far away.</p>
+
+<p>It was the captain. He was the last one to dive,
+after he had seen every passenger safely off the
+ship.</p>
+
+<p>"We have no time to lose; take care of yourselves;
+I will help the little girl," he continued, as
+he threw the child on his back, and began to strike
+out.</p>
+
+<p>The sea had been calm up to this time, but no
+sooner had the captain ceased speaking than a
+tremendous wave almost engulfed them; they
+seemed to be carried up, and then were forced
+down by a giant swell. Another wave followed
+and then another, until, finally, the oscillations of
+the waves seemed to be growing less and less.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the ship?" cried Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"She's gone down; that's what made the
+waves," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The cripple's hand was raised up, and his eyes
+began to roll.</p>
+
+<p>"This fellow's all right, after all," said Ralph.
+"I'll help him. I wonder where the boats are?"</p>
+
+<p>The sun, which was going down while all this
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>had been taking place, had now disappeared, and
+there was that gray, lead-like appearance on the
+waves that comes just before twilight.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep up your courage, boys; we shall soon
+have plenty of boats looking for us," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Within less than a minute thereafter two boats
+could be seen bobbing up and down not far away,
+heading straight for those in the water. Ralph
+was the first one caught by the strong arm of a
+seaman, and then the little girl, now fully recovered
+from her fright, received the care of a woman
+in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred assisted the cripple into the other boat,
+and the captain ordered all the passengers transferred
+to the boat which had just come up.</p>
+
+<p>The boys then noticed that only three seamen
+remained, together with the captain and first officer.</p>
+
+<p>"You may remain with us," said the captain,
+addressing Ralph and Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>This was, indeed, a compliment to them, which
+was appreciated.</p>
+
+<p>"I know father, mother and auntie are all
+right," said Alfred. "Do you think they saw us
+get off?" he added anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"They were standing by when you jumped, but
+when the ship made the last lurch, just before she
+went down the seamen knew that they must pull
+away to avoid being sucked under. It might have
+been too dark for them actually to have seen you
+get away, at the distance they were from the ship,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>but I don't think they will expect to see us before
+morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, do you intend to stay here all night?"
+asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No, but each boat crew has had instructions to
+make for the nearest port, as rapidly as possible,"
+replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we now?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"In the Bay of Biscay, about one hundred and
+fifty miles from the nearest land," answered the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"How long will it take us to reach land?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Possibly two days, or more; that depends on
+the weather and the conditions in the bay. This is
+the most turbulent body of water anywhere on the
+Atlantic coast line, but it has been remarkably
+smooth during the past twenty-four hours," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the name of the place that we are
+heading for?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"St. Nazaire; a French town at the mouth of the
+river Loire," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>It was now quite dark, and a haze prevented the
+occupants of the boat from making any observation
+of the stars, hence the sailing, or rather, the
+rowing, had to be conducted by compass entirely,
+the order being given by the captain to steer east
+by north, a term which indicates that the course
+was exactly two points north of a line running due
+east and west.</p>
+
+<p>Three miles an hour at the outside, would be
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>considered good speed. Sails would have been
+useless without a wind, and there was not the
+slightest breeze, but about midnight there was an
+apparent rocking in the little boat that indicated
+a wind. Occasionally, there would be a jerk, as the
+boat would be thrown from one side to the other.
+The captain was awake and alert, but the boys
+were lying in the bottom of the vessel near the
+stern.</p>
+
+<p>It was a trying, weary night, and when the sun
+arose the sea was one panorama of short, choppy
+waves. The seamen were tired with rowing, and
+it was evident that no great effort was being made
+to hurry the boat along.</p>
+
+<p>"It does seem to me that the sun is coming up
+on the wrong side this morning," remarked Alfred,
+as they were partaking of the food prepared
+and stowed in the boat's lockers.</p>
+
+<p>"I imagine you are turned around somewhat,"
+replied the captain. "The wind is now coming
+from the east, and you see the sun almost ahead
+of us. We are being carried west faster than the
+rowers can take us eastward, hence we are practically
+standing still, or rather going back, and
+they are now merely holding the boat so as to give
+us steerage way and prevent us from going into
+the troughs between the waves."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you sighted either of the other boats?"
+asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but one of the men observed a light at two
+this morning, three points to starboard, which was,
+possibly, one of our companions, but since that
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>time we have searched the seas fruitlessly," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know why it is that if all of the boats
+steer to the same point that they should be scattered
+in this way," said Alfred. "Can you explain
+it, Captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would not be so if in the open sea, or in mid-ocean;
+there they would be likely to keep together,
+or not separated more than three or four miles;
+but it is quite another thing in this great bay," replied
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why should it be different here?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will take a map of the western part of
+Europe, you will notice three great projecting
+headlands, or points on the western shore of the
+continent of Europe, namely, Iceland, in the north,
+and the Spanish peninsula in the south. Midway
+between you will notice Ireland and the British
+Isles. The great Gulf stream comes down from
+the north, passes Iceland, that is one branch, hugs
+the coast of Ireland, and strikes the point of land
+which projects out northwesterly from the main
+Spanish land, so that a sort of maelstrom is set
+up in the bay."</p>
+
+<p>"How far are we from that point of land?"
+asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"About two hundred miles northeast; and I
+may also say that we are just about in the middle
+of the Bay of Biscay, and at that point where the
+sea is always more quiet than at any other part,"
+answered the captain.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep043" id="imagep043"></a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+<a href="images/imagep043.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep043.png" width="45%" alt="Map Showing the Scene of the Wanderings of the Boys" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>"Ship to starboard, sir," sang out the forward
+watch.</p>
+
+<p>The captain turned to the right and, after a
+brief glance, lowered his hand. The boys looked
+at him in wonder. Evidently the sight of the vessel
+did not give him pleasure. It was a low-lying
+craft, with two short masts.</p>
+
+<p>"That looks like a submarine," shouted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The submarine was coming forward rapidly,
+and within fifteen minutes it was within hailing
+distance. They now had an opportunity to examine
+the ugly thing with the long black back and
+the conning tower midway between the ends.</p>
+
+<p>"Are those the periscopes?" asked Alfred. "I
+didn't know they carried two of them."</p>
+
+<p>"That is the practice now," said one seamen.</p>
+
+<p>The submarine came straight toward them, then
+sheered off and stopped alongside less than thirty
+feet from the boat. One of the seamen tossed a
+rope, which was grasped by a marine on the undersea
+boat, and in that manner they were drawn close
+up to the side of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>An officer now came forward, and in French invited
+the captain to step aboard. There was a
+broad smile on the officer's face, as he recognized
+the captain of the vessel which they had torpedoed
+the night before. With a respectful bow he requested
+the captain to turn over the ship's papers.
+The captain was, of course, powerless, but he refused
+to do so on the plea that he did not have
+them with him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>"Search the boat!" commanded the officer to
+several of his crew.</p>
+
+<p>The captain was about to go back to his boat
+when the officer remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"We prefer the pleasure of your company for
+the present, sir."</p>
+
+<p>The captain folded his arms, and stood straight
+before the officer, as two marines jumped into the
+boat, and began the search. Eventually, a leather
+case was found, on which was inscribed the ship's
+name. It was tossed up to the officer, who, after
+receiving it, entered the conning tower, where he
+remained for some time.</p>
+
+<p>When he reappeared he said: "I shall have to
+detain you," and, glancing down into the boat,
+continued: "The two young men in the stern will
+also come aboard."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were astounded at this new turn of
+affairs. Slowly they arose, and stepped on the
+narrow platform which projected out from the
+side of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>"There may be some reason why you should
+wish to detain me, but there is no excuse for making
+these young men prisoners; they are Americans
+returning home, and cannot be considered as
+belligerents," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant looked at the captain and turned
+his gaze on the boys a few moments before replying:
+"In what business were they engaged while
+on the continent?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain started slightly, while the officer
+toyed with his mustache, and peered at the boys.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>"We haven't engaged in any particular business
+on the continent," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No; flying isn't engaging in any business, is
+it?" inquired the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Alfred, "we took part in the Red
+Cross service, were with the infantry, served a
+time with the flying corps, then had a little experience
+with the transportation service, helped
+them out in the artillery, and did the best we could
+everywhere we went, if that's what you wish to
+know."</p>
+
+<p>The officer gave the boys a cynical glance, and
+nodded to one of the marines. The latter stepped
+forward and began searching the boys, Ralph being
+the first to undergo the ordeal; several letters,
+a few trinkets, a knife and a purse, containing all
+the boy possessed, were removed. The coat when
+thrown back revealed a cross, suspended by a ribbon,
+the decoration which had been bestowed on
+the boys after their last flight at Verdun.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred handed over the contents of his pockets.
+The German officer glanced at the medals, and
+made another motion. The seamen then pushed
+them into the conning tower and the boys saw a
+narrow flight of stairs to which they were directed,
+the captain following.</p>
+
+<p>Down into the bowels of a submarine! A warm,
+peculiar, oily odor greeted them as they descended,
+but the air was not at all unpleasant and breathing
+was easy. Glancing about they saw confused
+masses of mechanism, tanks, pipes, valves, levers,
+wheels, clock-faced dial plates and other <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>contrivances,
+all huddled together, with barely room to
+pass from one place to another. Electric bulbs
+were everywhere visible, lighting up the interior.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there was a slight tremor in the vessel,
+indicating that some machinery was in motion.
+Once at the bottom they stood there until the
+seaman stepped forward and opened a small door
+through which there was barely room to pass, and
+he motioned them to enter. They did so, and
+found themselves in a compartment which did
+not seem to be more than five by six feet in size,
+and even in this small space mechanism was noticed.
+The moment the door closed they were in
+total darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a nice place to get into," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if they are going to keep us cooped
+up like this without a light?" said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>After an interval of ten minutes a rumbling was
+heard, which continued, a rhythmic motion followed
+in unison with the sounds generated by the
+machinery.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the propeller," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Voices were heard occasionally, but words could
+not be distinguished. Confined as they were the
+air seemed to be pure and in abundance at all
+times, and while there was not the faintest signs
+of closeness, there was an eternal monotony,&mdash;an
+existence in which there was nothing to do but
+breathe and think.</p>
+
+<p>How long they were thus confined, without a
+single thing to break the stillness, they could not
+conceive. It seemed that hours had gone by, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>during
+which time there was nothing to disturb them,
+except the one steady whirr, broken occasionally
+by some remark by one or the other.</p>
+
+<p>Then came an unexpected hum of voices; the
+machinery seemed to stop for a moment, and when
+it was again continued it had a different melody.
+The wheels, if such they were, seemed to turn
+with smoothness, and they felt a sudden inclination
+in the seats on which they were sitting.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you suppose has happened?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"The electric mechanism has been hitched to the
+propeller, and, if I am not mistaken, we are going
+down," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"It did feel as though the forward end dipped
+down a moment ago," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>Another wait for a half-hour, and then a most
+peculiar sound reached their ears. Simultaneously,
+the ship seemed to stop and go on. Again
+voices were heard, and the same reaction in the
+hull of the submarine was felt, accompanied by
+the dull noise, as before.</p>
+
+<p>"They have just fired two torpedoes," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h2>THE TERRORS IN THE DARK ROOM OF AN UNDERSEA BOAT</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>Imagine yourself locked in a compartment,
+barely large enough to stretch yourself out
+straight, in a ship under the sea, in total darkness,
+knowing that should any one of the hundreds of
+things within that ship go wrong, it would mean a
+plunge to the bottom of the sea, beyond the help
+of all human aid.</p>
+
+<p>The danger to them was just as great while on
+the surface of the water, for the guns mounted on
+most vessels at this time, would make the submarine
+a legitimate prey. One shot would be sufficient,
+for ingenuity has not yet found a way to
+quickly stop a leak in a submarine. Such a vessel,
+when once struck, dare not dive, for that would
+quickly fill the interior of the vessel with water.</p>
+
+<p>It must, in that case, remain afloat, subject to
+the hail of shot which must follow, their only salvation
+in that event would be to hoist the white
+flag. Few, if any submarine commanders have
+done so, and even should that occur, it would not
+prevent the hull from being riddled before the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>fact could be made known. The three-inch guns
+mounted on most of the merchantmen, with an effective
+range of three miles, could tear the weak
+hull of a submarine to pieces at a single shot, and
+all would be sure to go down before help could arrive
+from the attacking steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"The machinery seems to go very slow now,"
+remarked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"They may be cautiously coming to the top,"
+replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you hear that peculiar noise?" said Alfred,
+as he laid his hand on the captain's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"That was plainly a shot from a ship," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think we could hear firing through all
+this metal?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Much easier than if we were on deck," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you think so?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Because water is a better conductor of sound
+than air," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that we can hear it better than
+if the sound came through the air?" queried Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"The sound can be heard not only much plainer,
+but also much sooner than through the air," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we are going down again," remarked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt of it," answered the captain quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think they have hit us?" eagerly inquired
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>The captain did not reply. Alfred reached his
+hand forward and grasped the captain's hand.
+"You needn't fear to tell us if you think we are
+going down for the last time."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave boy!" said the captain. "I do
+not know what to answer. I have never been on
+a submarine when it was struck by a bullet; but
+it seemed to me as though something struck our
+shell, and if it did there is no help for us, for
+the devils would gloat on our misery, and would
+not think of liberating us, to give us a chance for
+our lives."</p>
+
+<p>Fifteen minutes elapsed before the captain continued:
+"This gives me some hope."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" quickly inquired Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"We are still on an even keel," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Does that mean that we are safe?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if the shell of the submarine had been
+pierced, and we were really going down it would
+not be long before the hull would lose its equipoise
+and turn around, or it might stand on end, due to
+the distribution of water throughout the interior,"
+was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand now," said Alfred. "You think
+we are still floating, but do you think we are on
+the surface?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are, undoubtedly, submerged, for it is evident
+that the smooth motion of the propeller comes
+from the electric motors and not from the internal
+combustion engines, which are used solely while
+running on the surface," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>After hours more of interminable waiting, they
+heard a noise close at hand. With something like
+a snap the door opened and a flood of light
+streamed into their compartment from the electric
+bulbs without, and, looking up, they saw, at the
+ceiling of their room, a small electric bulb.</p>
+
+<p>"Why is it we didn't hunt for that?" whispered
+Ralph, looking up.</p>
+
+<p>"But I can't see any way to turn it on," said
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That lights only from the outside," said the
+attendant. "Here is something to eat," he continued
+in English.</p>
+
+<p>"What time is it?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Half past one o'clock," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>They had been in that cramped prison pen five
+hours.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you torpedo another ship?" queried the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"We tried to; but a torpedo boat destroyer came
+up too close," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"How many shots did it fire?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Two," was the laconic reply.</p>
+
+<p>"How long have we been submerged?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two hours," answered the man. "As I came
+down the report from the periscope showed a clear
+sea, and we are now about to resume surface travel
+and repair one of the periscopes."</p>
+
+<p>The boys glanced at each other and at the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," remarked the captain, "that was a
+pretty close call."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>The attendant left them without closing the
+door, and as the prisoners glanced about, nothing
+was to be seen of the stairway which led to the
+conning tower. Men were noticed at work, each
+being stationed at some particular machine or
+set of machinery. Then, with a bang, something
+like a trap door swung aside and the stairway
+was revealed, and a peculiar light streamed in
+through the hatch opening.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the sun," said Ralph, in ecstacy.</p>
+
+<p>"I never thought we'd see that again," said Alfred,
+almost overcome.</p>
+
+<p>"May we walk around?" asked the captain, as
+he approached an under officer.</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't much chance for exercising here,"
+was the reply, "but I think you will be given top
+liberty after awhile," replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Will they let us go?" asked Ralph eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"No; he didn't say that; he meant they would
+give us liberty to walk on the top deck for a short
+time," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly thereafter the lieutenant in command
+of the submarine appeared at the foot of the
+hatchway and informed the captain that they
+were at liberty to ascend. Never did the sun appear
+to be more beautiful or inviting, although
+there was a perceptible chill in the atmosphere.
+The submarine was moving along at a speed of
+twelve knots an hour. Four men were engaged
+in taking down a bent and partially ruptured periscope
+tube.</p>
+
+<p>The captain glanced at it and drew the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>attention
+of the boys to its structure. It was the tall
+periscope that received the shot, which struck it
+about four feet from the top.</p>
+
+<p>"It must have been hit on the water line," said
+the captain, addressing the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>The latter merely nodded, but made no remarks
+in response.</p>
+
+<p>They were permitted to walk to and fro for an
+hour, when the order came to descend, and they
+again entered their prison. As before, they were
+subjected to total darkness, but there was no necessity
+for this deprivation, and it is not clear why an
+enemy should treat prisoners in this manner, for
+such actions necessarily leave only resentments
+and do no good whatever.</p>
+
+<p>It was a long, long, dreary afternoon and night,
+which they tried to while away in sleeping, for conversation,
+under the circumstances, soon became
+irksome. When they awoke, or, rather, when all
+were again alert and felt as though the night must
+have passed, the captain was the first to break the
+silence, as he said:</p>
+
+<p>"We have been resting quietly for more than an
+hour, I should say, probably lying in wait in one
+of the steamer lanes for new victims."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it likely we are on the bottom of the
+ocean? Don't they go down sometimes and wait
+there?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but not in deep water, such as is found
+in this bay. At no place is it less than 150 fathoms,
+and in the central portion, where our ship
+went down it is more than 2,000 fathoms."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>"Why, that's two miles deep, or more," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the Bay of Biscay is one of the deep holes
+in the Atlantic coast line of Europe. The average
+depth of the Irish Sea, St. George Channel, the
+English Channel and the North Sea is only about
+250 feet, and there are thousands of places in the
+North Sea, particularly, like the Dogger Banks,
+where the water is not more than a hundred feet
+deep," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then the submarines could easily rest on the
+bottom if the depth is not more than one hundred
+feet?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Submarines have, in several cases, gone down
+as far as 200 feet below the surface, but it is at
+a great risk," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean risk from the pressure of the
+water?" said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"What would be the pressure of the water on
+a submarine at that depth?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Pressure is calculated on the square inch of
+surface; for every twenty-eight inches the pressure
+is equal to one pound. If, therefore, 200 is
+multiplied by 12 and then divided by 28, the quotient
+will represent the number of pounds on each
+square inch," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why multiply 200 by twelve?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Because there are twelve inches in a foot,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes; I didn't happen to think of it; well,
+200 by 12,&mdash;that's 2,400, and divided by 28, is&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>"Eighty-five," interrupted Alfred. "Well,
+that's not very much."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true," rejoined the captain; "but how
+many square inches are there in a square foot?"</p>
+
+<p>"One hundred and forty-four," replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, eighty-five times one hundred and forty-four
+makes quite a sum," continued the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Whew,&mdash;&mdash;" said Ralph with a half whistle in
+his tone, "why, if I have made it out right, it's
+over 12,000 pounds. No wonder it isn't safe to
+stay down very long, if at all, at that depth."</p>
+
+<p>"I have often wondered how it is that the submarine
+could rest on the bottom or come up at
+will," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"All submarines are lighter than the water in
+which they float," answered the captain. "They
+are provided with tanks holding compressed air.
+Now, in order to submerge, the only thing necessary
+is to permit enough water to flow into special
+tanks within the submarine, until the combined
+weight of the water, hull and mechanism,
+is the same as the amount of water that the ship
+displaces. If an added quantity of water is now
+added, it will go down, and remain under water
+until the air in the compressed tanks is used to
+force out a quantity of water from the special
+tanks."</p>
+
+<p>"But is that the only way they can go down?"
+asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; a submarine can submerge without
+doing that, but in such a case power must be used,"
+answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>"What! push it down by power?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly; these vessels have fins, the same as
+fish, so arranged that if they are properly turned
+and the ship moves forward, it will dive, and continue
+to go down at an angle as long as the fins
+are properly set. If the vessel should stop moving
+the submarine would come to the top, because
+it is lighter than the water," responded the captain.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="V" id="V"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h2>SOME OF THE MYSTERIES OF A SUBMARINE</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>With a click the door of their prison cabin
+opened and a seaman informed them that their
+breakfast was ready. They passed through the
+narrow door, and edged their way along a tortuous
+path that led to the rear, where they entered
+what might be called a miniature galley, on one
+side of which was a narrow shelf containing food
+of various descriptions.</p>
+
+<p>There was room only for the attendant to pass
+while they were seated. An abundance of the best
+food was served, cereals, and even fruit, forming
+part of the menu. Each of these vessels carry
+from twenty-two to thirty men, but there were in
+sight in the dining room only ten, besides the cook
+and waiter.</p>
+
+<p>After the meal, the captain inquired of the officer
+at the main hatch whether they would be permitted
+to go on deck.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no orders," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the boys had an opportunity to investigate
+the mysteries of the interior, for it was
+well lighted.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>"What are those long drums ahead there?"
+asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I think they are the casings which carry the
+torpedoes," replied the captain. "If you look
+beyond you will see the rear ends of the tubes
+which receive the torpedoes. The cylinders in
+sight hold the torpedoes until they are ready to
+be placed in the tubes and shot out of them."</p>
+
+<p>"You have orders to go on deck," the under officer
+at the bottom of the hatch now informed them.</p>
+
+<p>This was an invitation to which they quickly responded.
+They ascended, and found the sun hidden,
+and the sea about them calm. Glancing across
+the broad expanse of water, not a sail was in sight.
+It was a cold, gray morning, ordinarily uninviting
+weather, but after the house of confinement it was
+enjoyed to the fullest extent.</p>
+
+<p>"Down below!" shouted a voice.</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked around in surprise, for they
+had been on deck less than ten minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"Clear the deck!" shouted the same voice. The
+boys, with the captain, were hustled forward into
+the conning tower, and the iron door closed with
+a bang. The boys were permitted to stop only
+long enough to see two men turn eight swinging
+bolts, which hung about the margins of the doors,
+and quickly screw them up against the jamb.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant was leaning over a narrow table
+on which was a chart, and gazing through a crystal-covered
+port in the front of the conning tower.
+A bell tinkled, machinery began to turn and impart
+its vibration to the ship, and it was again a living
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>thing. It glided forward with the same rhythmic
+noises for a half-hour, and then two bells were
+heard.</p>
+
+<p>The character of the sounds from the machinery
+changed; they seemed to move forward with less
+effort, and as they felt the same inclination in the
+motion of the ship, all were now satisfied that she
+was again submerging. Fortunately, they were
+not confined to their room, and, although no verbal
+orders had been given for the various operations
+required to handle the vessel, the prisoners had an
+opportunity to judge of what was going on.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, when the signal was given to change the
+motive power from the internal combustion engines
+to electricity, they could see the engine stop,
+and an attendant shift the clutch which engaged
+the electric motors. A dial swinging over a card
+alongside a pair of levers indicated the direction
+of movement, while another gave not only the inclination
+of the ship, but its speed as well.</p>
+
+<p>These things were very fascinating to the boys,
+but their attention was now attracted to a still
+more interesting scene. A bell forward gave two
+short, quick snaps. Four men sprang forward and
+stood at attention, two on each side of the tube at
+the right of the hold.</p>
+
+<p>"The indicator shows that the submarine is
+turning," said the captain. The boys watched the
+indicator; it had swung around almost half-way.</p>
+
+<p>"There,&mdash;look at the inclinometer," said Ralph.
+"It is moving upward&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ting! ting!" Two more sharp bells forward.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>The cylinder was off the torpedo, and it lay before
+them exposed.</p>
+
+<p>Three bells more; and now there was feverish
+haste. An oval door in the wall ahead was swung
+open, revealing a round, black hole.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the torpedo tube," said the captain
+quietly.</p>
+
+<p>The torpedo was moved back three feet, and
+then again carried forward on its truck so that
+the end of the torpedo entered the tube.</p>
+
+<p>One bell more. The torpedo moved into the
+tube, the breech block, which in this case was the
+oval door, closed, and the crew stood at attention.
+While thus waiting the boys glanced at the inclinometer
+and at the direction indicator.</p>
+
+<p>"See it swing back and forth," said Alfred. "It
+seems to act queerly."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," replied the captain. "Evidently
+we are chasing a ship which is zig-zagging, as we
+did, for the direction dial is constantly moving."</p>
+
+<p>While thus conversing they were startled by the
+signal of four bells. One of the men, reaching forward,
+touched a button, and the signal could be
+heard in the conning tower. That was, evidently,
+to inform the commander there that all was in
+readiness. Everything was expectancy now. The
+ship still manoeuvered.</p>
+
+<p>Then, without a warning of any kind, there was
+a singular dull sound, which seemed to shake the
+submarine from stem to stern.</p>
+
+<p>"They have fired it," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"And they are putting in another one."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>"If I am not mistaken it is the last one they
+have," suggested the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you think so?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I notice that all the cylinders with the open
+ends are without torpedoes, and you will notice
+that the one they are now putting in is the last
+one with the closed end," responded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad they haven't any more of them,"
+said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>Three bells again sounded; the officer at the
+gun responded, and during the next two minutes
+of suspense, the boys were quiet, waiting for the
+next shot. It soon came; the ship shook as before,
+the breach block opened, the shell behind the
+torpedo was extracted, the door closed and the
+men stood at attention.</p>
+
+<p>When the officer, who had handled the torpedoes,
+walked down the steps from the conning
+tower, the boys noticed him shake his head sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you notice that?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean the way he shook his head?" said
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I am curious to get your views about that
+action of the officer," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"That is, why he shook his head?" interjected
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered the captain. "Do you think
+he looked discouraged because the shot failed in
+its mission, or because it went home successfully?
+That is the problem."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were quiet for a few moments. Ralph
+was the first to speak: "Well, I'll bet the torpedo
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>didn't hit the ship, and he feels cut up over it, as
+it was the last one they had."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't agree with you," rejoined Alfred. "It
+struck the ship and sunk it, and the fellow feels so
+badly about it that he shook his head the way he
+did when he thought of the suffering it caused.
+Don't you agree with me?" said Alfred, addressing
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The captain could not repress a slight laugh as:
+he answered: "I must confess you advance good
+arguments in both directions; but really, I am of
+the opinion that either torpedo didn't get in its
+work."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you think the first one failed?"</p>
+
+<p>"If the first one had succeeded, they would not
+have shot the second, would they?" replied the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I don't think they would, seeing they had
+only one more left," remarked Ralph. "But why
+do you think the last one was no more successful?"</p>
+
+<p>"I infer it from the following circumstances:
+It takes, on an average, a minute for a torpedo to
+reach its mark, after it leaves the torpedo tube.
+The officer in the tower is in a position where he
+can see the effect of the shot. If the torpedo
+struck, however favorable the blow, it would take
+at least fifteen or twenty minutes for the ship to
+go down. Sometimes the bulkheads will keep the
+ship afloat an hour or more. In fact, there are
+records of ships which have been torpedoed, that
+were actually towed into harbors and saved," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>"But I do not see how that is any sign that the
+torpedo missed," replied Alfred inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably you did not notice the period that
+elapsed after the last shot, and the time the officer
+came down the tower hatch?" remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I did not observe," replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"You remember, do you not, that as soon as the
+last torpedo was launched, the officer went up into
+the conning tower, and that within a minute, or
+not exceeding two minutes, he again came down
+the stairway, and shook his head in such a disconsolate
+manner?" continued the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes; you may be right in that," responded
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, I inferred this," said the captain, "that
+the lieutenant had had ample opportunity to observe
+whether or not the shot went home, and, as
+it had not landed, he reported to the officer the
+failure. If the shot had struck he would have
+known it before the officer left the conning tower
+to come down. Do you get my idea?" asked the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"That seems to answer the question, to my
+mind, that it wasn't a hit," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it doesn't quite satisfy me," replied Alfred.
+"The lieutenant might have told him that
+the shot hit the ship, and that it was going down,
+and that's what made him feel so badly about it."</p>
+
+<p>The captain could not help feeling amused at
+Alfred's argument, as he replied: "I must admit
+that your view is logical, and I am also willing to
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>assent that the question is one, which, in the absence
+of actual knowledge, could be settled in one
+way only."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"By knowing the mental condition and attitude
+of the officer who came down the hatchway. If he
+happened to be a humane person he would regret
+the loss of life, and show it, probably, by his actions.
+On the other hand, if he should be devoid
+of the finer feelings, and be a mere slave to duty,
+it is more than likely that he would shake his head
+discouragingly, to learn that the torpedo failed
+in its mission," was the captain's final word on the
+subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that they are out of torpedoes, what do
+you suppose they will do?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Go home; I suppose," replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless they have a base somewhere on the
+coast," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the most likely place for such a
+base?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the enigma, of course. It has been believed
+that the Germans have a base somewhere
+along the northern coast of Spain," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What are the reasons for thinking so?" asked
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"One of them is that some of the Spaniards are
+said to be more or less friendly to the Germans,
+and, furthermore, there are few ports or harbors
+on the north coast, hence the shipping to Spain in
+the southern waters of the Bay of Biscay is very
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>small, a condition which would help to keep a base
+along the coast line at one or more points."</p>
+
+<p>"But we ought to know in the next day or two
+whether they have such a base," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it will be the opportunity now for us to
+make some observation which will tell us whether
+we are going to Germany, or not," said the captain
+with a grin.</p>
+
+<p>Situated, as they were, below decks, with no instruments
+but the direction indicator, and the inclinometer
+in sight, it was impossible to judge of
+the direction they were going, for it was evident
+that the submarine was now moving ahead at full
+speed.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be, probably, twenty-four hours before
+we are able to get any information as to our destination,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you intend to ask some of the men?" inquired
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"No; that would be fruitless. It is not at all
+likely they will venture any information upon a
+subject of that character," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then how would it be possible to learn anything
+about where we are going?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"We are now somewhere in the Bay of Biscay,
+and I infer that we must be about a hundred and
+fifty miles from the Spanish coast. To reach that
+at the rate we are going, would take at least ten
+hours, for I assume that the vessel is capable of
+at least ten miles an hour. Then, we must take
+into consideration the possible meeting with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>vessels,
+in which case we must submerge, and thus
+go much slower," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, if they have a base anywhere along the
+coast we ought to be there before tomorrow at
+this time?" ventured Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That is exactly what I mean," answered the
+captain.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h2>GROPING THROUGH THE ENGLISH CHANNEL</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>There was a steady pulsation of the engines
+during the entire afternoon without cessation until
+five o'clock, when the submarine submerged and
+continued under water for an hour. The three
+captives had now learned a great many of the
+manoeuvers incident to the diving operations, the
+signals accompanying each action, and studied
+with the greatest diligence and care the direction
+indicator and inclinometer.</p>
+
+<p>"I have been noticing the indicator for the last
+hour," said Ralph, "and it didn't change once.
+Are we going due north?"</p>
+
+<p>"The indicator that you see is not for the purpose
+of showing the points of the compass, but to
+tell whether or not there is a turning movement in
+the ship. If, for instance, the rudder should be
+turned to starboard or to port, the dial would
+swing in such a position as to show how much of a
+turn has been made, and no more," responded the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose then, that after making a quarter
+turn, the ship should again go ahead on a straight
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>line, what would happen to the dial?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"In that case the dial would again indicate that
+by coming back to its original position,&mdash;or, in
+other words, the dial would show that the ship
+had then assumed a new direction of sailing, and
+if it again changed to the right or to the left the
+indicator would reveal this to the observer," remarked
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish we had a compass," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately, they have taken our watches
+and pocket compasses," said the captain. "We
+may contrive, later on, to get a glimpse of the
+steering compass."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where it is?" eagerly inquired
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"The navigating officer's instrument is in the
+conning tower, but it is usual, too, to have a similar
+instrument below, and I am sure it is located
+to the left of the cook's galley. It would not be
+safe, however, for either of us to be spying around
+in that quarter," responded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>That night they were again locked in their narrow
+apartment. As they had been provided with
+a good meal it was not such an unpleasant experience,
+and they were also comforted by the feeling
+that the submarine was now engaged in a no more
+perilous duty than trying to reach some port.</p>
+
+<p>That night was followed by a trying day of
+waiting. Singularly, they had not been permitted
+to ascend the hatchway stairs since the first day
+of their capture.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>"A glance at the sun would be enough to tell us
+the direction," remarked the captain after they
+left the table at the lunch hour.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose they are keeping us down here for
+that purpose," suggested Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought," replied the captain, "that the
+very fact of keeping us in ignorance of the direction
+they are going is the best indication that we
+are making for a concealed base."</p>
+
+<p>When they retired the second night the captain
+remarked: "It is now plain to my mind that we are
+on the way to Germany, or, possibly, to a base
+somewhere at a greater distance than Spain."</p>
+
+<p>"How long would it take to make the trip to
+Germany?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"If we circled the British Isles and came in by
+way of Norway, it would mean a run of 1,400 miles.
+To go by way of the Channel would be about 800
+miles. It would make but little difference in point
+of time," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why wouldn't it take longer to travel 1,400
+miles?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Because on the long route we would be able to
+travel four-fifths of the way on the surface, and
+would not have to avoid mines and nets. The
+Channel route is a dangerous one, requiring the
+utmost caution," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The second morning Alfred was outside, as
+usual, consulting the instruments, when a voice
+remarked in response to an inquiry: "48, 10." He
+paid no attention to it at the time, but later on, in
+a conversation, remarked to the captain:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>"Some one in the conning tower, this morning,
+said '48, 10.' What do you suppose he meant by
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Glad you remembered that. Are you sure the
+figures you give are correct?" asked the captain
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure of it," was Alfred's reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we are near the English Channel. Good;
+I am glad to know that. Did you hear them refer
+to any other figures?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What would the other figures be?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I can only guess. The figures you
+have given me unquestionably represent forty-eight
+degrees and ten minutes north latitude.
+What interests me most is to get our position east
+and west," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"About what longitude are we in?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"If we are less than five degrees west we must
+be in the English Channel, and it would appear
+that they are taking the shortest route. If we
+should be seven or eight degrees west I should regard
+it as a pretty sure symptom that we are going
+to encircle the British Isles," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Late that afternoon Ralph rushed into their little
+cabin and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have an idea that I can tell you the direction
+we are going."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard anything?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>"Not a word," answered Ralph. "I have just
+made an observation," he continued, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"That's good," responded the captain. "I
+think we are sailing north by west."</p>
+
+<p>"You are wrong," replied Ralph; "we are going
+due east."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure?" asked the captain, exhibiting
+unusual interest in the news. "How did you find
+it out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I saw the sun," said Ralph with a chuckle.</p>
+
+<p>"How and where did you see it?" asked Alfred,
+incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I didn't exactly see the sun, but I saw a
+streak that came from the sun," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"That's just as good," responded the captain.
+"Where did you see it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was at the indicator when an officer went up
+and the hatch was raised. As he didn't push it all
+the way down I had an idea he might soon return,
+so I moved up and stood between the twin tanks to
+the right of the steps. When the officer raised
+the hatch a streak of sunlight went right across
+the under side at the corner of the door, and I
+knew it couldn't come in at the front port hole,"
+said Ralph, with a glow of pleasure in the discovery.</p>
+
+<p>The captain shook his head slowly, as he said:
+"I am afraid this will mean an additional source
+of worry to all of us; it is bad enough to be locked
+up and subjected to the guns of vessels and warships,
+but it will be doubly hazardous to pass
+through the mine fields, and avoid the nets."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>"Do you know anything about them, and how
+and where they are located?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have a pretty good knowledge of their
+location, and how to avoid them, although they
+constantly change the nets, or provide new safety
+outlets," said the captain.</p>
+
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep073" id="imagep073"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep073.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep073.png" width="70%" alt="The Steel Nets" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>The Steel Nets</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by safety outlets?" asked
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Immense steel nets are stretched across the
+straits from Calais to Dover, two lines, in fact,
+between which the vessels plying between England
+and France go to and fro in safety. Furthermore,
+war vessels guard these nets on both sides, so that
+it would be a difficult matter to get near the nets,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But submarines do seem to get through somewhere;
+do they not?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; owing to their ability to make the trip
+under water, and taking advantage of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>darkness,
+it is sometimes the case that they get through
+without being entangled in the nets," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"But how do the ships that sail along the Channel
+get through?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I was referring to when I
+spoke of safety outlets. At a certain point there
+is an opening through the nets at one side,
+through which vessels can pass into the line between
+the two wire cordons. The opening in the
+other line of nets is not directly opposite, but a
+mile or so off to one side, so that in order to get
+to the opening in the other nets, it is necessary for
+the ship to sail along in the safety zone between
+the two nets, and make a turn at right angles to
+get out through the second opening. That method
+has been found to be most effective, and is called
+the safety lane," responded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>They were now in or near the most widely
+traveled part of the ocean on the western front of
+the continent. Thousands of ships pass and repass
+that zone which reaches from the southern
+part of Ireland to the western coast of France,
+and it was remarkable that the submarine was
+able to move along up to this time on the surface
+without being detected.</p>
+
+<p>Before the sun had gone down that night, however,
+they were compelled to submerge twice, and
+then the mantle of night shrouded the vessel and
+it moved along with more boldness. On this the
+fourth night of captivity, they were not locked
+in their prison.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot account for it," said the captain.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>"Possibly the commander has some little human
+sympathy left, and does not want to drown us like
+rats in a cage."</p>
+
+<p>Neither the captain nor the boys slept much that
+night. They were too much occupied with constantly
+watching the manoeuvers necessary on the
+part of the commander and his crew to prevent
+detection as they passed up the Channel.</p>
+
+<p>"I have spent years on the Channel as a navigating
+officer and in charge of various types of
+ships in the merchant service, as well as on our
+own naval vessels, and I know, probably, better
+than the lieutenant in charge of the submarine,
+what the dangers are. It is my belief that the lieutenant
+has come over this course before, and probably
+knows a safe, or measurably safe route, and
+has taken the chances of returning, but no one,
+however skilful a navigator he may be, can be sure
+of making exactly the same course twice. The
+tides may be against him; he may be out of his
+reckonings hundreds of feet, and that is too big
+a margin, where a hundred feet in width is the
+limit through which his vessel may pass in safety."</p>
+
+<p>The captain thus, in general terms, set forth
+the perils of the route that the commander of the
+submarine had taken, and stated also, very plainly,
+that they must now be prepared to meet the greatest
+of all dangers. Sleep, therefore, could not be
+considered.</p>
+
+<p>The long and weary night at last came to an
+end, and the appetizing odors of the morning meal
+were wafted to them. Their toilets were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>exceedingly
+simple affairs, a small cake of soap, warm
+water, and a long towel serving for the three.
+They had no trouble in dressing, for their clothing
+had not been removed. They were obliged to
+dispense with the bath, for, although all these
+boats are provided with comforts of that kind,
+none of them was available to the captain and the
+boys, and they did not ask that any privileges be
+extended to them.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had breakfast been served than the
+machinery began to slow down until finally it
+ceased. Not a perceptible motion was now observed.
+A pulsator or two were at work, and a
+slight rumble due to the action of the dynamo came
+to their ears.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose we are now on the bottom," suggested
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; during the daytime it will be necessary to
+keep quiet. Even the periscope may reveal our
+presence," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>A little information as to the activities of the
+crew during these periods of rest may be interesting.
+Idleness breeds discontent and mischief. It
+is upon the principle that constant work encourages
+contentment and makes for efficiency, that
+the Germans require the continued activity which
+was shown by the occupants of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>The vessel was manned by twenty-seven officers
+and men. The personnel being as follows: A lieutenant,
+a sub-lieutenant, two under or petty officers,
+a physician, a cook and two oilers, two first-class
+machinists, and seventeen helpers, or <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>seamen,
+although it was evident, as the captain expressed
+it, that few of the helpers had seen much
+sea duty.</p>
+
+<p>While it is customary to divide the duties on
+shipboard into three watches, during the period
+of twenty-four hours, so as to give each squad a
+period of service every day at a different period,
+it would be difficult to carry out the same regulations
+on board a ship of this character.</p>
+
+<p>The captain said: "I notice that they have practically
+two watches, one taking up the duty from
+midday until twelve at night, and the other from
+midnight to noon. Yesterday, I noticed the same
+shift that was on duty in the morning continued at
+work all the afternoon, so it is possible that every
+three or four days shift No. 1, which works from
+noon to midnight, will be changed so that for the
+next four days the time for their services will be
+from midnight to noon."</p>
+
+<p>Attention is called to this method of doing duty
+so that the reader may understand certain events
+which will be referred to later.</p>
+
+<p>The personnel of the shifts was also changed at
+intervals so that while the lieutenant during one
+shift would have at work a certain machinist and
+petty officer, during the next or second shift thereafter
+another machinist or petty officer would be
+on duty. In this manner all became efficient, for
+they had the opportunity afforded of being drilled
+and handled by different combinations of men and
+assistants.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h2>CAUGHT IN THE DEEP SEA NETS</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The starting of the heavy machinery was sufficient
+indication that night had come. They were
+now going up and at an angle which was very perceptible.
+The boys had become quite expert in detecting
+certain activities, as they tried in every
+way to understand the use of the signals. One
+thing was certain; two sets of bells were brought
+into play as the signal for changing the motive
+power. The first signal, three bells followed by
+two more, was invariably the necessary preparation
+for this event.</p>
+
+<p>A highly pitched bell next gave the signal to
+stop the gasoline engines and a deep-toned bell indicated
+the coupling of the electric motor. Occasionally
+a new set of signals would resound,
+which they tried to figure out. During the night
+Alfred thought he had found the key.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you notice the big hand wheel on the side
+of the upright tank, which we pass as we go into
+the dining room?" he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>"That is connected with a large valve," said
+the captain. "What did you observe?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>"Well, did you ever notice that before they rang
+the shrill bell four times we always have heard a
+whistle?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I have heard the bell ring four times on
+several occasions without the whistle," contended
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"So you have, but it was always after the four
+rings that followed the whistle. A little while ago
+I was near the tank, and I heard the whistle. The
+attendant sprang to the wheel, and when the four
+rings came he turned the wheel around twice.
+When the four next rings came (without the whistle,
+of course), he quickly turned it back again,"
+said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the submerging tank," said the captain.
+"I see you are rapidly learning how to handle
+a submarine," and he laughed at the eagerness
+of the boys trying to conquer the details of signaling.</p>
+
+<p>During that night there was hardly a half-hour
+but some movement or other was indicated by the
+bells. They submerged, halted, rose to the surface,
+steamed at full speed, and in one or two instances
+it was evident from the sudden stopping
+that the submarine had to reverse.</p>
+
+<p>This constantly kept them alert, and while engaged
+in conversation late in the morning, they
+were thrown forward on their seats with a motion
+that indicated a collision with something which
+was not very rigid, for there was no concussion
+such as usually accompanies the contact of the hull
+of a vessel with a hard object.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>The boys looked at the captain in astonishment.
+They could now feel the propeller pulling in the
+opposite direction, only to be brought back again
+with the same springy collision, as when it had
+gone forward and first struck the strange obstacle.</p>
+
+<p>The captain's face paled, and the boys plied him
+with questions as they saw his perturbed countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think it is?" asked Ralph, as he
+saw the anxious seamen, and the second officer
+rushing about shouting orders, while one of them
+seized the main valve wheel and turned it.</p>
+
+<p>"We are caught in one of the steel nets," said
+the captain quietly.</p>
+
+<p>The boys' faces grew deadly pale. They knew
+what such a calamity meant. Few, if any of the
+submarines caught in the nets, ever escaped. The
+boys, while they did not know this, were, in a measure,
+aware of the great danger to submarines from
+this source. They were alarmed particularly on
+account of the serious manner in which the captain
+acted the moment the first impact took place.</p>
+
+<p>The captain now arose, followed by the boys,
+and marched through the narrow passageway toward
+the lieutenant who was leaning over one of
+the air compressors.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there anything we can do to help you?"
+asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant looked up and replied: "We can
+do nothing but change the trim of the ship. Everything
+portable in the stern must be moved forward.
+Your assistance will be appreciated," was
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>the reply, an answer that was in marked contrast
+with his former demeanor.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant then quickly detailed four men,
+who, together with the captain and the two boys,
+were directed what articles to carry forward. In
+this exercise they found many unexpected nooks
+and turns. The articles removed were mostly
+ship's supplies, stores, boxes of canned goods,
+drugs in cases, and a lot of tubing. Some of the
+boxes must have contained machinery, or mechanical
+parts, for they were very heavy.</p>
+
+<p>They were engaged at this work for fully an
+hour, and the task proved a difficult one, for the
+passageways were narrow and tortuous, and sometimes
+it was necessary to move through narrow
+alleys which ran almost directly across the ship.
+Every available bit of space is utilized in these
+vessels for the operating machinery.</p>
+
+<p>The entire length of the submarine was 126 feet,
+and the material had to be carried a distance of
+about eighty feet. The lieutenant was in the stern
+portion, pointing out the articles which should be
+taken, while the sub-lieutenant directed the placing
+of them in the bow.</p>
+
+<p>The captain and Ralph were just depositing a
+load in the hold near the bow, when a peculiar
+noise was heard, resembling a scraping, rasping
+sound. Before they had time to turn around, or
+move from their positions, the rear end of the submarine
+seemed to swing upward, bringing down
+and scattering among the machinery a choice lot
+of boxes and parcels.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>A groan followed. Something peculiar had happened,&mdash;a
+thing unique in the annals of submarining.
+The vessel, after the peculiar motion, was
+quiet, but it was lying at an angle of forty-five degrees.
+The seamen and the captain hurriedly
+tried to move back in order to discover what had
+happened and from whom the groans proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>It was hard work, and dangerous, too. Alfred
+was found pinned between the tanks, and temporarily
+held by several cases, but, fortunately, he
+was not hurt in the least.</p>
+
+<p>Directly forward of the conning tower stairway
+the captain now noticed an object, and upon examination
+it was found to be the lieutenant, who had
+been thrown a distance of more than thirty feet
+through the tangled machinery. He was unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>The physician was soon by his side, and a frightful
+gash was observed on the right side of the officer's
+face. Two men nearby were groaning. One
+had a broken leg, and the other several contusions
+about the head, and, owing to their crippled condition,
+it was just as much of a task to lower the
+bodies down into the inclined hold as to walk upward.</p>
+
+<p>This was finally accomplished, and the lieutenant,
+with the two injured men, were landed in the
+long compartment, which served as the dining
+room.</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant was found pinned by some
+boxes between two stanchions, which had not been
+distributed and placed within the compartments.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>The seaman soon released him; he was not injured
+in any way, and now that the lieutenant was in a
+serious condition, the command devolved on him.</p>
+
+<p>"That motion, if anything, will disentangle us
+from the nets," said the captain, addressing the
+sub-lieutenant. The latter did not reply, but
+turned on the captain with a frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Your opinion is not requested!" he said in a
+terse manner.</p>
+
+<p>The captain made a quiet bow and moved toward
+their small room, the boys following.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry that fellow is in command," said
+Alfred. "I never liked him from the first."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll bet we were locked up by that fellow's orders,
+for I don't believe the lieutenant had anything
+to do with it," remarked Ralph. The captain
+nodded his head, as he replied: "I knew that
+from the first day."</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to get ahead of him some way," said
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>The captain looked at the boys for a few moments,
+then quietly put his hands on their arms,
+as he said: "Getting ahead, or getting even,
+doesn't pay, as a rule; but I have known where a
+few have been able to overcome a great many, as
+a duty, for that is what makes men strong."</p>
+
+<p>Alfred's eyes fairly bulged, as he gazed at the
+captain. "Isn't it a duty to capture this submarine?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain leaned forward and held up a warning
+hand. Ralph rose up and glanced around.
+"Why can't we do it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>"There is only one thing lacking; yes, it has
+been in my mind from the first moment we came
+aboard, but we cannot do it without weapons.
+With them in our possession we might succeed.
+Why, if we could have had them this afternoon it
+would have been an ideal time to make the attempt,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I have something to tell you," said Alfred, as
+he lowered his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I know where there is a box of revolvers," he
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Where?" asked the captain, agitated visibly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember the two big upright drums
+which I was pinned against when the ship went
+up?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, one of the boxes broke open when it came
+down the passageway, and when I saw what was in
+it I pushed it way under the base of the tank on the
+left side," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"The revolvers are all right, but we may have
+some trouble in getting cartridges," replied the
+captain. "But wait," he continued, "I am sure I
+carried cases of them down the passageway."</p>
+
+<p>"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes
+near there,&mdash;rather long, slim boxes, are they
+not?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; with a red label on the corner," interrupted
+Ralph. "I can put my hands on a box any
+minute."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are with me and will carefully follow
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>out my instructions?" inquired the captain, looking
+at them intently.</p>
+
+<p>"We will follow you in whatever you ask us to
+do," replied Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"You must remember that the business we are
+about to engage in means life or death. Once begun
+we cannot go back. We have no line of retreat.
+While it is most hazardous, the feat would
+be a wonderful one," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No; we are not afraid. Both of us have been
+in some dangerous places and have come out all
+right. We have confidence in you," said Alfred
+slowly and deliberately.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you for that," replied the captain.
+"We must begin the preparations at once, for at
+the present time when all is confusion we can get
+the opportunities that may not be offered later
+on."</p>
+
+<p>"The boat seems to move," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>A perceptible swaying motion was now observed.
+The vessel was still lying at the inclined
+position heretofore described. As they were about
+to crawl out of their cabin, they heard the voice of
+the sub-lieutenant:</p>
+
+<p>"Connect the forward motor!"</p>
+
+<p>They drew back into the room. "What is that
+for?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>Before the captain could reply came the second
+order:</p>
+
+<p>"Reverse!"</p>
+
+<p>The motor buzzed, but no effect was produced
+on the boat.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>"That seems singular," observed Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"The stern of the submarine is out of the
+water," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The power was shut off, and again turned on.
+It was now obvious that they were dangling in the
+water with the prow of the boat held fast in the
+entangling nets. As they glanced out the door
+they could see the faces of the seamen moving to
+and fro with terror depicted on their countenances.</p>
+
+<p>"They may well fear the results," said the captain.
+"But we have a duty to perform, and I
+might as well advise you of several things which
+we should do and observe. We must try to obtain
+the weapons and ammunition. That will be
+the first duty. Does either of you know where the
+electric switches are?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered both of the boys in one breath.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean the switch in the hold," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Alfred. "The one I mean is close
+to the dynamo on the switchboard, behind the
+steps leading to the conning tower."</p>
+
+<p>"That is correct," answered the captain. "The
+control switch for the lighting is in the conning
+tower, however, and I call your attention to this,
+as it may be of service to us in our work."</p>
+
+<p>"I can see, now, that to keep that in our control
+would be the main thing," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"The officer has not yet given any orders to put
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>the boxes in the passageways aside, and he will
+not do so, probably, until they are able to ascertain
+whether or not the ship will free itself; under the
+circumstances, Alfred, I must delegate you to secure
+a half-dozen of the revolvers, or remove them
+from the box so that we can secrete them later,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>As Ralph crawled from the cabin and moved
+toward the main gangway, the captain added: "If
+you remember where one of the ammunition boxes
+is you might smuggle it into this room, but proceed
+very cautiously."</p>
+
+<p>Ralph soon made his way back, carrying with
+him one of the revolvers. "There are a dozen in
+the box," he said, "and I brought one over to
+show you. You see, it is the kind from which the
+cylinder can be removed. Wouldn't it be a good
+idea to take the cylinders out of all that we can't
+use?"</p>
+
+<p>"Capital idea," said the captain. "If you can
+find any wire, put it where you can quickly place
+your hands on it."</p>
+
+<p>"I found a box of ammunition also," continued
+Ralph, "but I haven't tried whether it would fit
+the revolvers."</p>
+
+<p>An examination revealed the fact that the cartridges
+were not of the same calibre. It was, indeed,
+a terrible disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is," said Alfred, as he slipped into the
+door of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, this is a different size; you have the right
+ones, fortunately," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>"Now, let me give you a few words as to the
+next,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>A pronounced lurch in the vessel's position interrupted
+the captain. The seamen were now
+rushing around frantically, and talking excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold your tongues!" shouted the sub-lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>The vessel was, evidently, moving. Occasionally,
+there would be a heavy, rasping sound, and
+the rear end of the boat would seem to settle down
+a few feet.</p>
+
+<p>"It's coming all right," said Ralph in excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Connect forward motor!" again shouted the
+sub-lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>The motor turned smoothly without producing
+a disturbing influence on the ship, indicating that
+the propeller was still in the air.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear that the sub-lieutenant does not know his
+business any too well," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h2>THE NIGHT'S STRUGGLE TO FREE THE VESSEL</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The boys wondered at the remark which the captain
+had made, and were about to ask him for an
+explanation, when the electric lights suddenly died
+out, and all were left in total darkness. The captain
+crawled past the boys and felt his way toward
+the stern of the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"The storage batteries!" was all he said.</p>
+
+<p>That there was confusion on the part of the
+crew of the vessel, was apparent, for the sub-lieutenant
+shouted one order after the other, until he
+seemed to be incoherent, and, as a result, no one
+knew what was expected of him or what to do.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently, the captain knew the trouble and how
+to remedy it, for within a minute the lights were
+again in commission, and the captain was noticed
+at the main switch. From that point he shouted
+to the sub-lieutenant:</p>
+
+<p>"I found a box on the switchboard. It had
+slipped down and thrown out the switch bar at the
+time the boat made the last lurch."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you for the service," said the sub-lieutenant,
+to the surprise of the captain and boys.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>As the captain returned to their room he remarked:
+"The sub-lieutenant was very polite;
+probably he would not be so likely to thank me for
+some other things I have done."</p>
+
+<p>"What! since you left us two minutes ago?"
+asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The captain nodded. "But I started to say a
+few minutes ago," he continued, "that we ought
+to have our work planned out ahead and thoroughly
+understand each other. There is one thing
+I must impress on you, and that is, we must not
+again be locked up in this room. I have no faith in
+the present commander, and would be very much
+mistaken if he permits us to have our freedom
+after we once get free of the nets."</p>
+
+<p>"What must be done if he again orders us
+locked up?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That brings us to the point where we must
+make a canvass of the situation as it confronts us.
+Let me see; there are three men in addition to the
+commander, who need not be reckoned with in a
+contest. Fortunately, one of the men is a machinist,
+and the only other man except the sub-lieutenant,
+of any intelligence, is the doctor. I doubt if
+he would be a strong factor against us," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The fellow who had charge of the men carrying
+the boxes is nothing but a chump," said Ralph.
+"I wouldn't be afraid of him."</p>
+
+<p>"I am considering more the character of the
+men who are able to handle the boat, and who know
+the intricacies of the mechanism. I can see where
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>men of that sort will be able to make it very interesting
+for us if we should attempt to capture the
+officers and crew," said the captain thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the vessel was slowly righting
+itself, for every minute or two there would be
+a slight sinking movement, which was very gratifying.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are the revolvers?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I found a dandy place for them, and can get
+them in a minute, if wanted," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain, I wanted to ask you some time ago
+what you meant by saying that the sub-lieutenant
+didn't know any more about submarining than he
+ought to. What did you mean by that?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"One of the things I had in mind was, when he
+was trying to start the propellers, that he could
+have found an easier way to learn whether they
+were in the water or not," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"The indicator board in the conning tower
+shows just how far the vessel is under water," replied
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But," said Alfred, "would that tell it correctly
+if one end of the vessel should be up and the
+other down, as this is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? It would indicate how far down in
+the water the hull would be amidship, and it
+would not require much involved calculating to
+figure out where the stern of the vessel would be
+if he knew the angle at which the hull was resting,"
+answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>"I would just like to know how far we are
+down," said Ralph, looking up the stairway into
+the conning tower.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you could spot the right dial
+face if you went up?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I could," said Ralph, rather doubtingly,
+it must be admitted.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'll give you a little hint, if you'd like
+to try to make an investigation," said the captain.
+"Directly forward of the table, which contains the
+chart, and below the three levers, you will see a
+glass column with red colored liquid in it,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know what you mean now," said Ralph, interrupting.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, simply get the number on the card on the
+right side of the glass column. Do you understand?"
+remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but why not take the numbers on the left
+side also?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"They merely indicate the pressure. Depth below
+the surface is all we want," rejoined the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, here goes; and I hope they won't catch
+me at it," said Ralph, as he slowly moved out.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," said the captain, as he put forth
+a restraining hand. "What will you do, or how
+will you act if some one should catch you in the
+tower?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph hesitated: "I hadn't thought of that;
+why,&mdash;well,&mdash;I suppose I should try to explain it
+in some way or other," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid that would not do. Allow me to
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>make a suggestion. Go up boldly, as though you
+had a perfect right to, or that you did not suspect
+it was a forbidden place; if some one accosts you
+look at him in a surprised way, make an apology,
+and retire; I give you this pointer because you
+may be flustrated and unable to make a prompt reply,
+and that would show guilt of some kind," said
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph went out and loitered about, gazing at the
+various pieces of machinery, and finally stood on
+the steps of the conning tower, which, at the angle
+of the boat in its inclined position, were almost
+horizontal. He stretched himself out on the stairs,
+and turned his head. From that point he could see
+the red liquid in the glass column, but it was difficult
+to read the figures.</p>
+
+<p>The glare from the electric light interfered with
+his sight, and before he had an opportunity to get
+a glimpse of the figures from his new position, one
+of the petty officers crawled along the passageway,
+and, noticing him lying on the stairs, peremptorily
+ordered him to get down.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph glanced at the man, smiled at him, and
+promptly complied, chagrined at his failure. As
+he entered the little room the captain eagerly questioned
+him: "What did it say?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"That fellow ordered me away before I could
+make out the figures," said Ralph, "but I'm going
+to try it again."</p>
+
+<p>"How near was the liquid from the top of the
+glass tube?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I should say about so far," replied
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>Ralph, indicating space between his thumb and finger.
+"I guess it was about an inch."</p>
+
+<p>"How long do you think the tube is?" asked the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it must be a foot long; probably more,"
+was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I asked you to give me an estimate of the
+length of the entire tube so as to give me some assurance
+that you knew the value of an inch. You
+were right; those tubes are twelve inches long.
+Now let me see; I ought to know what figures are
+an inch from the top!" remarked the captain
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, Captain, but how does it come that
+you know all about these boats?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I used to be an officer on a French submarine,"
+he replied in a quiet tone, and immediately proceeded
+to make certain mental calculations. Then
+he continued: "One inch below the top! That is
+twenty."</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty what?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty feet; the Germans have the English
+foot on all their boats. I wonder they didn't think
+about that, and make a change before starting
+out."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe it's twenty meters," said Alfred, with
+a slight laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," replied the captain. "That would
+be too Frenchy for the Germans. Besides, it
+would be too much by all odds. I am sure the conning
+tower is not more than twenty feet below the
+surface of the water."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>"Then the stern of the submarine must be sticking
+out of the water," remarked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Unquestionably," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"How far, do you suppose?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"We can easily figure that out," said the captain.
+"Let me see; we must first get the angle at
+which the boat is lying."</p>
+
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep095" id="imagep095"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep095.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep095.png" width="75%" alt="The Entangled Submarine" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>The Entangled Submarine</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>After looking about for some time he continued:
+"The door jamb is built in vertically; that is
+sure. A string, or piece of thread will make a
+plumb-bob; here it is: now let us see; according to
+the plumb line the boat is at an angle of 33 degrees,
+as nearly as our imperfect device indicates.
+There, now this line A shows the top of the boat
+and B the base of the conning tower. A line C,
+from the top of the water to the center of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>conning
+tower, measuring 20 feet, shows where the
+water line is. Do you understand how I am doing
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is very plain," said Alfred, "and it is
+an interesting way to get at it, too. Then how far
+is the tail of the boat out of the water?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should say it is about nine feet," replied the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No wonder the propellers didn't do any good
+when they sent them spinning!"</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing I forgot about," said the
+captain, as he shook his head. "Why didn't I tell
+you to note the time. We are in the greatest danger,
+I fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, what makes you think so?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"This accident happened during the night, and
+we have now been in this condition for at least
+four hours. If we are caught here at daylight it
+is all up with us," remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, is it any more dangerous then than
+now?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the patrol boats and submarine chasers
+will spy us, and then a shot, and all will be
+over," replied the captain with a solemn voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I think we ought to do something right
+away," said Ralph, as he half rose and glanced
+out.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid that will put the burden of getting
+out of the nets on our shoulders," replied the captain.
+"No, let them work at it, as long as they
+care to, but we must try by some means to determine
+the time."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>"Do you think the seamen would object to telling
+us?" inquired Alfred. "Just let me alone; I
+am going to try it on, anyway," he said, as he
+slipped out of the door, picked up a box and stowed
+it away snugly at one side out of the way of a
+young fellow who was making his way up the incline
+toward the stern.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred struck up a conversation, and asked:
+"Can I help you in any way? Tell me what to
+do."</p>
+
+<p>The request seemed to warm up the fellow, and
+the information was given that the officer had instructed
+him to remove the stray boxes from the
+machinery. The two engaged in this work for
+more than fifteen minutes. Finally Alfred said:
+"How are you, pretty tired? You haven't had
+much sleep so far?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; but we're used to that," he replied,
+"why, in the last run we had hardly an hour's
+sleep in the last four days before reaching port."</p>
+
+<p>"That must be very trying," rejoined Alfred.
+"But it must be near daylight."</p>
+
+<p>"It is just about an hour off; and when the day
+comes I don't know what will happen," remarked
+the seaman.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, what are you afraid of?" asked Alfred,
+appearing to be greatly alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"They have caught us this time for good, as I
+heard the lieutenant,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The sentence was never finished, for at that moment
+there was another rasping sound, and the
+stern of the boat came down with a sudden spring,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>then rebounded, and after two or three oscillations,
+rested quietly in the water, still at quite an
+angle.</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant sprang toward the conning
+tower as fast as he could scramble. The signal
+was given to reverse, the motors began to hum and
+the ship vibrated. It was a glorious feeling, and
+the captain grasped the hands of the boys in an
+ecstacy of joy.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h2>THE CAPTURE OF THE SUBMERGED VESSEL</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>"Why does it still keep at this angle?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you forgotten the stuff we carried back
+into the stern?" replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think that really is the trouble?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is out of balance, and I suppose we
+may look out for another job," said the captain.
+"That may be the opportunity we are seeking.
+Furthermore, what is to be done must be done just
+as soon as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you think so?" eagerly inquired
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Several things. The first is, that we are now
+in the English Channel under the guidance of a
+man much less skilful than the lieutenant; and,
+secondly, the lieutenant, although badly wounded,
+may recover sufficiently to be able to direct affairs,"
+replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"When I was out there talking with the seaman,"
+said Alfred, "I learned that the lieutenant
+was in a very low state."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>"I should judge so, too," rejoined the captain,
+"for the reason that the doctor has not left the
+room once since the lieutenant was taken there.
+In making a calculation of the forces against us
+I have considered that the lieutenant, the cook and
+the doctor are disposed of, so far as being of any
+aid to the crew. Three others are also so badly
+injured that they do not need to cause us much
+worry. I am not certain in my mind, however,
+where they are at this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean the men who were injured?"
+asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Two of them are in the bunks behind the compressed
+air tanks," answered Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you quite sure of that?" queried the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that makes six accounted for, so that
+there are twenty-one we must meet. Now I shall
+give a few general instructions before we proceed.
+The sub-lieutenant has gone into the conning
+tower. As he entered I tried to get a glimpse to
+ascertain whether or not the sun had risen, but
+was unable to decide, but I should judge that it
+is not yet daylight or he would not be running on
+the surface. As a precautionary measure we must
+have the weapons ready, and have the revolvers
+put away so as not to expose them before we are
+ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Here they are," said Ralph, who cautiously
+brought them to the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>"Shall we load them?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"By all means; and let me warn you of one
+thing: when you aim be sure to hit. There must
+be no pretense about it. The matter is too serious
+for anything but strict business. I hope we shall
+not have the opportunity or necessity for using
+the revolvers. Now pay attention to the details:
+the sub-lieutenant must be the first one captured,
+and he must be taken into the conning tower. I
+suggest that you, Ralph, take your place beneath
+the stairway, hiding, as much as possible, behind
+the amidship tank, while you, Alfred, remain at
+the door of our room here."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I stay here so I can be seen or keep out
+of sight?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Remain under cover inside the room, but in
+sight of the stairway. You have probably noticed
+that the under officer makes frequent trips to the
+conning tower, and that on returning each time he
+turns a short lever below the hinge," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I have noticed that several times and wondered
+what it was for," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"That is for the purpose of holding the hatch
+door so that it can be opened by him when he
+again ascends the stairway. Now, when the under
+officer opens the hatch and comes down the hatch
+stairs, will be the time for you to come out of the
+room and take up your position at the forward
+corner of the room; that will completely hide you
+from the eyes of the officer. I shall then go into
+the room, the moment he reaches the last step, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>thus he will not suspect me. The moment he
+reaches the passageway opposite the door, I will
+hold him up with my revolver, and compel him to
+enter the room. The moment that is done you will
+push the door shut, as you will see that it has a
+spring lock. Do you fully understand the instructions
+so far?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," answered Alfred, "although I
+don't exactly understand why I am to go into the
+room first, and then come out the moment the hatch
+is being opened."</p>
+
+<p>"For the reason that we must not be suspected
+by the others, some of whom are at all times not
+far away, and if, while we are waiting, some of the
+crew should pass the end of our room they would
+be sure to see you and consider that a peculiar
+place for you to be in. Do you understand it
+now?" replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, after that what will take place?" asked
+Ralph, his breath coming thick and fast.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall go up the stairway, followed by Alfred.
+While this is going on it will be your duty, Ralph,
+to watch the workers at the dynamo and the aft
+tank. They are the only ones who will be able to
+see the stairway clearly. If you see any look of
+alarm on their faces, or see that they notice what is
+going on, move around into the opening, and level
+both revolvers at them, without, however, making
+any sound. Hold them in that position until I
+raise the trap-door and warn the sub-lieutenant.
+Alfred will follow close and hold the trap-door
+from being sprung. Then move up the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>companionway
+as fast as you can. There, he is going up now.
+Take your place, Ralph."</p>
+
+<p>The crucial time had come. Alfred retreated
+into the little room as the captain leisurely moved
+along the narrow passageway toward the dynamos.
+Thus they waited and waited, five, ten minutes.
+Ages seemed to pass. Then the hatch door
+opened slowly. Alfred came out quietly without
+looking around, moved forward, and then walked
+back and slid into the corner of the room.</p>
+
+<p>The petty officer closed the hatch and moved
+down the steps, brushing past the captain. As he
+did so the captain entered the door and immediately
+turned with the revolver pointing at the officer's
+breast.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a sound, or I fire," said the captain in a
+voice which could not be heard a dozen feet away.
+The captain stepped aside, and pointed to the open
+doorway, at the same time indicating by motions
+that the German should enter it. The officer gritted
+his teeth and finally obeyed. As the captain
+stood there with the revolver at his side, but
+pointed at the man, Alfred slowly closed the door.</p>
+
+<p>The captain now turned and moved up the stairway.
+With his revolver drawn he pushed open the
+trap-door quietly, and, in a quiet voice, said:
+"Hands up!"</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant turned quickly, to look into
+the muzzle of the revolver. His hands reached out
+to seize a lever.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Stop!</i>" said the captain, and the officer quickly
+raised his hands.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>Alfred was now in the tower, and Ralph, walking
+up backwards, had his head through the hatch
+opening, when a shot was fired. He dropped one
+of his revolvers, and Alfred quickly seized him by
+the shoulders and drew him up. The hatch cover
+came down with a bang.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you hurt?" asked Alfred, as Ralph
+dropped down, but he was reassured as the latter
+arose. For the moment the captain's gaze was
+averted, when, quick as thought, the officer's hand
+touched a lever.</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled, as he said: "I am afraid the
+valve of the submerging tank will not work; I
+prefer running on the surface. But, in the meantime,
+as I am commander of this vessel, and I notice
+that you are trying to interfere, I shall have
+to restrict your movements somewhat."</p>
+
+<p>Saying this he drew a small cord from his pocket
+and instructed Alfred to bind the arms at the
+wrists. The hands of the officer were then carried
+around to the back and the cord fastened to a
+stanchion at one side, where he was out of reach
+of the instrument board.</p>
+
+<p>This gave the captain an opportunity to examine
+Ralph's wound. The latter had quickly rallied.
+It was the shot, coupled with the extreme tension,
+which caused him momentarily to collapse, for it
+was found that the wound had passed through the
+fleshy part of the arm above the elbow.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you want the destroyers to sink us,"
+said the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," replied the captain. "Unscrew
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>the bolts of the door, Alfred. And now a word
+more, Mr. Officer. Where are your flags?"</p>
+
+<p>"I refuse to inform you," said the officer, with
+a look of determination in his face.</p>
+
+<p>"I expect a shot every minute," said the captain,
+"for I know as well as you do that there is a
+cruiser on our port side. I shall give you another
+opportunity; where are the flags?"</p>
+
+<p>"You must open the hatch for them," said the
+officer.</p>
+
+<p>"All the bolts are out," said Alfred, turning
+to the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Guard the officer while I go out and signal,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Before the captain reached the door there was
+an ominous boom in the distance. Alfred could see
+the officer's face grow pale. A shower of sea
+water sprayed over the deck, and some of the
+water entered the open door. Looking out he saw
+the captain, who had thrown off his coat and vest,
+and was now drawing off his white shirt, which
+he held up and waved to and fro, just as the second
+shot boomed.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately, the shot was too far away to be at
+all dangerous, as Alfred thought, but the voice of
+the captain explained it.</p>
+
+<p>"Signal to stop!"</p>
+
+<p>"Which lever?" inquired Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>The latter hesitated. He glanced out the door
+and then at the boy. To refuse meant that the ship
+was doomed and his companions below without
+hope of rescue.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>The captain, with the white signal in his hand,
+stepped to the door, and with the revolver pointing
+full into the face of the officer, said: "Stop the
+ship or you will never have an opportunity to save
+yourselves or your companions."</p>
+
+<p>"Pull the second lever," he said, and Alfred did
+as directed.</p>
+
+<p>"Reverse!" demanded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The lever below," said the officer.</p>
+
+<p>A mile away was a small, speedy craft, sailing
+around the submarine. It seemed fairly to skim
+over the surface of the water, and cast the spray
+astern like a mist. It had come up unnoticed by
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at the little boat," shouted Ralph, who
+had now recovered and had moved to the open
+door.</p>
+
+<p>The captain turned quickly toward the stern,
+waving the white flag in a frenzy. It must have
+been regarded as a remarkable thing to those on
+board the little cutter to see a German submarine
+hoisting a surrender flag. It seemed too good to
+be true. They evidently supposed the white flag
+was a ruse of some kind, for they did not venture
+nearer.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the cruiser, which had fired the two
+shots, came up behind the little craft, and the latter
+cautiously steamed up. The small vessel was
+one of the speedy torpedo boat chasers, carrying
+two three-inch guns, and drawing less than six
+feet of water. The safety of these boats lies in
+their great speed and in the shallow draft, which
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>prevents the submarine from reaching them with
+their torpedoes.</p>
+
+<p>Once abreast the commander called out: "I am
+sending a boat for your officers."</p>
+
+<p>"I have only one here, that we can get at, at
+present," shouted the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" asked the commander of the
+chaser.</p>
+
+<p>"I have one of the chief officers in the conning
+tower, and the others are below," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" asked the commander.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Leclere, of the French service," replied
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Leclere!" almost shouted the German
+officer in the conning tower.</p>
+
+<p>"That's the man," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am not surprised," said the officer in a
+low voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Surprised?" said Ralph. "Did you say 'surprised?'"</p>
+
+<p>The officer sighed, turned his head away, and
+was silent.</p>
+
+<p>A lieutenant and four seamen reached the side
+of the submarine, and were drawn aboard.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! it was your ship that went down in the
+bay last Wednesday," said the chaser's lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we were picked up by the submarine, together
+with my two young friends here," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"And how does it happen that you are in command
+of this vessel?" he asked in surprise.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>"We captured it about a half an hour ago, and
+have the chief officer and the crew below," replied
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"That is certainly a remarkable exploit," replied
+the lieutenant. "I suppose you will be glad
+to meet the commander of <i>l'Orient</i>?" said the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Captain Tournai, you mean! I recognized
+the French colors. But I supposed he was
+in the Mediterranean; it will be quite a pleasure,
+indeed. Do me the honor to signal him," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant gave the necessary instructions,
+and the flags wig-wagged from the bridge of the
+little vessel.</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant was called out of the conning
+tower, and Alfred directed to unloosen the cords.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you will take charge of the prisoners,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I should be glad to do so, with your permission,
+although you have a right, of course, to turn
+them over to <i>l'Orient</i>," said the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"No; it is sufficient gratification to know that
+we have the vessel," said the captain, "and I shall
+be glad to leave to you the disposition of the men
+and the vessel."</p>
+
+<p>"What procedure would you suggest?" asked
+the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall give an order to the sub-lieutenant directing
+the men to come out of the hold," said the
+captain. Then, turning to the sub-lieutenant, he
+said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>"You will inform the men below that they are
+to present themselves at the hatch."</p>
+
+<p>The officer bowed, and entered the conning tower
+He immediately descended. Before he had,
+reached the bottom the captain said:</p>
+
+<p>"Halt! Notify them from where you are. I
+shall not permit you to go any farther."</p>
+
+<p>All the men were found to be stationed near the
+hatchway steps. One by one they appeared, and
+were escorted out, a dozen marines in the meantime
+having appeared in two boats. As they
+emerged from the door they were escorted to the
+side and directed to take their places in the ship's
+boats.</p>
+
+<p>"That makes twenty-one," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="X" id="X"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h2>THE SECRET KEY TO THE BOMB FUSE</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>"Shall I go down and assist in bringing up the
+lieutenant?" said the sub-lieutenant, as the doctor
+of the submarine passed out.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I have decided that he shall not be removed
+until this evening," said the captain. "In
+the meantime the doctor may return, and give him
+such aid as is necessary."</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant's face turned pale, and he
+trembled. This was the first show of weakness
+that he exhibited. The boys looked at the captain,
+and turned their glances toward the officer of the
+chaser. They could not understand it. The captain
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I believe the chief machinist is also injured, as
+well as two of the machine tenders. They may
+also remain until after the lieutenant is brought
+up."</p>
+
+<p>All present noticed the wrought-up condition of
+the sub-lieutenant, and the latter soon exhibited
+evidence that he was breaking down. At last he
+remarked with trembling voice:</p>
+
+<p>"At what time can they be brought up?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell at this time; possibly not until
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>tomorrow," said the captain, directing a searching
+glance at the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"He is very ill," said the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt of it," replied the captain.
+"The length of their stay in the submarine will depend
+on the length of the fuse attached to the time
+explosive in the hold."</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant almost dropped as the captain
+uttered these words, and the boys exchanged
+significant glances, while the lieutenant of the
+chaser smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"You did not think," continued the captain,
+"that I would be so lax in my duty as to permit
+you to plant a mine under our feet?"</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant dropped his eyes without answering.
+The captain gazed at him intently, as he
+continued: "For the present you will be detained,
+and the time of the removal of the lieutenant with
+his companions will be decided within the next two
+hours."</p>
+
+<p>With this decision the sub-lieutenant was put in
+charge of the marines, while he descended to enter
+the boat. As he was about to step aboard, he
+turned to the captain and said: "It will be too late
+if you defer the decision for two hours."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" said the captain with a faint smile, "you
+have thought better of it. Will the fuse last an
+hour?"</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant nodded. The captain waved
+his arms and directed the officer to proceed. The
+latter unceremoniously pushed the sub-lieutenant
+into the boat.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>"I will see to it that the fuses are taken out,"
+said the sub-lieutenant, recovering from his sullen
+attitude.</p>
+
+<p>The captain paid no attention to the remarks
+of the officer. As soon as the sub-lieutenant was
+well out of hearing, the captain turned to the boys
+and said: "It may be a difficult and trying duty to
+you to perform, but it is the only safe thing to do.
+As you know almost every part of the submarine
+from the investigation you have made, I would
+ask you to follow me, and I will tell you what to
+do."</p>
+
+<p>The boys nodded their heads, and entered the
+conning tower with the captain. The latter turned,
+before descending, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"You will have observed, no doubt, that the
+scheme was to turn over the submarine to us as
+soon as possible, leaving a time fuse, which, within
+a specified time, would have blown the ship to
+atoms. By so doing they would accomplish two
+purposes, namely, destroy the ship, and save their
+own lives. We must not put confidence in any
+statement they may make."</p>
+
+<p>"But wouldn't it be a good idea to let the sub-lieutenant
+remove the fuses, as he said he would
+do?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you be willing to rely on that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I wouldn't," replied Alfred. "I could
+tell by the way the sub-lieutenant acted that he
+would play a trick if he could."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just why I want you to assist me in
+check-mating," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>"Tell us just what to do, and you may depend
+on us," replied Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"As you know many of the dark places below
+I want you to go down with me and find several
+where you can secrete yourselves. I will then send
+the sub-lieutenant down, and order him to remove
+the fuses. I want you to be particular to observe
+every step he takes, and, as far as possible, note
+what he does at each place; do you understand?"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly," replied Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>Together they descended. All were well aware
+that the lieutenant, the doctor, and the three
+wounded men were still in the dining galley, the
+door of which had been closed and locked by orders
+of the captain, after the last of the submarine
+crew reached the upper deck.</p>
+
+<p>"I know one good place where a fellow can hide
+and still see what is going on," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is that?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"At that tank by the side of the dining galley,"
+replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"That would be a good vantage point," answered
+the captain. "It is the aft trimming tank,
+and if you can find a place of concealment it would,
+at the same time, enable you to overhear any conversation
+that might possibly take place, when the
+sub-lieutenant is performing his unwelcome duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Then maybe I ought to get somewhere forward
+of the main hatch?" proposed Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you have your revolvers with you?"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>"I know mine is all right," replied Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"So is mine, I think," said Alfred, "although I
+haven't had an opportunity to try it so far."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope there will be no necessity for anything
+of that kind," said the captain. "However, we
+are dealing with men who are desperate, and who
+have been taught that they must do desperate
+things to accomplish their purposes, hence the safe
+rule, in all cases, in dealing with them, is to do the
+very opposite of that which they wish you to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that the reason why you refused to let him
+remove the fuse?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>The captain laughed quietly, as he replied: "He
+thinks I have refused to let him do so, but he will
+be surprised to get the order to remove the fuses,
+and be permitted to go down into the vessel unaccompanied."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he is to come down here without you?"
+said Ralph in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, certainly; and that is why I want some
+one here to watch proceedings," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I understand now," replied Alfred.
+"That's a good idea. If anything happens we'll
+find out what it is if any one can."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it," answered the captain. "And
+now select your places. I will go up and send him
+down within the next fifteen minutes."</p>
+
+<p>Alfred took up his station at one side of the aft
+trimming tank, and Ralph, after some investigation,
+upturned one of the boxes which was still
+lying in the passageway directly to one side of the
+steps leading to the conning tower, and after a
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>little search, found two more, which were drawn
+together, thus forming a retreat which enabled
+him to observe the movements of any one on three
+sides.</p>
+
+<p>All this was done in silence, and all preparation
+having been made, the captain ascended. After
+reaching the deck-house of the chaser, he requested
+the sub-lieutenant's presence. As he approached,
+between the two guards, the captain said: "I have
+concluded that you may go down and remove the
+fuses, and I shall depend on your honor to do it
+effectually."</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant bowed stiffly, and was led to
+the boat, followed by the captain. As they reached
+the conning tower, the captain continued: "I will
+remain here. I shall give you ten minutes' time
+to do the work."</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant descended, and was somewhat
+surprised to find himself alone in the interior.
+The electric lights were burning brightly.
+Ralph was the first to view his movements. The
+officer first moved to a point directly opposite, and
+with a key opened a door, which Ralph had never
+theretofore noticed. In a moment the door was
+again closed and Ralph saw a short section of a
+fuse, which the officer quickly pushed into a dark
+recess below.</p>
+
+<p>From that point he moved toward the stern,
+stopping at the motors; then he quickly turned
+around and glanced about in a suspicious manner.
+As he stooped down, Ralph made a slight noise on
+one of the boxes, and the officer straightened up
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>like a shot. The movement indicated a guilty act,
+and Ralph divined that the purpose was to injure
+the motors.</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant moved cautiously to the rear,
+and in a few moments was abreast of the dining
+galley. Here he was within hearing of Alfred behind
+the aft trimming tanks. He saw the officer
+go to the door, and give three quick knocks.
+"Herr Schwoger!" he said in a subdued voice.
+In another moment a voice within replied: "The
+fuses; you must not forget them."</p>
+
+<p>To this the sub-lieutenant answered: "I have
+been ordered to remove them; what shall I do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Take out all but the forward fuse, and report,"
+said the voice. "Tell us what has happened,"
+continued the voice, which was now recognized
+as the doctor's.</p>
+
+<p>"They have complete command, and two warships
+are outside," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>From this point the officer crossed over to the
+starboard side of the vessel and at a large stand-pipe
+stooped down. Alfred tried to ascertain what
+he was doing, but was unable to detect the nature
+of his work. The sub-lieutenant then crossed back
+to the other side, and, working his way quickly
+to the motors, stooped down. Ralph could no
+longer restrain himself. He quickly and quietly
+moved toward the officer, as he saw him with a
+long tool of some kind in his hand reach down to
+the base of the motor.</p>
+
+<p>"Hands up!" shouted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>The tool dropped from the hands of the officer
+with a click.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred was at the side of the sub-lieutenant in
+an instant. "You may go on deck," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The officer glanced at Alfred, whom he had seen
+emerge from the aft hiding place, and then turned
+a look of contempt on Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Move!" said Ralph, pointing to the gangway.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred cocked his revolver and menacingly
+pointed it at him.</p>
+
+<p>There was only one thing to do and he did it.
+He was met by the captain at the head of the stairway.</p>
+
+<p>The boys followed quickly. The captain looked
+on at the leveled revolvers and appeared to be surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this mean?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"It means that he tried to destroy the motors,
+and we caught him at it in time," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"That is not so," replied the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"What is this for?" asked Alfred, as he held
+up the tool which the officer had dropped.</p>
+
+<p>"But you have removed all the fuses, of
+course?" said the captain, apparently not heeding
+the tool referred to.</p>
+
+<p>"I have," said the officer, straightening up.</p>
+
+<p>"All but the one at the forward part of the vessel,"
+replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>The officer turned, with a look of surprise and
+chagrin on his face. "He does not know what he
+is talking about," said the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are lying to me as you are to the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>captain," said Alfred. "You told the doctor in the
+galley that you had removed all but the forward
+one. Did you lie to him?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>A blush seemed to suffuse the officer's face, as
+the captain said:</p>
+
+<p>"We will go down together. There may be some
+more work to do; come on," said the captain, as he
+indicated the way. "You may go first, Ralph, the
+sub-lieutenant will follow."</p>
+
+<p>There was no help for it. Once below the captain
+said: "You will save yourself considerable
+trouble by removing the fuse from the forward
+bomb, and that without further waste of words."</p>
+
+<p>The officer knew that the manner in which the
+words were uttered meant business. Without
+waiting for the second warning, he led the way,
+opened another secret door, and removed the tell-tale
+fuse.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ha! cut for two hours! Now, while we
+are about it you might as well start the motor; we
+have some use for it," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot do that," replied the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"So you succeeded in injuring it," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>The captain picked up the tool, which Alfred
+was so particular to carry along. "And what was
+this used for?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have disarranged the motor fields so
+that they are useless; and I don't deny it," said
+the officer, straightening up and looking at the captain
+defiantly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>"There; that is something like it; but you
+haven't deceived me in the least. I have brought
+a very useful article with me," continued the captain,
+drawing from his pocket a paper and presenting
+it to the officer. "It contains instructions,
+which I expect you to follow, for your own safety.
+I shall see to it that the fuses you removed are
+again put into place and the mechanism set for
+one hour. Of course, I shall hold the keys. Under
+those conditions you may remain locked below,
+and I shall expect you to obey my signals, as we
+intend to navigate the vessel to port, which will,
+as you know, occupy about fifty minutes of time.
+Do you know where the fuse boxes are?" said the
+captain, turning to the boys.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph marched to the side wall and pointed to
+the place where the sub-lieutenant opened the first
+box.</p>
+
+<p>"Open it!" ordered the captain, turning to the
+sub-lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>The latter hesitated. The captain stared at him
+sternly and repeated the order. As he made no
+motion, the captain continued: "Why do you hesitate?"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h2>OPERATING THE SUBMARINE WITH A CAPTIVE CREW</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The officer now saw that he was dealing with a
+man who understood the motives of those aboard
+the submarine, and it was also evident that the
+sympathy of the boys was turned from the young
+man. The latter had played his part to the ultimate.</p>
+
+<p>"You have now done all and more than is required
+of you," said the captain, as he altered his
+tone of voice. "You have set the automatic device,
+which, in due time, would have sent this vessel
+to the bottom. I understand all these devices,
+and they will not avail you. I understand, as well
+as you do, that to open that box will cause an explosion;
+but it is necessary to make an example
+of you." Then, turning to the boys, he said: "You
+may go on deck. As for you, Mr. Officer, I shall
+detain you below a sufficient length of time to be
+sure that the automatic device gets in its work.
+We really have no use for the submarine."</p>
+
+<p>He turned and started up the stairway, when
+the sub-lieutenant, with trembling voice, said: "I
+am powerless to prevent the explosion,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Unless," interrupted the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>The officer nodded his head. "I supposed so!"
+continued the captain. "The lieutenant in the galley
+has the key which controls the automatic device.
+You may open the door and get the key, and
+from this time forward, if I find that you deceive
+me in the slightest degree, or make any attempt to
+injure the vessel, I will make it your grave without
+a moment's hesitation, and without the least compunction."</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant moved toward the galley, and
+opened the door. In a moment he reappeared
+with the key and followed the captain to the conning
+tower.</p>
+
+<p>Below the switchboard was a tiny slot. Into this
+the key neatly fitted, and upon giving a turn, a set
+of switches was exposed.</p>
+
+<p>"These are the control circuits," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Turn them off and open the boxes below!" ordered
+the captain. This was done.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are the men that operate the trimming
+tanks?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The machinist Scholer and his assistant
+Bracher," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Lieutenant," said the captain, addressing the
+commander of the chaser; "send those men on
+board."</p>
+
+<p>When they appeared the captain continued:
+"You will go below with these men, and obey my
+signals, as we take the vessel to port, and remember,
+that if any part of the machinery is destroyed
+I will not guarantee to deliver you safely on
+shore."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>As they disappeared, the trap-door was closed,
+and the boys were free, for the first time since the
+eventful morning, five days previous to this time,
+when they stepped aboard the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>They now realized, in a particularly pointed
+manner, that while the air in a submarine seems
+to be fairly pure, it is filled with the most noxious
+fumes, due to the petroleum and lubricants, as
+well as to the odors due to cooking, all of which
+cannot be gotten rid of, however constantly the
+air-circulating apparatus of the ship is in operation.</p>
+
+<p>The greatest efforts have been made to automatically
+discharge these odors, but the hundreds of
+dead corners within a hull of this character make
+it impossible to effect a thorough discharge, and
+when the trap-door finally closes down there is a
+peculiar feeling, not unlike seasickness, which
+seemed to attack one.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand your feelings," said the captain,
+as he noticed the pale faces of the boys. "It is
+wonderful how you have been able to keep up, and
+not exhibit symptoms before this. I will have two
+seamen come over to assist me in the conning
+tower."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you wouldn't do that," said Alfred, as
+he placed his hand on his temples. "I am sure we
+will get over this in time."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; we want to stay with you, if you don't
+mind," insisted Ralph. "I am all right now," and
+he tried to smile, but it was not a very successful
+effort.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>"Then I suppose I shall have to accede; yes,
+lieutenant, we can take care of the boat, but I shall
+expect you to act as our convoy," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant directed his men to pull for the
+chaser, and the captain turned to the operating
+board. "Forward," the word was plain. The signal
+was made by two distinct rings. The propellers
+turned. The captain, with his hands on the
+wheel, turned to starboard and made a short turn.
+This brought the vessel alongside the chaser. A
+slight turn to port, then forward, and they glided
+alongside <i>l'Orient</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The crew had been lined up on the port side,
+and the captain at the end of the bridge raised his
+cap in salute as they passed by.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we going?" asked Ralph, as he saw
+the prow pointing to the south. "Are we going
+to France?"</p>
+
+<p>"What are those funny things bobbing up there
+for,&mdash;that whole line?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"They are the floats for the torpedo nets," replied
+the captain. "We are now on our way to go
+through the gates, and thus avoid the nets."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that why we are following the torpedo
+chaser?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and when once inside the lane, we will
+change our course and reach the English base for
+craft of this kind," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The submarine followed the wake of the chaser
+for fully a half hour, when, for some reason, that
+boat stopped. As they neared it they noticed the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>sailors and marines aboard on the port side, and
+intently engaged in looking forward.</p>
+
+<p>"What's up now, I wonder?" said Alfred, as he
+opened the door of the conning tower and stepped
+on the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at the floats ahead," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>On investigation two of them were noticed moving
+back and forth, and occasionally dipping in an
+unaccountable manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at those fellows with the guns on the deck
+of the chaser," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred looked up. He saw the gun crews at
+their stations, with the officers in charge of the
+guns standing at one side in attitudes of expectancy.</p>
+
+<p>"I know," said Alfred. "They have caught one
+of them."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and they are making the same efforts to
+get away that we were engaged in only a few
+hours ago," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The chaser steamed back and forth in a quiet,
+determined way, the men never for a moment relaxing
+their watch.</p>
+
+<p>"What are they trying to do with that funny-looking,
+big, fat gun on the side near the front end
+of the deck?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a howitzer," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What in the world do they want a howitzer
+for?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"To use it on the boat if it should get free from
+the net," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't they use it now?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>"Because they do not want to destroy the boat
+unless it is absolutely necessary," answered the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But how will they know whether the boat gets
+away?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"By the condition of the floats," answered the
+captain. "You will notice that the two floats
+within range of the submarine's action are being
+dragged down. If the floats should be in a normal
+condition, or float on their true water line, which
+you can readily observe by glasses, it is evident
+that the submarine is free."</p>
+
+<p>"And then that would be the time they would
+use the howitzers?" suggested Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"But how could they reach the submarine?"
+asked Ralph. "Do they know just where the vessel
+is now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they can locate it within a hundred feet;
+but that would be near enough for their purpose,"
+replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean," asked Alfred, "that they
+would send the shell from the howitzer anywhere
+near them, and that it would destroy the submarine
+even though it didn't hit it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the detonating or rupturing effect of the
+high explosive in the shells is such that even
+though the explosion would take place a hundred
+feet from the hull, it would put it out of commission
+at once, and, in all probability, crush in the
+sides like an egg shell," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why are they signaling?" asked Ralph, as the
+wig-wagging began.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>"I think that's <i>l'Orient</i> in sight on the port
+side," replied the captain, after gazing in the direction
+indicated.</p>
+
+<p>"Then the cruiser will take the position of the
+chaser?" said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite likely," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at the smoke; she's coming this way,"
+shouted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The captain waved his hand to the lieutenant
+on the chaser, as he shouted: "They have responded
+to your signals."</p>
+
+<p>As <i>l'Orient</i> approached and took up position,
+the chaser, with a parting salute, turned and
+started for its former course along the line of
+buoys. The boys looked back and kept their eyes
+on the moving buoys as far as they could see them.</p>
+
+<p>"It will never get away," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The chaser described a long curve, and changed
+its course due east, and, following it, they were at
+the entrance which had been left free. Beyond
+were several other small vessels, two of which
+dashed up and steamed alongside. The crews
+cheered as the boys emerged from the conning
+tower and waved their caps.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant quickly informed the officers
+aboard the other boats of the prize, which had been
+taken by those aboard of her, and the news redoubled
+their noisy welcome. The tell-tale number
+on the side of the conning tower, U-96, was
+sufficient to inform the crews of the passing vessels
+that another of the dreaded boats was out of
+action.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>Once within the lane, as the path between the
+two lines of buoyed nets is called, they turned and
+steamed north. Vessels were passing and repassing;
+transport and hospital ships; immense freight
+carriers, and saucy little tugs drawing barge-like
+flat-boats; innumerable fast launches and large
+war vessels, going to and fro between the shores
+of England and France.</p>
+
+<p>Within a half-hour they again approached the
+place where <i>l'Orient</i> was watching the struggles
+of the entangled submarine. The boys thought of
+the trying hours when they, too, were thus imperilled,
+and could hardly refrain from shuddering
+at the thought of the human beings in the narrow
+prison house below the waves.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently, something exciting was taking place,
+for the cruiser was constantly manoeuvering, and
+the men at the howitzers were keenly alive. Occasionally,
+there would be a lull in the movement
+of the buoys and it was during those moments that
+the most intense activity was shown on board the
+guarding vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand how it is that the submarine
+can get fastened to the nets," said Ralph to
+the captain, as they leaned over the rail of their
+vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"The meshes of the nets are very large,&mdash;that is,
+of sufficient diameters to permit the ends of the
+submarines to pass into them," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But, if that is the case why cannot the submarines
+back out in the same way that they went in?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>"They can, if the mesh is too small to take
+more than the bow of the vessel; but, in the event
+the mesh is large enough to permit the bow to enter,
+and the net once gets behind the fins of the
+submarine, that is the end of them, for the vessel
+cannot, in that case, free itself," responded the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"How was it in our case?" asked Ralph. "Do
+you think the fins of our ship got caught?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not explain it to you at the time, as I did
+not wish to alarm you; but this vessel had one of
+its fins through the net. Evidently we struck the
+nets at an angle, and the tide helped us in keeping
+the hull against the net at the proper angle. The
+lieutenant knew this, for he adopted the only
+method known to free the ship under those circumstances,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"So you think the lieutenant knew that only one
+fin had caught, and for that reason he tried to up-end
+the ship?" inquired Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but not that alone. I observed one thing
+that you may have overlooked," remarked the
+Captain. "He was particular to store all the
+boxes which we helped to carry aft, on the starboard
+side."</p>
+
+<p>"I noticed that," said Ralph hurriedly, "and
+that wasn't all. Every time a box was brought in
+he would ask: 'Heavy or light,' and I have many
+times wondered why he did so."</p>
+
+<p>"I did notice one thing, though," said Alfred,
+"and that was, when the rear end of the submarine
+shot upward, and the boxes came tumbling
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>down, that the hull seemed to roll around to the
+left."</p>
+
+<p>"That was our salvation," replied the captain.
+"I then knew we had a chance."</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="XII" id="XII"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h2>THE DEATH BLOW TO THE SUBMARINE</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>Let us try to get some idea of the situation.
+Ahead of the boat on which the boys were watching
+the scene, and probably not more than eight hundred
+feet distant, was <i>l'Orient</i>. Between them was
+the row of buoys, as far as the eye could see,
+stretching from the shore of England to the coast
+of France. To their right, and not two hundred
+feet distant was the saucy little chaser, which acted
+as their convoy.</p>
+
+<p>At a point which might be termed midway between
+the three vessels thus described, were the
+two buoys, which moved with spasmodic jerks,
+due to the action of the imprisoned vessel below.
+As they looked along the bobbing buoys in either
+direction, small vessels were observed, patrolling
+to and fro, in the tiny mast, or lookout of each, being
+two or more men, with glasses, constantly
+scrutinizing the floats as the ships slowly moved
+past.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently, at regular intervals, were large
+ships of war, all of them in motion. Sailing vessels
+and steamers, carrying freight, were coming
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>up the channel, convoyed to the open doors in this
+giant network which guarded the channel.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant on the chaser backed his vessel
+toward the submarine and hailed the captain:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish to remain?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"The chances of that fellow seem to be pretty
+slim. I would like to see the finish of the game;
+but I suppose we ought to get into port as soon as
+possible," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will give the order to proceed," replied
+the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>The captain nodded, and the boys started for the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment!" said the captain. "We may
+still be able to see an interesting sight."</p>
+
+<p>The boys rushed out of the door. Glancing up
+at the deck of the chaser they could see the marines
+aboard rushing to the side of the vessel. As
+they looked at the buoys it was noticed that they
+were silent. <i>L'Orient</i> was slowly backing away
+from the obvious location of the submerged vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"They are about to throw a shell," observed the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>The remark had hardly left his mouth when an
+explosion was heard and the shell could be observed
+moving upward at a very high angle, and
+descending into the water with a vicious plunge.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had it struck the sea than it seemed
+to raise the surface of the water like the foaming
+mass in a boiling pot. The explosion was dull, vibrant,
+ominous.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>"They are shooting another one," shouted Alfred,
+although he tried to suppress his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Boom!" came the sound, as he uttered the
+words.</p>
+
+<p>The second shot struck the water not fifty feet
+distant from the first one.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think they will fire another?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably not," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that little boat going over there for?"
+asked Ralph, as one of the torpedo boats boldly
+advanced over the spot where the two shells had
+entered the water.</p>
+
+<p>The captain nodded his head for a few moments
+before speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"The shots were successful."</p>
+
+<p>"I can see that now," said Ralph. "Look at the
+oil coming up and covering the sea."</p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, a sad sight to witness, knowing
+that the shots meant the death of thirty or more
+human beings.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am awfully sorry for them, even if they
+had no sympathy for us, and didn't wait to see
+whether or not we were put into safety before they
+sent our ship down," said Alfred reflectively, as
+he turned and entered the conning tower.</p>
+
+<p>The scene had its fascination for Ralph, although
+he felt the horror of it all as he stood leaning
+over the railing, gazing at the patrol boats
+which were sailing back and forth in and around
+the spot where the petroleum was fast covering
+the surface of the water in all directions.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>"You can understand now, can't you, why flying
+machines are such good spotters for submarines?"
+remarked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean the oil that comes on top of the
+water?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But does oil arise at all times when a submarine
+is submerged?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"More or less oil is constantly detaching itself
+from the body of the hull, at the discharge ports,
+and it can't be helped because all of the gas discharge
+ports are under water at all times, whether
+the vessel is running on or under the water, hence,
+as it moves along it will leave a trail of oil which
+can be easily detected by a machine in flight above
+the surface of the water," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But doesn't a machine, when it is under the
+water, leave a ripple that is easily seen by a flying
+machine?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I was going to refer to that," replied the
+captain. "An aviator has a great advantage over
+an observer on a vessel, for the reason that the
+slightest movement of the surface of the sea, even
+though there may be pronounced waves, can be
+noted. If the submarine is moving along near the
+surface, the ripple is very pronounced, and the
+streak of oil which follows is very narrow. Should
+the submarine stop, the oil it discharges accumulates
+on top of the water at one place, and begins
+to spread out over the surface of the water and
+this makes it a mark for the watchful eye of the
+airmen of the sea patrols," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>"I heard one of the officers at the aviation camp
+say that a submarine could be seen easily through
+fifty feet of water by an airman," remarked Alfred.
+"Do you think that is so?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it is possible," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But why is it that when you are on a ship it is
+impossible to see through the water that depth?"</p>
+
+<p>"For this reason," answered the captain: "if
+you are on a ship, and you are looking even from
+the topmast of the vessel, the line of vision from
+the eye strikes the surface of the water at an angle.
+The result is that the surface of the water acts as
+a reflector, exactly the same as when the line of
+sight strikes a pane of glass."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that the sight is reflected just as
+it is when you are outside of a house and try to
+look into the window at an angle?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly; that is one explanation. The other
+is this: sea water is clear and transparent. By
+looking down directly on the water, a dark object,
+unless too far below the surface, will be noted for
+the reason that it makes a change in the coloring
+from the area surrounding it, and a cigar-shaped
+object at fifty feet below, whether it should be
+black or white, would quickly be detected," explained
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I remember that Lieutenant Winston, who has
+flown across the channel many times, told me that
+he could tell when he was nearing land, in a fog,
+by sailing close to the water, even though the land
+couldn't be seen. Do you know how he was able
+to do that?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>"That is one of the simplest problems," replied
+the captain. "The shallower the water the lighter
+the appearance to an observer in an airship. As
+the water grows deeper the color seems to grow
+greener and bluer, the bluest being at the greatest
+depth."</p>
+
+<p>The chaser was now under way, and described
+a circle to the right. The captain, after saluting
+the officer on the bridge of <i>l'Orient</i>, gave the signal
+"Forward," and slowly the submarine sheered
+about and followed.</p>
+
+<p>The second line of buoys appeared a quarter of
+a mile to the east of the one they had just left. In
+a half-hour the two vessels passed through the
+gateway and turned to the north.</p>
+
+<p>"We can't be very far from England," remarked
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I judge we are fifteen miles from Dover," replied
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you intend to go to Dover?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No; there are no stations there that can receive
+crafts of this kind. I do not know to what
+point they may take us; possibly to the mouth of
+the Thames, and from there to some point where
+the vessel will be interned," answered the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"How deep is the channel here?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably not to exceed 120 feet," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Not more than that in the middle of the Channel,&mdash;half
+way between England and France?"
+asked Alfred in surprise.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>"No; the Channel is very shallow," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No wonder then," said Alfred, "that the submarines
+are having such a hard time getting
+through, even though they don't have the nets!"</p>
+
+<p>Having passed the cordon of nets the chaser
+turned and slowly steamed past the submarine.
+The lieutenant stepped to the side of the bridge
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose, Captain, you can now make the pier-head
+at Ramsgate, where you will get a ship to
+convoy you to the harbor. Good luck to you!
+Adieu!"</p>
+
+<p>The boys waved their caps in salute, as the
+chaser began to move, and the crew lined up to
+give the final goodbye.</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled and replied: "I think I have
+ample assistance on board; give my regards to the
+admiral."</p>
+
+<p>"How far is it to Ramsgate?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"It cannot be more than twenty-five miles, and
+at the rate we are now going we should reach the
+head at five this evening. That will be the end of
+our troubles, as the naval officials will take care
+of this vessel from that point," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I shall be glad of it," replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>It was a glorious day, the sun was shining
+brightly, and the air, although somewhat cool, was
+not at all disagreeable. The boys insisted on taking
+their turns at the wheel, the course being given
+by the captain as west by north. Everything was
+moving along in fine shape, and Alfred was at the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>wheel, while Ralph was peering through the periscope,
+for this interested them
+from the moment they boarded
+the ship.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is that steamer
+bound?" asked Ralph, who noticed
+a large two-funnel steamer
+crossing the field of the periscope.</p>
+
+<p>"It belongs to the Australian
+line," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't we in the barred
+zone?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I was about to remark a
+moment ago that it does not seem
+as though the German edict of a
+restricted zone makes much difference
+in the sailing of vessels,"
+replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>While speaking, the submarine
+seemed to slow down, and the
+captain turned toward the conning
+tower. "I wonder what is
+up now?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred's head appeared at the
+door and shouted: "They don't
+seem to answer my signals."</p>
+
+<p>The captain entered the tower,
+and pulled the lever, <i>Attention!</i>
+There was no response to the
+signal below the word. He again rang, with the
+same result.</p>
+
+<a name="imagep137" id="imagep137"></a>
+
+<div class="imgr" style="width: 15%;">
+<a href="images/imagep137.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep137.png" width="80%" alt="The Periscope" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>The Periscope</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"I will open the hatch," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>It was quickly swung open. The sub-lieutenant
+appeared at the hatch with haggard face and staring
+eyes. "The captain has gone mad!" he
+shouted.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go down if you want me to; I am not
+afraid," said Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The captain looked at him for a moment, and
+glanced down into the hatchway. "Why do you
+not obey my signals?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>The sub-lieutenant stared at the captain, but
+did not make a reply. "Answer my question!"
+shouted the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The officer raised his face, threw up his hands,
+and fell back across the low railing, which served
+as a guard at the foot of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"You may go down, and ascertain what is the
+matter, but use caution," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph stepped into the open hatch, and, as he
+did so, the captain laid his hand on his shoulder,
+and said: "Take out your revolver; do not trust
+those men for a moment, under any consideration;
+we know them too well."</p>
+
+<p>Ralph quickly drew the weapon and held it in his
+hand, then cautiously descended. He passed the
+inert form of the officer on the rail, and not until he
+reached the last step did he see the doctor and the
+chief machinist by the side of the dynamo.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor held a revolver, which he pointed
+straight at Ralph. "Drop that revolver!"
+shouted the doctor. "The lieutenant is dead, and
+the time fuse will soon send this ship to the bottom."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>The moment he saw the revolver and heard the
+voice, Ralph dropped behind the stanchions to
+which the stairway was attached. The doctor's revolver
+was fired. Instantly the captain divined the
+cause. Without waiting for a warning cry from
+Ralph, he leaped into the open hatch, and saw the
+two men with their weapons. He covered them
+with his revolver.</p>
+
+<p>"Come up!" he shouted to Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The latter raised up from his crouching position,
+with his revolver now leveled full in the faces of
+the two frenzied men. Before Ralph had reached
+the upper step both men in the hold fired, fortunately,
+without doing any damage.</p>
+
+<p>The moment Ralph gained the deck the captain
+jumped out of the hatch and slammed it down.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, quickly, boys; tie this rope to the railing
+close to the periscope tube, and arm yourself with
+the life preservers; there, you will find them under
+that couch," said the captain, as he quickly threw
+back the cover from the couch and handed out four
+preservers.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you want four?" asked Ralph, as he
+hastily buckled one of them around himself.</p>
+
+<p>"To attach to the end of the line that you have
+just fastened to the rail," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The captain sprang out through the open door,
+and attached one of the life belts to the end of the
+line. The boys now noticed the coil of rope, which
+must have been more than a hundred feet in length.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what that is for?" asked Alfred, as
+the captain disappeared.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>"There," said the captain, as he again appeared
+at the door. "If she goes down that preserver will
+tell them where to fish for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think there is any danger?" asked
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know; I am not taking any chances.
+I have my opinion, though," replied the captain
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think they are going to blow up the vessel?"
+asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but I am inclined to think that they have
+not been able to disconnect the automatic fuse,
+or, that the death of the lieutenant, if such should
+be the case, has prevented them from finding the
+secret key, and,&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That the sub-lieutenant has actually gone
+mad," interrupted Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>The captain nodded, and continued: "Although
+they deserve death, still, I am not a barbarian, and
+shall give them a chance for their lives," and, saying
+this, he moved through the door, and, sighting
+a large steamer, gave a signal. Once, twice, three
+times he moved the flag from right to left. Almost
+immediately there was a response and two short
+whistles responded.</p>
+
+<p>Before the great ship had time to stop, the forward
+end of the submarine moved upward with
+a violent heave, followed by an explosion that
+seemed to tear everything to pieces. Ralph was
+thrown clear of the top, and landed fully twenty
+feet from the side of the hull. Alfred and the captain
+seemed to be propelled to the stern of the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>ship and dashed into the waves at least fifty feet
+from the spot where Ralph had landed.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph did not appear to be even stunned, but
+Alfred's head dropped lifeless on the side of the
+life preserver, and the captain was prompt to
+reach his side and support him so that his head
+was kept free from the water.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph was bewildered at the suddenness of the
+affair, and, while splashing in the water, glanced
+first at the captain and Alfred, and then swung
+around to get a view of the big ship, which they
+had signalled. The submarine had vanished. The
+sea around appeared to be a mass of bubbles, and
+he could plainly see the petroleum which was oozing
+up.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing was visible where the submarine floated
+but a single belt,&mdash;the life preserver which the captain
+had used as a buoy, to mark the location of the
+sunken vessel.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h2>THE RESCUE IN THE CHANNEL</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>"The boat is on the way," shouted the captain,
+as Ralph tried to direct himself toward the captain
+and Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"We were just in time," said Ralph. "How is
+Alfred?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Only stunned," replied the captain. "I think
+he hit the conning tower as the vessel up-ended."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellows," said Ralph, "I suppose it's all
+up with them."</p>
+
+<p>"They are gone beyond all help. But we did
+the best we could," answered the captain. "Here,
+take this fellow first," continued the captain, addressing
+the officer in charge of the boat.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were soon dragged in, and the officer
+gazed at the captain most earnestly, as he said:
+"Why, Captain, we heard just before we left the
+dock about you and two boys capturing a submarine;
+was that the submarine? What has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is a long story, but you shall hear it as
+soon as we get aboard. Where are you bound?"
+asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>"For the Mediterranean," replied the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is your first port?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Havre," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't be better," replied the captain.
+"Ah! I see Alfred is coming around all right."</p>
+
+<p>"He seems to be breathing all right now," said
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"So they heard about our exploit?" asked the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes; the papers made quite an item about
+it; I think we have a copy on board," replied the
+officer.</p>
+
+<p>As the boys ascended the ship's ladder they saw
+two torpedo boat destroyers crowd up alongside
+the ship. The captain leaned over the taff-rail and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"The buoy yonder marks the resting place of
+the U-96, late in the service of the Imperial German
+Navy. Please report same, with my compliments."</p>
+
+<p>Alfred was taken aboard and the ship's doctor
+was soon in attendance. Every one crowded
+around and the names of the boys and the captain
+were soon known to all the passengers. The <i>Evening
+Mail</i> gave the most interesting account of the
+affair, and Ralph read and re-read the item.</p>
+
+<p>An hour afterwards, when everything had time
+to quiet down, and Alfred had recovered sufficiently
+to sit up, Ralph drew out the newspaper,
+and, to the surprise of Alfred, read the following:</p>
+
+<br />
+<p class="cen">"AN EXTRAORDINARY FEAT<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+<br />
+"A SUBMARINE CAPTURED BY THREE PRISONERS</p>
+<br />
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The war is a never-ending series of startling
+and remarkable events, the latest being the capture
+of a German submarine by the captain of one of
+the transatlantic liners and two American boys
+who were passengers on the captain's ship when
+she was torpedoed. The commander of the submarine
+took the captain and the two boys from
+the boat in which they had sought refuge, after
+their vessel went down in the Bay of Biscay.</p>
+
+<p>"It was learned from the first officer of one of
+the torpedo-boats that the submarine while on its
+way to Germany was caught in the nets in mid-channel.
+While trying to disentangle itself, the
+chief officer of the submarine met with an accident,
+and, taking advantage of the situation, the
+captain and his two boy companions, having found
+a case of revolvers, held up the second officer and
+the crew, and imprisoned them below.</p>
+
+<p>"They are now bringing the submarine to England,
+and we hope to be able to give more details
+tomorrow."</p></div>
+
+<p>"There, what do you think of that?" ejaculated
+Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred smiled, but a shadow came over his face,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>as he looked at Ralph. The latter, seeing the
+change, jumped up, and cried: "Are you sick?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Alfred wearily; "but I have been
+thinking of father and mother; I had a dream that
+I saw them standing on a dock; I wonder where
+they are?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have some interesting news for you," said
+the captain, as he entered the cabin, holding a
+French paper in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked the boys in unison.</p>
+
+<p>"Boats three, four and five of our ship have
+reached port all right," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard about No. 1?" asked Alfred,
+as he leaned forward, and anxiously awaited the
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but it is likely that the other boats may
+have been picked up by a west bound vessel, and it
+is not time yet to hear from the other side," replied
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"But do you think they are safe?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see that they were in any great danger,
+as there was calm weather for at least forty-eight
+hours after the ship went down," answered
+the captain. "I understand that all but three of
+the boats have been accounted for."</p>
+
+<p>"Have the submarines been doing much damage?"
+asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; they have sunk a great many ships," was
+the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Any American ships?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but a number of Americans have lost their
+lives on vessels that have been sunk."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>"Where are we going?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"To Havre," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't worry about father and mother
+now," said Ralph soothingly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed; the boats were perfectly safe, and
+I have no doubt but we shall hear from them by the
+time we reach port," reassured the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph waited until Alfred dropped off to sleep,
+and then strolled up on deck and mixed with the
+passengers. He was kept busy telling them about
+the terrible hours on board the submarine, until he
+was tired and sleepy. Then he wended his way to
+the cabin and was soon asleep.</p>
+
+<p>The distance from the point where they boarded
+the ship to Havre was about two hundred miles.
+Ordinarily, they would have reached port at six in
+the morning, but the route during the night was a
+slow and tedious one, for the reason that all
+ships along the channel route were permitted to
+pass only during certain hours when the war vessels
+acted as guides and convoys through the open
+lane.</p>
+
+<p>Once near the zone of the nets no lights were
+permitted, and each ship had to be taken through
+by special vessels designated for this work, and,
+when once clear of the nets, extra precautions were
+taken to convoy them to relative points of safety
+beyond.</p>
+
+<p>When Ralph awoke the next morning, and saw
+that it was past six, he hurriedly dressed himself,
+and, taking a look at Alfred, who was quietly sleeping,
+ascended the deck. He was surprised to see
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>nothing but the open sea on all sides. Addressing
+a seaman, he asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't we reached Havre yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; we may not get there until nine o'clock.
+We have had reports of many submarines in the
+mouth of the channel, and they are, probably, lying
+in wait to intercept steamers going to or coming
+from Havre," replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>Pacing the deck he found many of the passengers
+excited at the news, although it was the policy
+of the officers to keep the most alarming information
+from them. Meeting the second officer he inquired
+about the captain, and was informed that
+he had just gone down to see Alfred. Nearing the
+companionway he met the captain and Alfred, the
+latter looking somewhat pale, and rather weak or
+unsteady in his walk.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to see you looking so well," said
+Ralph. "Where are you hurt the most?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look at the back of my head," replied Alfred.
+"I suppose I must have struck the railing as the
+thing heaved up."</p>
+
+<p>The captain suddenly sprang forward and the
+boys followed in wonderment. Before they had
+time to ask any questions they were startled by a
+shot.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a pretty big gun to make such a
+racket," remarked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"It's one of the four-inch forward guns," said
+a seaman, standing near.</p>
+
+<p>"But what are they shooting at?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Submarine, I suppose," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>"But where?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know; haven't seen one; but I suppose
+the lookouts spotted the fellow," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Every one now crowded forward, and gazed in
+the direction of the pointed glasses in the hands of
+the officers. In the distance nothing was visible
+but the conning tower and the two periscope tubes,
+but that was enough.</p>
+
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep148" id="imagep148"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep148.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep148.png" width="55%" alt="The Conning Tower" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>The Conning Tower, All That Could Be Seen of the Submarine</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The boys moved forward, and the captain noticing
+them, spoke a word to the commander on
+the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Come up, boys," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Once on the bridge the captain said: "I take
+pleasure in introducing my companions on our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>little
+jaunt; they are brave fellows, and are made of
+the right kind of stuff. I think you will hear from
+them if America gets into the fight."</p>
+
+<p>"And America is bound to get in, for we have
+just learned that the first American ship has been
+sunk without warning," said the navigating officer,
+as he pressed the hands of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>The captain took up the receiver, which communicated
+with the topmast. After listening
+awhile, he turned to the group and said: "The sub
+has disappeared."</p>
+
+<p>"That will mean an interesting time for us,"
+said the captain. "I have had the same experience,
+but was not fortunate enough to be armed
+when they attacked us. Are all the vessels from
+England now armed?" he asked the captain commanding
+the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; fore and aft. We have found that but a
+small percentage of armed vessels have been sunk,
+and those which have guns at both ends are surely
+doubly armed," answered the commander.</p>
+
+<p>The boom of the guns had brought every passenger
+on deck. The officers could not conceal the
+real state of affairs, but there was no sign of a
+panic. The officers did not even take the precaution
+to warn the passengers that they should apply
+or keep the life belts close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the policy I suggested from the first,"
+said the captain. "That boat must have been
+three miles away, at least, and a careful gunner
+would come pretty close to hitting the mark at
+that distance, and those fellows know it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>"Then why do you think the interesting or dangerous
+time is now coming?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the safety of the ship now depends on
+the ability of the observers to report the moment
+a periscope appears in sight. If the submarine is
+close enough to fire a torpedo, it is near enough to
+be a fine target for the gunners aboard, and, as the
+submarine would not be likely to attempt a shot
+unless it had a broadside to aim at, you can see
+that such a position would expose her to the fire
+of the guns both fore and aft," responded the captain.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+<br />
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h2>TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>"What do you make the reckoning?" asked the
+captain, as the navigating officer lowered his instrument,
+and turned to the book.</p>
+
+<p>"Fifty, ten north," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"On the line?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Twelve minutes east," answered the officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we are forty miles due north of Havre,"
+responded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you mean by being 'on the line?'"
+asked Ralph, addressing the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The zero line, or the point where all calculations
+east and west are reckoned from, runs north
+and south through Greenwich, in England, a place
+a little east of London. We are about fifteen miles
+east of that line," replied the captain, "and one
+hundred and eighty miles south of London."</p>
+
+<p>But all were now interested in the further developments
+which might be expected. The wireless
+was constantly receiving messages, and occasionally
+the commander received messages which
+were, evidently, interesting reading, judging from
+the comments made. Most of the information related
+to the activities of the undersea boats, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>only in that region where they were now approaching.</p>
+
+<p>The vessel was proceeding slowly, when suddenly
+the officer in the crow's nest sent down a
+signal that vitalized the gunners. The guns swung
+around instantly. Away off to starboard was the
+faintest ripple, for the water was comparatively
+smooth.</p>
+
+<p>Two shots rang out almost simultaneously from
+the fore and aft guns. It was a thrilling sight to
+see the streaks of glistening water, which the two
+shells brought up to be reflected by the brilliant
+sun. A shout from the gunner at the bow caused
+a chorus of answering shouts.</p>
+
+<p>"Did they hit it?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there is one less periscope, if I know anything,"
+replied the navigating officer.</p>
+
+<p>Ralph had descended the stairs leading down
+from the bridge, and quickly made his way to the
+bow.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to congratulate you on that shot," he
+said, as he approached.</p>
+
+<p>The gunner, with glowing face, turned, and,
+seeing Ralph, replied: "Thank you, lad! Coming
+from you it's a compliment. Lor', but we like to
+spot 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"That fellow's as good as useless," remarked
+the officer in charge.</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose the submarine has any torpedoes
+left?" queried Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"That wouldn't do him any good; he would have
+to use that to sight by," replied the officer.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>"Yes; I can see that now," replied Ralph. "If
+he came to the top in order to fire the torpedo he
+wouldn't last very long with these guns pointing
+at him."</p>
+
+<p>As Ralph was ascending the stairway leading
+to the bridge on his return a half-hour later, the
+watch shouted out a warning: "Five points to
+starboard!"</p>
+
+<p>Every one was now keyed up to the highest
+pitch. The guns were quickly swung to the angle
+indicated, and another tense moment arrived.</p>
+
+<p>The captain walked over to the commander, and
+said: "It seems to me that the best policy is to
+bear down on him with all speed possible. That
+will give the gunners the best chance, and at the
+same time present the smallest target for the submarine."</p>
+
+<p>The commander nodded and gave the necessary
+order, but before the helmsman had time to execute
+the turning movement the forward gun was
+heard, quickly followed by the second gun. The
+aft gun also responded, making three shots that
+were fired, striking the water in such close proximity
+to each other that the aim must have been
+very accurate.</p>
+
+<p>"Gunners from the Royal Navy," remarked the
+captain, as he lowered his glasses. "And they
+have hit the mark."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure of it, for this reason," said the captain,
+as the officers on the bridge crowded around;
+"neither of the periscopes is visible, and I can
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>plainly see the boiling that follows a sinking submarine."</p>
+
+<p>The ship was now at full speed, sailing directly
+over the course where the submarine was sighted.
+It did not take long for the vessel to cover the
+mile, and, as they neared the tell-tale spot, the
+ship was veered slightly out of its course, so that
+a good view could be obtained of the surface of
+the water.</p>
+
+<p>"How deep do you suppose that submarine is
+now?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"It is in less than two hundred feet of water;
+see, the air bubbles are still coming up, although
+it went down fully fifteen minutes ago."</p>
+
+<p>The steamer slowed down as it came abreast,
+and the passengers leaned over the side in intense
+excitement, watching the signs which indicated the
+death of another sea terror. Even while they were
+watching one immense boiling zone appeared and
+settled down, indicating that another air tank had
+given way, or that the pressure of the sea water
+had forced the air from one of the innumerable
+pockets in the interior of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>Four bells indicated a resumption of the journey.
+The great funnels began to pour forth smoke
+in immense volumes, and the ship fairly shook with
+the revolutions of the twin screws.</p>
+
+<p>"So we are going directly south," said Ralph,
+who had just examined the compass, and started
+for the stairway.</p>
+
+<p>"There will be no let-up now," remarked the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>Every one understood that forced draught
+would now be resorted to, both to avoid the likelihood
+of being torpedoed, and also to enable the
+ship to reach port at the earliest possible moment.
+The <i>St. Duneen</i>, although a twin-screw vessel, was
+not of more than 5,000 tons burden, having been
+built as a mail carrier for distant ports, in which
+speed was regarded as the important element in
+her construction.</p>
+
+<p>As the commander remarked to the captain,
+after the latter reached the bridge, he felt sure that
+the speed alone, which he was able to make in an
+emergency, would baffle any attempt to reach his
+hull. It seemed so, for the vessel fairly skimmed
+the surface of the water, and left a trail which
+could be marked for miles.</p>
+
+<p>Every one felt happy, and there was a feeling
+of security aboard that was shared by every one.
+Luncheon was announced, and the boys were descending
+the stairway leading to the cabin, when
+they felt a peculiar sensation. They were thrown
+down the steps, taking with them several women
+and children, who were alongside.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had they landed at the bottom, when
+the most terrific crash was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Submarine!" shrieked a voice.</p>
+
+<p>The sensation of the oscillating movement of the
+vessel was a sickening one. The dining room was
+half-filled with women, children and men.</p>
+
+<p>"To your cabins at once; life belts as quickly as
+possible!" shouted an officer. "The men must aid
+the women and children. Do not become excited."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>This warning had a marked effect; it restored
+the confidence which had been so rudely shocked.
+Ralph and Alfred sprang for the closets where the
+life preservers were kept, and threw them out on
+the floor as fast as they could grasp them. They
+caught up one child after the other, and, without
+heeding the resistance which some offered, adjusted
+the belts, and, as fast as this was done, they
+assisted in pushing the children toward the companionway.</p>
+
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep156" id="imagep156"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep156.png">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep156.png" width="45%" alt="A Contact Mine" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><i>A Contact Mine</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The ship was slowly sinking to one side. The
+angle was very perceptible, and especially noticed
+as the boys reached the stairway, for it was found
+to be impossible to ascend by the starboard stairs.
+This made it more difficult to get the people out
+of the crowded rooms below.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't get excited!" shouted the officer from
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>the head of the stairs. "We can all clear the ship
+safely before she goes down."</p>
+
+<p>As fast as the passengers reached the deck, officers
+were present to direct them to the most advantageous
+boats, but no orders were given to man
+the boats. The bow of the ship had gone down,
+and she was now lying at a considerable angle, but
+it was evident that there was considerable buoyancy
+in the vessel, and that there was no immediate
+danger.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure that all are out of the cabins?"
+asked the captain, as one of the porters appeared
+at the end of the passageway.</p>
+
+<p>"We might as well take a look," said Alfred,
+as he rushed toward the port passage.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go through the other passageway and
+meet you at the aft stairway," said Ralph, as he
+darted toward the gangway leading along the right
+side of the ship.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred diligently opened every door and glanced
+about; he was not long in reaching the aft stairway
+area, and waited for some minutes for Ralph
+to appear. As he was crossing the open space between
+the two passageways, he heard a shriek,
+followed by piercing screams, evidently from the
+port passage.</p>
+
+<p>Directed by the sounds he sprang from door to
+door, and soon detected a terrific struggle.
+"Help! help! I am being murdered!" was the
+cry.</p>
+
+<p>At the door of a cabin Alfred saw two forms,
+one the woman, and the other Ralph in a fierce
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>struggle, the woman with her arms around the
+post, which extended upward from the floor at
+the side of the cabin couch. She defied every effort
+on the part of Ralph. Alfred seized her
+hands, gradually loosened them, and when they
+had succeeded in freeing her, she dropped down,
+completely exhausted, threw her head to one side,
+and swooned.</p>
+
+<p>This greatly facilitated her removal. The boys
+dragged her along the passageway, and, nearing
+the stairs, noticed a peculiar sound, something like
+a muffled explosion, followed by a sudden lurch
+of the ship, which destroyed their balance so that
+they were compelled to drop their burden.</p>
+
+<p>"What can that be?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Seems as though we have been hit the second
+time," replied Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! here you are!" shouted the captain, as he
+rushed down the stairway, followed by an officer.</p>
+
+<p>"What was that?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"A bulkhead has just given way," replied the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we are bound to go down," said Alfred
+with a sigh. "We must get her up before she
+comes to."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but we'll try to save her," replied the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The ship was slowly sinking. The motion of a
+vessel as it loses its buoyancy gives a most peculiar
+feeling to those on board, independently of the
+knowledge that danger is lurking very near. The
+sinking motion is not a smooth and steady going
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>down, but the movement is accompanied by successive
+throbs, as it seems,&mdash;it almost appears as
+though the ship were a living thing, sobbing away,
+until the final plunge takes place.</p>
+
+<p>Aided by the captain and the officer, the woman
+was quickly brought to the deck, where it was
+learned that her husband had lost his life on a torpedoed
+vessel a month before. She opened her
+eyes as they were placing her in the boat, and instantly
+recognized Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Did I resist and try to injure you?" she asked.
+"Forgive me!" she said pleadingly. "But I have
+had so much trouble. You must be a brave boy to
+act as you did."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't mind that for a minute," replied Ralph.
+"We were bound to get you out; we didn't think
+of anything else."</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, boys; take the boat at the next
+davit," said the captain. "I will be with you in
+a moment."</p>
+
+<p>The boys entered the little dory and sat down.
+The navigating officer was the last one to step in.
+He stood there with his instruments in his hands,
+and cast a gloomy look along the deck. "Too bad,
+too bad!" he said reflectively.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Ralph, I have an idea that we are hoodoos!"
+said Alfred, with a serious air.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is a hoodoo?" asked the captain, approaching
+and overhearing the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Hoodoo, nothing!" answered Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it begins to look like it," responded Alfred.
+"There is some sort of deviltry around
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>wherever we have happened to be ever since the
+war began."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the gravity of the situation, the
+captain could not repress a smile, which he quickly
+suppressed, as he answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Then what would you call me? They have
+sunk four ships under me by torpedoes, and one by
+a mine. You have seen and experienced some of
+the other adventures I have had within the past
+ten days, and now this is another vessel to go
+down under me on account of a mine," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"A mine! a mine, did you say?" almost shrieked
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; one of the floating mines that the Germans
+are strewing about in open defiance of all
+the laws," answered the captain with a bitter
+voice.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br /><a name="XV" id="XV"></a>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h2>A FRIGHTFUL MINE EXPLOSION</h2>
+<br />
+
+<p>The order was given. There was no hope for
+the ship. "Lower the boats!" Everything was
+done with precision and in order, indicating that
+there was no panic on shipboard. Up to the last
+moment the wireless S. O. S., <i>St. Duneen</i>, 48, 50
+N., 10 E., repeated and repeated the message of
+the disaster.</p>
+
+<p>At a signal the wireless operator obeyed the
+commander's orders, and emerged from the little
+room high up aft of the main stacks. He sprang
+into the boat, as it was moving down.</p>
+
+<p>"Pull away! pull away!" shouted the commander,
+as the boats reached the surface of the
+water. The order and its execution did not come
+too soon. Like a giant, in a death struggle, there
+were a few spasmodic movements, and more pronounced
+ones as the bulkheads gave way.</p>
+
+<p>They were fully two hundred feet from the ship,
+when suddenly it seemed to roll around half-way,
+and they could look over the entire deck, so fully
+was it exposed to those on board of the dory in
+which the boys had taken refuge.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>The vessel rested on its side for a moment only,
+then it slowly staggered back, the bow quickly
+dipped, and failed to come back again. Then it
+seemed actually to slide forward into the depths,
+the stern rising higher and higher, as the bow
+moved under. More than fifty feet of the stern
+of the ship was still out of the water, when a peculiar
+thing happened. The hull ceased to move.
+It remained at an angle in the air for a quarter of
+a minute, while every one stared at it in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with it?" asked Alfred,
+who was the first to break the silence.</p>
+
+<p>"The bow is on the bottom of the ocean," said
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>That was, indeed, true. Soon it began to sink,
+by falling back, and it quietly sank beneath the
+waves, leaving scarcely a ripple above the surface.</p>
+
+<p>"That would have been different if she had been
+struck amidship, for the hull would have gone
+down on an even keel," remarked the commander.</p>
+
+<p>The nine boats were now afloat near each other.
+In the distance could be seen smoke in two directions,
+evidence that vessels were not far away.
+Then, almost like an apparition, from the east
+came two of the speedy little ships, which act like
+spit-fires and lie so low in the water that they are
+able to creep up unawares. They do not give forth
+any smoke to warn an enemy, or indicate their
+presence to friends.</p>
+
+<p>Long before the ships, which had announced
+their positions by the smoke on the horizon, came
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>into sight, the saucy chasers were sailing around
+and about the fleet of <i>St. Duneen's</i> boats.</p>
+
+<p>"It rather makes me feel good to think that we
+didn't get caught by either of the submarines,"
+said Alfred. "I would hate to give them that satisfaction."</p>
+
+<p>"But what's the difference, after all?" replied
+Ralph. "So long as they sink the ships, what matter
+does it make whether they do it by mines or
+submarines?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; one is as bad as the other, both done
+against all law," answered Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>The first boat to answer the signal was a French
+cruiser, which came up rapidly after the chasers
+arrived. There was ample room on board for the
+passengers, but it took fully an hour before all
+were safe on board and orders were given to start.
+As the cruiser turned, a great, gray British battleship
+came up to port, saluted, and passed on,
+followed by another far in the distance, those two
+great vessels with their black smoke trailing out
+in the distance and moving along majestically
+seeming to be the acme of power.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were on the upper deck and watched
+the scene with admiration. Before the cruiser had
+proceeded far the smoke of more than a dozen
+ships were visible, and the boys could not help
+but be impressed at the tremendous power of the
+Allies on the water, notwithstanding the calamity
+which had just befallen their ship. After all, the
+ships had been sunk by an enemy which dared not
+show his face above the surface of the water.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>"Submarine sunk near the harbor of Brest and
+one off Cherburg," was the startling announcement
+of the wireless operator. "Five American
+ships have arrived at the Loire," was another message.
+"America is aflame with excitement, and
+demands action," came later.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible that the United States will go to
+war?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"The United States is now at war," replied the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"What? do you mean to say that the President
+has declared war?" asked Alfred in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"No; it is not necessary that America should
+declare war. Germany has done so by torpedoing
+your ships, and killing your citizens; that is an act
+of war; for every nation, and Germany itself,
+knows that its submarine war is illegal, and without
+any standing in International Law. It is no
+justification to say that to give notice makes it
+legal. If a man wished to commit murder it would
+not make him less a murderer if he had given notice
+of his intention beforehand," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I'm not going back to New York," said
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I; we've been in it from the first, and we
+might as well stick it out;&mdash;if I only knew that
+mother was safe," concluded Ralph with a shadow
+across his face.</p>
+
+<p>Within an hour the boys saw a faint streak of
+peculiar gray to the left, far ahead.</p>
+
+<p>"That must be land," said Alfred.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>"And that looks like a town, away in the distance,"
+remarked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right; that is the coast of France,
+and the houses you see belong to the town of
+F&egrave;camp, a seaport and watering place, 22 miles
+from Havre," said the navigating officer.</p>
+
+<p>Every minute brought them nearer the city of
+Havre. How they longed to hear some news of
+their parents, now that all excitement had died
+away, and they were permitted to think of home
+and those dear to them.</p>
+
+<p>Vessels began to accumulate on all sides of them,
+indications that they were now within the safety
+zone. For a period of eight days they had not
+known what absolute quiet and rest meant. First,
+the terrible suspense within the hull of a submarine,
+the trying experience attending the capture
+of the vessel, the unquiet feeling that they had
+desperate men below who might do anything to
+gain their liberty, the explosion and sinking of the
+submarine, their rescue, and then the last sinking,
+seemed to form a chapter of misadventures which
+constantly kept them on the alert.</p>
+
+<p>It was such a different feeling now, and, as such
+things generally do, caused a reaction. They actually
+felt ill, and Alfred, especially, after the last
+accident, felt too weak to remain on deck.</p>
+
+<p>They retired to the cabin assigned to them in
+the officers' quarters, and were soon asleep. The
+captain, missing them, made a search and soon
+found them. He smiled, and, turning to the officers,
+said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>"They are fine fellows; the experiences have
+been most trying, and would test the mettle of
+most men; but they went through with it, obeyed
+all orders, without asking why, and never showed
+the white feather."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are they?" asked one of the cruiser's officers.</p>
+
+<p>"American boys, caught in the war, where they
+helped the fighting until two months ago, and were
+just returning to the United States on my ship.
+That is how I happened to meet them and learned
+to love them," replied the captain with pride in
+his voice.</p>
+
+<p>As they were leaving the cabin, Alfred awoke.
+"Are we near Havre?" he asked anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"We are now turning the point; we expect to
+reach the dock in a half-hour," answered the officer.</p>
+
+<p>Every one crowded the rails and watched the
+ever-changing panorama, for Havre is the second
+seaport in France, has the largest foreign trade,
+especially with America, and is noted for its great
+docks, and ship-building facilities.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah for the Stars and Stripes!" shouted
+Ralph, as he pointed to the banner above the mast
+on a ship, which was just being warped out of the
+dock.</p>
+
+<p>The passengers, as well as officers and seamen
+of the cruiser, took off their hats and cheered.
+Ralph blushed at the hearty response, but he knew
+that it was a tribute which they were paying to
+America, about to become a new ally. The seamen
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>on board the American ship gave a hearty response
+to the salute, and this swelled the pride of
+the boys beyond measure.</p>
+
+<p>How slowly the ship moved, now that they were
+nearing the end of their journey from the perils of
+the sea. How anxiously they awaited the time
+they could step ashore and visit the consul's office,
+there to learn, if possible, the fate of their parents.</p>
+
+<p>"They are going to take us to the main foreign
+dock," said the captain, as he approached. "And
+I want to say that you must not get away from me
+in your eagerness. There are some people who
+want to talk to you and tell you how they appreciate
+your bravery and good work."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Captain," said Alfred. "We had
+no cause to fear, as long as you commanded."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed not," chimed in Ralph. "Even if we
+knew other perils that might come to us, we would
+be glad to follow you again wherever you ordered
+us to go; that's the way we feel about it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is, indeed, a compliment," replied the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"We have never felt the slightest fear or doubt,"
+said Alfred, "but, of course, we have been sad
+many times, to think that our parents were separated
+from us, after we had not seen them for over
+two years."</p>
+
+<p>"There is the dock. We will be off within fifteen
+minutes now. You must allow me to conduct
+you to the consul's office; I know him very well,"
+said the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>As the vessel touched the dock the captain
+turned to the boys, and said with a wicked grin on
+his face: "Get your luggage, boys, and come on."</p>
+
+<p>The boys laughed at the remark. "For my
+part," answered Ralph, "I had forgotten that
+there was such a thing as luggage, or baggage, or
+anything of that sort."</p>
+
+<p>"Ralph! Ralph! who is that coming across the
+dock? Look! it is just like father! I believe it
+is!" almost shrieked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"It is! yes; I am sure of it; and there is mother,
+too," replied Ralph, now all excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, they are there; I knew it; I told you
+it would be all right," said the captain with a jubilant
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>The boys glanced at the captain, and Ralph
+turned his head slyly, as he said: "And did you
+know they were here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I think they got my message this morning,"
+replied the captain with a laugh. "Where is
+your father; point him out," said the captain to
+Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"The tall man with the gray overcoat; do you
+see him coming?&mdash;and there is mother, too,"
+shouted Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>The boys were the first ones down the plank,
+closely followed by the captain, the passengers
+standing by and witnessing the reunion of the
+families.</p>
+
+<p>The captain came forward and shook hands with
+Mr. Elton. "Thank you for the wireless; we had
+about despaired, when it came to the hotel."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>"I didn't tell the boys," replied the captain. "I
+left that pleasure for their own eyes; and here are
+the mothers; how I must congratulate you on having
+such sons. I know their worth."</p>
+
+<p>"And is it true what they say about your doings
+with our boys, that you captured the submarine,
+while it was under the water?" asked Mrs. Elton.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that was true, and much more," answered
+the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"We felt so proud about it," replied Mr. Elton,
+"and it was some compensation for having been
+twice torpedoed within a week."</p>
+
+<p>"What? did you say that you were torpedoed
+the second time?" asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Mr. Elton. "We were picked
+up by a ship, the next morning, which was bound
+for New York. Two days afterwards, when out
+of the danger zone, our ship went down, and we
+had to take to the boats. This time we were picked
+up by a ship that landed us in Havre, three days
+ago. Then we heard of your exploits, of which the
+French papers were full, and we determined to
+remain here until we heard from you."</p>
+
+<p>"But I cannot understand how it was that the
+captain happened to reach you by wireless?"
+asked Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>"The cruiser wireless telegraphed the fact of
+our rescue to the U. S. consul, and I wired the
+commander of the cruiser," replied Mr. Elton.</p>
+
+<p>"I answered Mr. Elton's message," said the
+captain with a smile. "But are you going back to
+America now?" continued the captain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>"Why, what has happened?" asked Alfred.</p>
+
+<p>"America is at war with Germany," was the
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>We shall now take leave of our young friends,
+but we do so with the feeling that before long we
+shall hear more about them, and be able to follow
+their adventures enlisted under the banner of their
+own beloved land in the fight against oppression
+and savagery.</p>
+
+<br />
+<p class="cen">THE END</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h2>THE MOTION PICTURE COMRADES SERIES</h2>
+
+<h4>By ELMER TRACEY BARNES</h4>
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<p>The object of these books is to place before the reader the unusual
+experiences of a party of boys who succeed in filming a number of
+interesting scenes.</p>
+
+<p>The stories are replete with striking incidents on land and sea, and
+above all they describe with remarkable accuracy the methods employed to
+obtain many of the wonderful pictures which may be seen on the screen.
+screen.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades' Great Venture;<br />
+or, On the Road with the Big Round Top</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Through African Jungles;<br />
+or, The Camera Boys in Wild Animal Land</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Along the Orinoco;<br />
+or, Facing Perils in the Tropics</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Motion Picture Comrades Aboard a Submarine;<br />
+or, Searching for Treasure Under the Sea</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><i>12mo.   Cloth</i>              <i>50c per volume</i></p>
+
+<p class="cen">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+201-213 EAST 12th STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NEW YORK</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h2><a name="THE_HILLTOP_BOYS_SERIES" id="THE_HILLTOP_BOYS_SERIES"></a>THE HILLTOP BOYS SERIES</h2>
+
+<h4>By CYRIL BURLEIGH</h4>
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<p class="cen"><b>The Hilltop Boys; A Story of School Life</b></p>
+
+<p>Jack Sheldon, a clean-minded and popular student in the academy,
+gains the enmity of several of the boys, but their efforts to injure
+him fail. A mystery, connected with Jack's earlier life, is used against
+him, but he comes off with flying colors.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Hilltop Boys in Camp; or, The Rebellion at the Academy</b></p>
+
+<p>A strange situation arises in which an airship figures as the bearer
+of an important letter. The head-master acts without investigating
+all the facts, but matters are all finally adjusted to the satisfaction of
+all concerned.</p>
+
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Hilltop Boys on Lost Island; or, An Unusual Adventure</b></p>
+
+<p>The scene now shifts to the West Indies and Jack figures as the
+hero of a daring rescue. Their experiences in tropical waters form
+a most stirring narrative, and the young reader is assured of a tale of
+gripping interest from first to last.</p>
+
+
+<p class="cen"><b>The Hilltop Boys on the River</b></p>
+
+<p>The Doctor takes a number of the boys on a cruise up the Hudson.
+An unlooked for incident finds Jack Sheldon equal to the occasion,
+and what at one time promised to be a disastrous trip for all concerned
+was turned into a complete victory for our young friends.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><i>12mo.   Cloth</i>              <i>50c per volume</i></p>
+
+<p class="cen">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+NEW YORK</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h2>THE MOUNTAIN BOYS SERIES</h2>
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<p class="cen"><b>1. Phil Bradley's Mountain Boys</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>2. Phil Bradley at the Wheel</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>3. Phil Bradley's Shooting Box</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>4. Phil Bradley's Snow-Shoe Trail</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>5. Phil Bradley's Winning Way</b></p>
+
+<br />
+<p class="cen"><b>By SILAS K. BOONE</b></p>
+<br />
+<p>These books describe, with interesting detail, the experiences of a
+party of boys among the mountain pines.</p>
+
+<p>They teach the young reader how to protect himself against the
+elements, what to do and what to avoid, and above all to become
+self-reliant and manly.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><i>12mo. Cloth.</i>             <i>50c per Volume, Postpaid</i></p>
+
+<p class="cen">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+201 EAST 12th STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  NEW YORK</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<h2>THE CAMPFIRE AND TRAIL SERIES</h2>
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<p class="cen"><b>1. In Camp on the Big Sunflower</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>2. The Rivals of the Trail</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>3. The Strange Cabin on Catamount Island</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>4. Lost in the Great Dismal Swamp</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>5. With Trapper Jim in the North Woods</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>6. Caught in a Forest Fire</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>7. Chums of the Campfire</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>8. Afloat on the Flood</b></p>
+
+<p class="cen"><b>9. The Cruise of the Houseboat</b></p>
+<br />
+<p class="cen"><b>By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE</b></p>
+<br />
+<p>A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an interesting way and
+appealing to their love of the open.</p>
+
+<p class="cen"><i>Each, 12mo.  Cloth.</i>            <i>50c per Volume</i></p>
+
+<p class="cen">THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY<br />
+201 EAST 12th STREET&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  NEW YORK</p>
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>Transcriber's Note</p>
+<br />
+Typographical errors corrected in the text:<br />
+<br />
+Page&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  39&nbsp;  ofcer changed to officer<br />
+Page&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  46&nbsp;  possed changed to possessed<br />
+Page&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  73&nbsp;  missing word "get" inserted<br />
+Page&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  76&nbsp;  personnal changed to personnel<br />
+Page&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  77&nbsp;  personnal changed to personnel<br />
+Page&nbsp; 119&nbsp;  blow changed to below
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine
+Fleet, by Kenneth Ward
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS--SUBMARINE FLEET ***
+
+***** This file should be named 27674-h.htm or 27674-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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+
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+
+
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+will be renamed.
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,5237 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet, by
+Kenneth Ward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet
+
+Author: Kenneth Ward
+
+Release Date: December 31, 2008 [EBook #27674]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY VOLUNTEERS--SUBMARINE FLEET ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Barbara Kosker and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE BOY VOLUNTEERS SERIES
+
+By KENNETH WARD
+
+_12mo. Cloth. Fully Illustrated 50c per Volume_
+
+
+THE NEWEST BOYS' BOOKS ON THE EUROPEAN WAR, RELATING THE ADVENTURES
+OF TWO AMERICAN BOYS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES IN BATTLE AND ON AIR SCOUT
+DUTY. ALL PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH AUTHENTIC DRAWINGS.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front=
+
+Describes the adventures of two American boys who were in Europe when
+the great war commenced. Their enlistment with Belgian troops and their
+remarkable experiences are based upon actual occurrences and the book is
+replete with line drawings of fighting machines, air planes and maps of
+places where the most important battles took place and of other matters
+of interest.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen=
+
+This book relates the further adventures of the young Americans in
+France, where they viewed the fighting from above the firing lines. From
+this book the reader gains considerable knowledge of the different types
+of air planes and battle planes used by the warring nations, as all
+descriptions are illustrated with unusually clear line drawings.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers with the British Artillery=
+
+How many boys to-day know anything about the great guns now being used
+on so many European battle fronts? Our young friends had the rare
+opportunity of witnessing, at first hand, a number of these terrific
+duels, and the story which is most fascinatingly told is illustrated
+with numerous drawings of the British, French and German field pieces.
+
+=The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet=
+
+Our young heroes little expected to be favored with so rare an
+experience as a trip under the sea in one of the great submarines. In
+this book the author accurately describes the submarine in action, and
+the many interesting features of this remarkable fighting craft are made
+clear to the reader by a series of splendid line drawings.
+
+THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+
+PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: _An explosion followed that seemed to tear everything to
+pieces._]
+
+
+
+
+ THE BOY VOLUNTEERS
+ WITH THE
+ SUBMARINE FLEET
+
+
+ BY
+ KENNETH WARD
+
+
+ THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+ NEW YORK
+
+
+ Copyright, 1917, by
+ AMERICAN AUTHORS PUBLISHING CO.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                                        PAGE
+
+     I. THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD                          13
+
+    II. THE TORPEDOED SHIP                                        25
+
+   III. PRISONERS ON BOARD OF A SUBMARINE                         37
+
+    IV. THE TERRORS IN THE DARK ROOM OF AN UNDERSEA BOAT          49
+
+     V. SOME OF THE MYSTERIES OF A SUBMARINE                      58
+
+    VI. GROPING THROUGH THE ENGLISH CHANNEL                       68
+
+   VII. CAUGHT IN THE DEEP SEA NETS                               78
+
+  VIII. THE NIGHT'S STRUGGLE TO FREE THE VESSEL                   89
+
+    IX. THE CAPTURE OF THE SUBMERGED VESSEL                       99
+
+     X. THE SECRET KEY TO THE BOMB FUSE                          110
+
+    XI. OPERATING THE SUBMARINE WITH A CAPTIVE CREW              120
+
+   XII. THE DEATH BLOW TO THE SUBMARINE                          130
+
+  XIII. THE RESCUE IN THE CHANNEL                                142
+
+   XIV. TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE                             151
+
+    XV. A FRIGHTFUL MINE EXPLOSION                               161
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+ _An Explosion Followed That Seemed to Tear
+    Everything to Pieces_                             _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                                PAGE
+
+ _The Points of the Compass_                                      27
+
+ _The Submarine Decoy_                                            30
+
+ _Map Showing the Scene of the Wanderings of the Boys_            43
+
+ _The Steel Nets_                                                 73
+
+ _The Entangled Submarine_                                        95
+
+ _The Periscope_                                                 137
+
+ _The Conning Tower. All That Could Be Seen of
+    the Submarine_                                               148
+
+ _A Contact Mine_                                                156
+
+
+
+ THE BOY VOLUNTEERS
+ WITH THE
+ SUBMARINE FLEET
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD
+
+
+"Submarine two points to starboard, sir!" shouted a voice.
+
+Instantly there was confusion; the captain sprang from the end of the
+bridge to the board behind the quartermaster and pushed a lever to the
+right.
+
+"Ralph, come out quickly; the second officer has just shouted to the
+captain that a submarine is in sight," said Alfred, as he rushed into
+the reading room where Ralph was deeply engrossed in a book.
+
+Ralph needed no second warning. Together with a dozen or more, who were
+in the room, he sprang to the door, and followed Alfred, who was now
+nearing the bridge.
+
+"Can you see it?" asked Ralph excitedly.
+
+"No; but they are pointing to the right; it seems as though we are
+turning around," responded Alfred.
+
+"So we are," said Ralph. "There! what is that?" shouted Ralph, as he
+followed the direction pointed out by the second officer.
+
+The captain gave another wrench to the wheel, and the ship straightened
+out on its course. All eyes were now directed to a point to the right,
+and astern, for the boat had described a half circle.
+
+"Wait till I get the glasses," said Alfred, as he dived for the main
+companionway, and slid down the railing.
+
+He was back in record time, followed by his father and mother,
+accompanied by Ralph's mother. Needless to say all were agitated, for
+they had been told on the morning of sailing that the trip might be a
+dangerous one, and it was only urgent business necessity that compelled
+Mr. Elton to take the risk.
+
+"I can see something away back there, just like a trail of foam. I
+wonder whether that's what they are so excited about on the bridge?"
+questioned Alfred, as he lowered the glasses, and glanced up at the
+officers who were vigorously discussing the situation.
+
+"Let me look," said Ralph, reaching for the glasses. He was silent for a
+few moments, then, handing the glasses to Mr. Elton, he continued:
+"There is something coming; see if you can make it out."
+
+Mr. Elton gazed intently, and turned to his wife, as he said: "I am
+afraid that is a torpedo on the way now."
+
+Nevertheless, he made the remark quietly; those around heard the
+warning, and the boys glanced at the bridge. The captain again moved the
+wheel, and the ship swerved.
+
+"It is a torpedo," shouted Ralph. Every one leaned over the ship's side
+and waited, some with terror on their faces, others pale but calm. Two
+or three rushed for the companionway, and several fainted.
+
+"It's going to miss! It's going to miss!" shouted Alfred. He turned
+around and waved his cap to the officers on the bridge, but they were
+too intent watching the submarine to notice the salutation. It was
+evident, however, from their actions that they had no immediate fear.
+
+It was with a thrill that the two hundred passengers, who were lined up
+on the port side of the steamship, saw a foamy trail, one hundred feet
+distant, pass alongside their vessel, and disappear in the distance, far
+ahead.
+
+"There comes another one," said a voice.
+
+It was easy to distinguish the second peril, and it seemed to come
+straight and true. The ship veered slightly from its course, and
+breathlessly the passengers watched the trail. On, on it came. The
+vessel again slightly changed its course, and this time the torpedo went
+wide of the mark.
+
+"Now, for the next one," said Alfred.
+
+"Ah! we are now too far ahead, and going too fast for them. Even if the
+submarine comes to the surface it cannot possibly catch us," said the
+navigating officer, who passed along and quieted the anxious ones.
+
+Thus, for the time being, they escaped, but the vigilance was greater
+than ever. They would be in the danger zone for twelve hours more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two and a half years previous to this time, Mr. and Mrs. Elton,
+accompanied by their son Alfred, Mrs. Elton's sister, and her son Ralph,
+were traveling through Europe, and happened to be in Germany when war
+was declared. The boys, together with Mr. Elton's chauffeur, were on
+their way to Antwerp with their car, and were pursued by the Germans as
+they were entering Belgium territory.
+
+Their car was requisitioned by the Belgium government, and as the German
+forces entered Belgium south of Liege, they were cut off from reaching
+Antwerp. In the effort to make their way across the country the two boys
+met the Belgian forces, and were in the first battle, which was fought
+between the Germans and Belgians. They took part in the defense of
+Belgian territory with the Belgian forces, from Liege, to Louvain,
+Aerschott, and Malines, until the city of Antwerp was besieged, and were
+among the last to leave when the Belgians evacuated that place.
+
+They were fortunate enough, however, to reach French territory with the
+bulk of the Belgian army, and arrived at Dunkirk, on the Channel,
+during that period when the British were sending over the first forces
+to resist the invasion of France.
+
+The second day they visited the hangars where the British were setting
+up their aircraft and training the recruits for the aviation service.
+While approaching the grounds they were the witnesses of an accident to
+one of the flyers, who made a disastrous landing near them, and they
+were prompt enough to lift the machine from one of the men, which saved
+his life.
+
+This incident was the changing point in their career, for they then
+determined to enter the aviation corps, if possible. Despite their
+efforts, they were not able to succeed, at this time, and as the father
+of Alfred had sent word to them to meet him in Paris, they regretfully
+worked their way to that city, only to learn, on arriving, that Mr.
+Elton was not permitted to leave Germany.
+
+By an accidental circumstance they went to Bar-le-Duc, in eastern France,
+and visited the aviation grounds there. Having made themselves useful,
+they were favored with the privilege of making ascensions, and were
+instructed in the handling of the trial machines on the grounds.
+
+On one occasion they were aloft with Lieutenant Guyon, who, owing to
+heart troubles, fainted while at a high altitude, and the boys brought
+the machine down safely. Thereafter, the lieutenant was their constant
+friend, and when the corps moved to Verdun they were regularly enrolled
+as members, and subsequently became engaged in many exciting flights.
+While on a scouting operation with their friend, several German machines
+appeared and a battle followed in which the machine was injured, and
+during the descent both boys were wounded.
+
+The lieutenant was caught in the wreckage, as the machine finally
+plunged to earth, and within a week died of his wounds. The boys were
+heart-broken at his death, and after a week at the base hospital were
+transferred to the American hospital in Paris. After recovery they were
+regularly discharged from the service, and started for home.
+
+On their way to the Channel they became interested in the artillery
+branch and happened to take part in the first great French drive in the
+Somme region and later were with the British artillery when it began its
+great fight against the Germans in the region west of Bapaume.
+
+It was there that Alfred's parents and Ralph's mother learned of their
+whereabouts, and, through the kindly offices of the American ambassador,
+were permitted to visit the battery where the boys were stationed, and
+where they finally prevailed upon them to accompany them home.
+
+They sailed from Bordeaux early in the morning of the same day that the
+events took place which we have just related. On the day of sailing the
+thrilling news reached France that President Wilson had given the German
+minister his passports, and while such an act does not, ordinarily, mean
+war, the strained relations between the United States and Germany made
+it probable that war would follow.
+
+As stated, Mr. Elton's business compelled him to sail, notwithstanding
+the danger, and they now found themselves within the danger zone
+prescribed by the German authorities, for, as they were sailing on a
+ship belonging to one of the belligerent nations, they knew that it was
+a prey for any submarine and subject to be sunk without warning.
+
+Although instructions of a general nature had been issued by the captain
+after the vessel left port, he called the passengers together
+immediately after the excitement attending the appearance of the
+submarine had died away, and addressed them as follows:
+
+"For the next twelve or fifteen hours we shall be in the danger zone,
+and it is imperative that each of you should at all times carry a life
+belt. I impress this on you not for the purpose of creating alarm, but
+because I know that people become careless. The officers will give full
+instructions to all of you as to the way the belts should be worn, so
+there will be no confusion at the last moment.
+
+"And now, another thing, which you must remember. More lives are lost
+through undue excitement than from the real danger, in case of trouble.
+We are here for the purpose of giving due warning and assistance, and
+every man in the ship's crew will be faithful to his duty. Do not rush
+about and become excited, because that unduly alarms those about you, I
+will give you ample warning. Five short blasts on the ship's whistle
+will call you to the boats. When you hear that go to your cabins
+quickly, seize such clothing as you have prepared for such an event, and
+if you have not strapped on the life belt do so at once.
+
+"It should be the first duty of the men to aid the women and children,
+see that the belts are properly put on, and assist them to the deck.
+Once there, go as quickly as possible to the davits and await orders,
+for the officers and men will be there to direct and take charge of the
+passengers. Should the boat be so badly hit that it is impossible for
+all the passengers to get into the boat before the vessel goes down, the
+men must see to it that every one goes overboard and clears the ship's
+side.
+
+"Many women will, even in this extremity, refuse to jump overboard
+without their husbands, but in such cases there must be no hesitancy on
+the part of the men. Do not argue, but push them overboard, and the life
+belts will hold them in position in the water until the waiting boats
+can rescue them. There will be no danger of drowning under those
+conditions, but be sure to jump as far from the vessel as possible."
+
+It was not such a speech as tended to relieve nervousness, but it
+certainly made every one within hearing very thoughtful. Women, and men,
+as well, turned white, and many of them timidly examined the tiny life
+belts which were handed out.
+
+"It seems that we get into trouble wherever we go," said Alfred, not in
+a spirit of alarm, however, but more because he felt a deep concern for
+his father and mother.
+
+"Oh, Ralph, isn't this terrible!" said his mother, as she came forward.
+
+"It certainly is; but this is something like the experiences we have had
+for over two years, and it doesn't make it seem so bad;--do you think
+so?" he added, addressing Alfred.
+
+"I wouldn't be at all worried, Auntie," responded Alfred. "Here comes
+mother; I hope she is not broken up or worried."
+
+"No," replied Mrs. Elton. "It is dreadful, but it is no worse for us
+than for others. I am glad the captain spoke as plainly as he did. We
+must understand and do our duty."
+
+"Now, Mother, you and Auntie go to the ladies' room and stay there. If
+anything happens we will know where to find you," said Ralph.
+
+"But I want you to come and stay with us," replied Mrs. Elton.
+
+"We cannot do that," replied Alfred. "We have fine glasses and every one
+should be on the watch. It takes a great many eyes to see in all
+directions."
+
+"Alfred is right," said Mr. Elton. "I will remain with you; but do not
+be alarmed for the present."
+
+"Wait until I get my binoculars," said Ralph, as he rushed down to the
+cabin.
+
+He was up at once, and together they ran forward to the bridge, as the
+second officer descended.
+
+"Can we be of service to you in any way?" said Alfred, pointing to their
+glasses.
+
+"Indeed, you can," said the officer.
+
+At that moment the captain, leaning over the rail of the bridge,
+shouted: "Come up, boys; those are the right kind of weapons. We ought
+to have dozens more of the same kind."
+
+The boys fairly stumbled up the steep, narrow ladder that led to the
+bridge.
+
+"At your service," said Ralph.
+
+The captain smiled, as he said: "Take positions at the end of the
+bridge."
+
+The boys walked across to the other side, and Ralph elevated his
+glasses.
+
+A moment later the captain, in his walk to and fro, stopped before the
+boys. "You have evidently had occasion to use the binoculars before, but
+probably not while at sea," he observed.
+
+"No," replied Ralph; "we used them in flying machines and while serving
+in the artillery, but this is really the first opportunity we have had
+to use them on shipboard."
+
+"Then a little instruction will be of service to you and to all of us,"
+said the captain. "I noticed that you were sweeping the sea to the rear.
+That is not necessary, for at our speed a torpedo boat would not be able
+to catch us. All your time should be devoted to scanning that quadrant
+from straight ahead to a point but a little astern of your left quarter,
+as it is from that section, and the corresponding section on the right
+side of the vessel that we expect the enemy; do you understand what I
+mean?"
+
+"I think so," replied Ralph. "But suppose a submarine should be well
+ahead of us and submerge, and then wait until we have passed. In that
+case couldn't it again come up and send a torpedo into the stern of the
+ship?"
+
+"That might be possible, but not probable. A submarine is absolutely in
+the dark when completely submerged," said the captain. "It must come to
+the surface sufficiently near to bring its periscope out of the water,
+and that would reveal its presence to us. It would be a pretty hard job
+for a navigator in a submarine to calculate when the boat had passed
+sufficiently near to know the opportune time to come to the surface and
+give us the shot."
+
+"But couldn't they come near enough to take a chance? They might come up
+500 feet away or 2,000. At either distance they could land a torpedo,
+couldn't they?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Quite true; but the submarine might not know whether we were armed or
+not, and it would not take the risk of exposure in that reckless
+manner," replied the captain.
+
+"But we are not armed, are we?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No; our guns will be ready for us on the return trip," answered the
+captain. After a moment he continued: "Let me also give you a hint as to
+the particular manner of using the glasses to get a correct view. Do not
+attempt to take in the entire field at one sweep. Sight at a point near
+the ship, say at a distance of a quarter of a mile; then slowly raise
+the glasses so that your view grows more and more distant and finally
+the focal point reaches the horizon. Then turn a point to the right or
+to the left, and bring down the forward end of the glasses until the
+view is again concentrated on the point nearest the ship."
+
+"That is something like making observations on a flying machine,"
+replied Alfred, "only in that case the glass is held stationary, as the
+machine moves along, and in that way objects can be seen much better
+than by sweeping it around continuously. We learned that from Lieutenant
+Guyon."
+
+"Quite true; I see you are well qualified to observe. But to continue:
+after you have thus made the first observation as I have explained, the
+glasses should be held horizontally to take in the view at the horizon,
+and then swept around at that angle to the right or to the left,
+depressing it at each swing. That is called sweeping the sea."
+
+"I know two men who have glasses," said Ralph. "Shall I get them?"
+
+"Yes, if you can; this is the kind of service which is appreciated,"
+said the captain.
+
+Ralph sprang down the ladder, and ran along the deck. He was absent for
+some time, but soon appeared with two men.
+
+"Come on," said Ralph, as he ascended the ladder. The men hesitated for
+a moment, and followed, as an officer appeared and invited them to come
+up.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE TORPEDOED SHIP
+
+
+During the next hour or more every field glass on board ship was put
+into use, and many were the weary arms that used them until the luncheon
+hour arrived at one o'clock. The captain, knowing how trying the
+constant watching must be to civilians who are not used to this work,
+appointed two watches, so they might relieve each other every hour.
+
+The boys went to the dining room, and as Mr. Elton and his family sat at
+the captain's table, the latter took occasion during the meal to refer
+to Ralph and Alfred's services on the bridge in commendatory terms,
+which was greatly appreciated by their parents.
+
+"I am curious to know," said Ralph, "what the officer meant when he said
+'two points to starboard.'"
+
+"That is explained in this way," replied the captain. "The compass is
+divided into thirty-two points, or eight points in each quadrant."
+
+"I remember you spoke about a quadrant when we were on the bridge. What
+is a quadrant?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I should have said, in the beginning, that the compass is divided into
+four parts, one line running, we will say, east and west, and the other
+line north and south. In that way there are four cardinal points. You
+will understand, therefore, that from the north cardinal point to the
+east cardinal point, which represents one quadrant, are eight points,
+and so on, from the cardinal point east to south, are eight more
+points," responded the captain.
+
+"Then when the officer said 'two points to starboard,' did he mean two
+points from one of the cardinal points?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No, he had reference to two points from the line ahead, or for the time
+being, he took the line upon which we were traveling, as one of the
+cardinal lines, and when he said two points he described a line which
+was just one-fourth of the distance around the circle or quadrant to the
+east," answered the captain.
+
+"Then we might say that the keel of the ship is one of the cardinal
+lines, and the bridge, which runs across the ship is the other line?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"That is a very homely and plain way of putting it," replied the
+captain.
+
+An hour thereafter, while the boys were on the bridge, they noticed the
+first signs of excitement on the part of the officers. A message had
+been handed the captain a few moments before. Of course, all were
+curious to know the news it contained, but no one seemed to be bold
+enough to ask any questions.
+
+[Illustration: _The Points of the Compass_]
+
+As the second watch appeared at the bridge the boys descended and
+rejoined their parents. A voice was heard outside summoning the
+passengers on deck. They were ranged along the deck house, and the
+second officer appeared.
+
+"I wish to make an announcement, and give further instructions. In order
+that there may be no confusion, in the event the enemy should attack us
+and compel the passengers to take to the boats, I am going to assign
+places to all of you, so that the moment you hear the five bells you
+will know where to go, ready to man the boats. Now, notice the numbers
+on the boats, which you see are swung out on the davits ready to be
+launched. Be particular to note where your boat is located, and its
+number. When you come up the companionway from your cabin, fix in your
+mind whether your own boat is on the right or on the left side; some are
+liable to become confused in coming up.
+
+"Boat No. 1; Mr. Elton, how many are in your party?"
+
+"Five," was the answer.
+
+"Then three more will be assigned; Mr. Wardlaw, wife and daughter; that
+will complete the first boat. No. 2," continued the officer, as he made
+the assignments. This was continued until the entire list was completed.
+
+Four seamen were then designated for each of the boats, and the steward
+was directed to prepare emergency food for the different boats, and by
+direct orders the food was actually placed in the boats.
+
+It was really with a sigh of relief from the suspense that the boys
+awaited the signal for their term of duty on the bridge. They were in
+their places instantly, and seized the glasses. It was now four o'clock
+in the afternoon. They were moving toward the setting sun. The sky was
+free of clouds and the ocean fairly smooth. It was an ideal sea for
+observation. The boys were on the port or left side of the ship.
+
+"Ralph," said Alfred under his breath, as he moved toward Ralph, and
+laid his hand on his arm, without lowering his glasses, "look over
+there! there!--two or three points,----"
+
+"I see it,--yes,--Captain, what is that, a half-mile off to the left?"
+interrupted Ralph.
+
+The captain shot a glance in the direction indicated. "Three points to
+port!" he said, as he sprang to the wheel and gave a signal to the
+engineer. As he came back to the point of observation, he said:
+
+"Young eyes are very sharp. You have beaten the watch on the top mast."
+
+The officer in charge of the telephone beckoned to the captain. The
+latter rushed over, and the boys saw him nod.
+
+"How far are they from us?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Two miles," was the answer.
+
+"Two miles!" said Ralph in astonishment. "Why, I thought I was
+stretching it when I said a half mile."
+
+"To be more exact, the range finder in the crow's nest makes the
+distance 10,980 feet," said the captain.
+
+"Well, they can't hit us at that distance," said Ralph, "can they?"
+
+"No; we can easily avoid that fellow, but he may have appeared as a
+ruse," said the captain, glancing to starboard, with an anxious air.
+
+The first officer standing near, although intently watching the
+submarine in the distance, remarked: "It is now the custom for two or
+more of the undersea boats to operate in unison; the one we are now
+looking at may be a decoy."
+
+"What do you mean by 'decoy'" asked Ralph, in astonishment. "Is it
+likely that they would expect us to steer right into them?"
+
+[Illustration: _The Submarine Decoy_]
+
+"No; their idea is to have one of the submarines show up in front,
+knowing that the intercepted vessel will turn to avoid it. Then the
+other submarine, with nothing but its periscope above the water, and on
+the other side of the sailing course of the ship, will be in position,
+the moment the turn is made, to deliver the shot. That is why the
+captain has gone to the other side, as you will notice the vessel is
+now going to starboard," said the officer.
+
+The ship had now turned so that it was broadside to the distant
+submarine. Not only its conning tower was now visible, but a long black
+object fore and aft could be plainly observed.
+
+"Three points to port!" shouted the captain.
+
+The quartermaster swung the wheel around, and the ship seemed to heel
+over, so suddenly did the rudder act.
+
+"One point to starboard, and full speed ahead!" was the next order from
+the captain.
+
+It seemed that the order had no more than been executed than he again
+sang out:
+
+"Two points to port!"
+
+"What is that for?" asked Alfred.
+
+"He is zig-zagging the ship through the sea," replied the officer.
+
+"What for?" inquired Ralph.
+
+"There is another submarine three points to starboard astern."
+
+"Then,--then the captain,----"
+
+"Yes; the one behind us is near enough to reach us if we keep on a
+straight course, but the captain has manoeuvered so as to bring him
+directly in our wake, and continually changed the target so that the
+submarine cannot aim with accuracy," interrupted the officer.
+
+The passengers on the decks below did not need to be told that something
+unusual was happening. The changing course of the ship, the unusual
+activity on the bridge, the leveling of the glasses to the port side
+and to the stern by the different groups, were sufficient warnings of
+the presence of the dread monsters.
+
+The submarine on the port side was now coming forward with all the speed
+it possessed, and again the captain turned the ship another point to
+starboard. The funnels were belching smoke, and sparks flying from the
+top. The engineers were putting on forced draft and the ship seemed to
+be trembling as it shot through the smooth sea. It was an ideal
+condition for the launching of a torpedo.
+
+"Torpedo coming on starboard side!" shouted a voice.
+
+Every one now rushed to the right side of the bridge. There was a shriek
+below. From an unexpected quarter the third submarine's periscope was
+visible, and a foamy trail, straight as a mark, began to lengthen out
+toward their vessel.
+
+"Reverse! Reverse engines!" shouted the captain. The order was executed,
+but too late. The trail came nearer and grew broader. Some of the
+passengers put their hands over their eyes, others stood like fixed
+statues. The captain placed his hand to his brow, but quickly turned.
+
+"Order the men to the boat!" he said in a quiet voice, as he stepped
+forward and seized the handle of the boat's whistle.
+
+No sooner had the order been given when a terrific crash followed. The
+bridge seemed to have been seized with a giant hand and it vibrated with
+an intense force. A hundred feet from the stern of the ship a great
+mass of water shot upward and fragments of the deck were hoisted up and
+scattered around.
+
+The ship at first swayed to port and then quickly swung back to
+starboard, but did not again roll back to port. The captain shook his
+head. There was a perceptible list in the position of the ship.
+
+"Take your position in the boats!" he shouted to the men on the bridge,
+and as he did so he quickly pulled the lever,--one, two, three, four,
+five.
+
+By the time the last blast sounded the seamen were at the boats assigned
+to them. The engines had stopped. The passengers, all except those who
+had fainted, had left the deck. Ralph and Alfred made a dash for the
+waiting room. Their parents were not there. Down they went to the
+cabins, passing on the way the crowded hallways and the unutterable
+confusion which resulted from the order to hurriedly leave the ship.
+
+They found their parents in the cabin, and, due to the forethought of
+Mr. Elton, the lifebuoys had been adjusted, and their valuables secured
+beforehand. Others, however, were not so fortunate. Across the way were
+several women and children.
+
+"Let me help you," said Alfred, as he entered the first cabin. "I will
+take care of the baby," he remarked, as he picked it up, while the
+mother was almost frantic.
+
+"I will take the other one," shouted Ralph.
+
+"We can't stop here another minute," said Alfred. "Do you see how the
+ship is leaning over?"
+
+"Come on, Mother," cried Ralph; "follow us or we may not be able to go
+up the stairs."
+
+Alfred crowded close behind Ralph, and Mr. Elton assisted the two women
+along the passageway. All arrived on deck, the boys with the two
+children in their arms.
+
+"Where is No. 8?" "I can't find No. 9," said another. "What has become
+of the girl?" shrieked one; "Are we going to turn over?" asked a
+trembling voice. The officers were going to and fro, mingling with the
+passengers.
+
+"What is your boat number?" asks one officer. "This way; that is the
+place you are assigned to."
+
+Mr. Elton and his party reached No. 1 without accident, and all but the
+boys were safely placed in the boat.
+
+"Come on, boys," said Mr. Elton. "But where is the mother of the
+children?" he asked, as he saw the boys were unaccompanied.
+
+"Take the baby," said Alfred, as he passed it to his mother.
+
+Ralph handed the little girl to one of the seamen, and sprang after
+Alfred. There was now a dangerous list, and Mrs. Elton noticed it.
+
+"Is there any danger if our boys go below to the stateroom?" she asked
+the petty officer, who was holding the rope connected with the tackle of
+their boat.
+
+"She'll have to sway over a great deal further to go down," he remarked.
+
+This comforted her for the moment. Passengers were still coming up from
+the companionways; some were being dragged along, and others acted like
+drunken men and women. It was a terribly trying sight.
+
+An old man shambled forward as he emerged from the cabin door, glanced
+along at the filled boats held in the davit, tried to speak, and fell
+headlong on the deck. A surgeon near by rushed up, turned him over, felt
+of his heart and pulse, shook his head, and drew the body close up to
+the side of the cabin wall. Then the officer made a search to ascertain
+the name of the man, and extracted papers from his pockets.
+
+Meanwhile, the boys had not returned, and the ship was turning over on
+its side more and more.
+
+"Launch the boats!" ordered the captain.
+
+"But our boys! our boys!" shrieked Ralph's mother, but as she arose she
+was forcibly restrained. The captain did not hear, and at the command
+the boats went down. Even then a half-dozen passengers emerged from the
+door too late, and one of them, notwithstanding the warning, was without
+a life belt.
+
+The ship's deck was now at an angle of fully thirty degrees,--as steep
+as the ordinary roof. Those emerging from the cabin on the port side
+could not maintain a footing, but were compelled to slide down to the
+side railing. This was the situation when Ralph and Alfred reached the
+door which led to the deck from the companionway. They were carrying the
+woman whose children they had rescued, as she was in a frenzy, and
+struggled with the boys. The moment the inclined deck was reached
+Alfred said:
+
+"See that she goes overboard, and I will go down for that little girl,"
+and he crawled back into the ship.
+
+Ralph finally succeeded in loosening the woman's hold, and together they
+slid down the deck. The woman was now uncontrollable. She threw her arms
+about wildly, and cried for her children. Ralph pointed to the boats
+below, but this did not quiet her. Taking advantage of the moment when
+both hands were free, Ralph, by a terrific effort, pushed her across the
+railing, and, with a loud shriek, she shot downward.
+
+Ralph looked around, and caught a momentary sight of his parents in the
+boat below. Mrs. Elton was calling for Alfred. Ralph nodded his head and
+tried to crawl back up the inclined deck, but it was useless. An arm
+then appeared through the door opening, then a head, and he knew it must
+be Alfred.
+
+"Can't you help me up?" shouted Ralph.
+
+Alfred disengaged himself and extended his body down along the deck.
+This enabled Ralph to seize hold of his legs and draw himself up into
+the doorway.
+
+Once there he saw the trouble that Alfred had to contend with. Lying
+half-way up the stairs was a poor cripple, half dead with fright, and
+the little girl, not much better. Laboriously, he had assisted, first
+one and then the other, and was about exhausted when Ralph came to the
+rescue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+PRISONERS ON BOARD OF A SUBMARINE
+
+
+The captain was still on deck, together with the first officer, both of
+them being at that time on the upper side of the vessel. They made the
+most careful examination of the staterooms and searched every corner to
+be sure that no one lingered behind. Coming forward they witnessed the
+struggles of the boys with the cripple and the girl, but the ship was
+now too far over on its side to permit them to render assistance.
+
+The cripple was soon brought to the door, and, without ceremony, pushed
+down the incline. The little girl followed, but before the boys could
+reach the railing the poor cripple slipped over the railing and
+disappeared. The boys held the child aloft for a moment, and then
+dropped her into the waves.
+
+"Jump as far as you can!" shouted the captain.
+
+Ralph placed a foot on the railing, and, looking back at Alfred, said:
+"Here goes! Come on!"
+
+Both boys landed at almost the same time. The little girl was aroused by
+the cold water, and was wildly floundering about, but the cripple lay
+upon the surface of the water, with face upturned, limp and still. They
+glanced about; where were the boats? They could not be far away.
+
+"I am afraid he's done for," said Alfred, as he glanced toward the
+cripple.
+
+"Well, we might as well stay near him; he might be all right," replied
+Ralph.
+
+"Move away from the ship quickly," said a voice in the water, not far
+away.
+
+It was the captain. He was the last one to dive, after he had seen every
+passenger safely off the ship.
+
+"We have no time to lose; take care of yourselves; I will help the
+little girl," he continued, as he threw the child on his back, and began
+to strike out.
+
+The sea had been calm up to this time, but no sooner had the captain
+ceased speaking than a tremendous wave almost engulfed them; they seemed
+to be carried up, and then were forced down by a giant swell. Another
+wave followed and then another, until, finally, the oscillations of the
+waves seemed to be growing less and less.
+
+"Where is the ship?" cried Alfred.
+
+"She's gone down; that's what made the waves," said the captain.
+
+The cripple's hand was raised up, and his eyes began to roll.
+
+"This fellow's all right, after all," said Ralph. "I'll help him. I
+wonder where the boats are?"
+
+The sun, which was going down while all this had been taking place, had
+now disappeared, and there was that gray, lead-like appearance on the
+waves that comes just before twilight.
+
+"Keep up your courage, boys; we shall soon have plenty of boats looking
+for us," said the captain.
+
+Within less than a minute thereafter two boats could be seen bobbing up
+and down not far away, heading straight for those in the water. Ralph
+was the first one caught by the strong arm of a seaman, and then the
+little girl, now fully recovered from her fright, received the care of a
+woman in the boat.
+
+Alfred assisted the cripple into the other boat, and the captain ordered
+all the passengers transferred to the boat which had just come up.
+
+The boys then noticed that only three seamen remained, together with the
+captain and first officer.
+
+"You may remain with us," said the captain, addressing Ralph and Alfred.
+
+This was, indeed, a compliment to them, which was appreciated.
+
+"I know father, mother and auntie are all right," said Alfred. "Do you
+think they saw us get off?" he added anxiously.
+
+"They were standing by when you jumped, but when the ship made the last
+lurch, just before she went down the seamen knew that they must pull
+away to avoid being sucked under. It might have been too dark for them
+actually to have seen you get away, at the distance they were from the
+ship, but I don't think they will expect to see us before morning."
+
+"Why, do you intend to stay here all night?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No, but each boat crew has had instructions to make for the nearest
+port, as rapidly as possible," replied the captain.
+
+"Where are we now?" asked Alfred.
+
+"In the Bay of Biscay, about one hundred and fifty miles from the
+nearest land," answered the captain.
+
+"How long will it take us to reach land?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Possibly two days, or more; that depends on the weather and the
+conditions in the bay. This is the most turbulent body of water anywhere
+on the Atlantic coast line, but it has been remarkably smooth during the
+past twenty-four hours," answered the captain.
+
+"What is the name of the place that we are heading for?" asked Ralph.
+
+"St. Nazaire; a French town at the mouth of the river Loire," was the
+reply.
+
+It was now quite dark, and a haze prevented the occupants of the boat
+from making any observation of the stars, hence the sailing, or rather,
+the rowing, had to be conducted by compass entirely, the order being
+given by the captain to steer east by north, a term which indicates that
+the course was exactly two points north of a line running due east and
+west.
+
+Three miles an hour at the outside, would be considered good speed.
+Sails would have been useless without a wind, and there was not the
+slightest breeze, but about midnight there was an apparent rocking in
+the little boat that indicated a wind. Occasionally, there would be a
+jerk, as the boat would be thrown from one side to the other. The
+captain was awake and alert, but the boys were lying in the bottom of
+the vessel near the stern.
+
+It was a trying, weary night, and when the sun arose the sea was one
+panorama of short, choppy waves. The seamen were tired with rowing, and
+it was evident that no great effort was being made to hurry the boat
+along.
+
+"It does seem to me that the sun is coming up on the wrong side this
+morning," remarked Alfred, as they were partaking of the food prepared
+and stowed in the boat's lockers.
+
+"I imagine you are turned around somewhat," replied the captain. "The
+wind is now coming from the east, and you see the sun almost ahead of
+us. We are being carried west faster than the rowers can take us
+eastward, hence we are practically standing still, or rather going back,
+and they are now merely holding the boat so as to give us steerage way
+and prevent us from going into the troughs between the waves."
+
+"Have you sighted either of the other boats?" asked Alfred.
+
+"No; but one of the men observed a light at two this morning, three
+points to starboard, which was, possibly, one of our companions, but
+since that time we have searched the seas fruitlessly," answered the
+captain.
+
+"I don't know why it is that if all of the boats steer to the same point
+that they should be scattered in this way," said Alfred. "Can you
+explain it, Captain?"
+
+"It would not be so if in the open sea, or in mid-ocean; there they
+would be likely to keep together, or not separated more than three or
+four miles; but it is quite another thing in this great bay," replied
+the captain.
+
+"Why should it be different here?" asked Ralph.
+
+"If you will take a map of the western part of Europe, you will notice
+three great projecting headlands, or points on the western shore of the
+continent of Europe, namely, Iceland, in the north, and the Spanish
+peninsula in the south. Midway between you will notice Ireland and the
+British Isles. The great Gulf stream comes down from the north, passes
+Iceland, that is one branch, hugs the coast of Ireland, and strikes the
+point of land which projects out northwesterly from the main Spanish
+land, so that a sort of maelstrom is set up in the bay."
+
+"How far are we from that point of land?" asked Ralph.
+
+"About two hundred miles northeast; and I may also say that we are just
+about in the middle of the Bay of Biscay, and at that point where the
+sea is always more quiet than at any other part," answered the captain.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Ship to starboard, sir," sang out the forward watch.
+
+The captain turned to the right and, after a brief glance, lowered his
+hand. The boys looked at him in wonder. Evidently the sight of the
+vessel did not give him pleasure. It was a low-lying craft, with two
+short masts.
+
+"That looks like a submarine," shouted Ralph.
+
+"You are right," replied the captain.
+
+The submarine was coming forward rapidly, and within fifteen minutes it
+was within hailing distance. They now had an opportunity to examine the
+ugly thing with the long black back and the conning tower midway between
+the ends.
+
+"Are those the periscopes?" asked Alfred. "I didn't know they carried
+two of them."
+
+"That is the practice now," said one seamen.
+
+The submarine came straight toward them, then sheered off and stopped
+alongside less than thirty feet from the boat. One of the seamen tossed
+a rope, which was grasped by a marine on the undersea boat, and in that
+manner they were drawn close up to the side of the submarine.
+
+An officer now came forward, and in French invited the captain to step
+aboard. There was a broad smile on the officer's face, as he recognized
+the captain of the vessel which they had torpedoed the night before.
+With a respectful bow he requested the captain to turn over the ship's
+papers. The captain was, of course, powerless, but he refused to do so
+on the plea that he did not have them with him.
+
+"Search the boat!" commanded the officer to several of his crew.
+
+The captain was about to go back to his boat when the officer remarked:
+
+"We prefer the pleasure of your company for the present, sir."
+
+The captain folded his arms, and stood straight before the officer, as
+two marines jumped into the boat, and began the search. Eventually, a
+leather case was found, on which was inscribed the ship's name. It was
+tossed up to the officer, who, after receiving it, entered the conning
+tower, where he remained for some time.
+
+When he reappeared he said: "I shall have to detain you," and, glancing
+down into the boat, continued: "The two young men in the stern will also
+come aboard."
+
+The boys were astounded at this new turn of affairs. Slowly they arose,
+and stepped on the narrow platform which projected out from the side of
+the submarine.
+
+"There may be some reason why you should wish to detain me, but there is
+no excuse for making these young men prisoners; they are Americans
+returning home, and cannot be considered as belligerents," said the
+captain.
+
+The lieutenant looked at the captain and turned his gaze on the boys a
+few moments before replying: "In what business were they engaged while
+on the continent?"
+
+The captain started slightly, while the officer toyed with his mustache,
+and peered at the boys.
+
+"We haven't engaged in any particular business on the continent," said
+Ralph.
+
+"No; flying isn't engaging in any business, is it?" inquired the
+officer.
+
+"Well," said Alfred, "we took part in the Red Cross service, were with
+the infantry, served a time with the flying corps, then had a little
+experience with the transportation service, helped them out in the
+artillery, and did the best we could everywhere we went, if that's what
+you wish to know."
+
+The officer gave the boys a cynical glance, and nodded to one of the
+marines. The latter stepped forward and began searching the boys, Ralph
+being the first to undergo the ordeal; several letters, a few trinkets,
+a knife and a purse, containing all the boy possessed, were removed. The
+coat when thrown back revealed a cross, suspended by a ribbon, the
+decoration which had been bestowed on the boys after their last flight
+at Verdun.
+
+Alfred handed over the contents of his pockets. The German officer
+glanced at the medals, and made another motion. The seamen then pushed
+them into the conning tower and the boys saw a narrow flight of stairs
+to which they were directed, the captain following.
+
+Down into the bowels of a submarine! A warm, peculiar, oily odor greeted
+them as they descended, but the air was not at all unpleasant and
+breathing was easy. Glancing about they saw confused masses of
+mechanism, tanks, pipes, valves, levers, wheels, clock-faced dial plates
+and other contrivances, all huddled together, with barely room to pass
+from one place to another. Electric bulbs were everywhere visible,
+lighting up the interior.
+
+Suddenly there was a slight tremor in the vessel, indicating that some
+machinery was in motion. Once at the bottom they stood there until the
+seaman stepped forward and opened a small door through which there was
+barely room to pass, and he motioned them to enter. They did so, and
+found themselves in a compartment which did not seem to be more than
+five by six feet in size, and even in this small space mechanism was
+noticed. The moment the door closed they were in total darkness.
+
+"This is a nice place to get into," said Ralph.
+
+"I wonder if they are going to keep us cooped up like this without a
+light?" said Alfred.
+
+After an interval of ten minutes a rumbling was heard, which continued,
+a rhythmic motion followed in unison with the sounds generated by the
+machinery.
+
+"That is the propeller," said the captain.
+
+Voices were heard occasionally, but words could not be distinguished.
+Confined as they were the air seemed to be pure and in abundance at all
+times, and while there was not the faintest signs of closeness, there
+was an eternal monotony,--an existence in which there was nothing to do
+but breathe and think.
+
+How long they were thus confined, without a single thing to break the
+stillness, they could not conceive. It seemed that hours had gone by,
+during which time there was nothing to disturb them, except the one
+steady whirr, broken occasionally by some remark by one or the other.
+
+Then came an unexpected hum of voices; the machinery seemed to stop for
+a moment, and when it was again continued it had a different melody. The
+wheels, if such they were, seemed to turn with smoothness, and they felt
+a sudden inclination in the seats on which they were sitting.
+
+"What do you suppose has happened?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The electric mechanism has been hitched to the propeller, and, if I am
+not mistaken, we are going down," said the captain.
+
+"It did feel as though the forward end dipped down a moment ago," said
+Alfred.
+
+Another wait for a half-hour, and then a most peculiar sound reached
+their ears. Simultaneously, the ship seemed to stop and go on. Again
+voices were heard, and the same reaction in the hull of the submarine
+was felt, accompanied by the dull noise, as before.
+
+"They have just fired two torpedoes," said the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE TERRORS IN THE DARK ROOM OF AN UNDERSEA BOAT
+
+
+Imagine yourself locked in a compartment, barely large enough to stretch
+yourself out straight, in a ship under the sea, in total darkness,
+knowing that should any one of the hundreds of things within that ship
+go wrong, it would mean a plunge to the bottom of the sea, beyond the
+help of all human aid.
+
+The danger to them was just as great while on the surface of the water,
+for the guns mounted on most vessels at this time, would make the
+submarine a legitimate prey. One shot would be sufficient, for ingenuity
+has not yet found a way to quickly stop a leak in a submarine. Such a
+vessel, when once struck, dare not dive, for that would quickly fill the
+interior of the vessel with water.
+
+It must, in that case, remain afloat, subject to the hail of shot which
+must follow, their only salvation in that event would be to hoist the
+white flag. Few, if any submarine commanders have done so, and even
+should that occur, it would not prevent the hull from being riddled
+before the fact could be made known. The three-inch guns mounted on
+most of the merchantmen, with an effective range of three miles, could
+tear the weak hull of a submarine to pieces at a single shot, and all
+would be sure to go down before help could arrive from the attacking
+steamer.
+
+"The machinery seems to go very slow now," remarked Ralph.
+
+"They may be cautiously coming to the top," replied the captain.
+
+"Did you hear that peculiar noise?" said Alfred, as he laid his hand on
+the captain's arm.
+
+"That was plainly a shot from a ship," said the captain.
+
+"Do you think we could hear firing through all this metal?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Much easier than if we were on deck," answered the captain.
+
+"Why do you think so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Because water is a better conductor of sound than air," was the reply.
+
+"Do you mean that we can hear it better than if the sound came through
+the air?" queried Alfred.
+
+"The sound can be heard not only much plainer, but also much sooner than
+through the air," answered the captain.
+
+"I think we are going down again," remarked Ralph.
+
+"No doubt of it," answered the captain quietly.
+
+"Do you think they have hit us?" eagerly inquired Ralph.
+
+The captain did not reply. Alfred reached his hand forward and grasped
+the captain's hand. "You needn't fear to tell us if you think we are
+going down for the last time."
+
+"You are a brave boy!" said the captain. "I do not know what to answer.
+I have never been on a submarine when it was struck by a bullet; but it
+seemed to me as though something struck our shell, and if it did there
+is no help for us, for the devils would gloat on our misery, and would
+not think of liberating us, to give us a chance for our lives."
+
+Fifteen minutes elapsed before the captain continued: "This gives me
+some hope."
+
+"What is it?" quickly inquired Ralph.
+
+"We are still on an even keel," was the answer.
+
+"Does that mean that we are safe?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes, if the shell of the submarine had been pierced, and we were really
+going down it would not be long before the hull would lose its equipoise
+and turn around, or it might stand on end, due to the distribution of
+water throughout the interior," was the reply.
+
+"I understand now," said Alfred. "You think we are still floating, but
+do you think we are on the surface?"
+
+"We are, undoubtedly, submerged, for it is evident that the smooth
+motion of the propeller comes from the electric motors and not from the
+internal combustion engines, which are used solely while running on the
+surface," remarked the captain.
+
+After hours more of interminable waiting, they heard a noise close at
+hand. With something like a snap the door opened and a flood of light
+streamed into their compartment from the electric bulbs without, and,
+looking up, they saw, at the ceiling of their room, a small electric
+bulb.
+
+"Why is it we didn't hunt for that?" whispered Ralph, looking up.
+
+"But I can't see any way to turn it on," said Alfred.
+
+"That lights only from the outside," said the attendant. "Here is
+something to eat," he continued in English.
+
+"What time is it?" asked the captain.
+
+"Half past one o'clock," was the reply.
+
+They had been in that cramped prison pen five hours.
+
+"Did you torpedo another ship?" queried the captain.
+
+"We tried to; but a torpedo boat destroyer came up too close," he
+answered.
+
+"How many shots did it fire?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Two," was the laconic reply.
+
+"How long have we been submerged?"
+
+"Two hours," answered the man. "As I came down the report from the
+periscope showed a clear sea, and we are now about to resume surface
+travel and repair one of the periscopes."
+
+The boys glanced at each other and at the captain.
+
+"Yes," remarked the captain, "that was a pretty close call."
+
+The attendant left them without closing the door, and as the prisoners
+glanced about, nothing was to be seen of the stairway which led to the
+conning tower. Men were noticed at work, each being stationed at some
+particular machine or set of machinery. Then, with a bang, something
+like a trap door swung aside and the stairway was revealed, and a
+peculiar light streamed in through the hatch opening.
+
+"It's the sun," said Ralph, in ecstacy.
+
+"I never thought we'd see that again," said Alfred, almost overcome.
+
+"May we walk around?" asked the captain, as he approached an under
+officer.
+
+"There isn't much chance for exercising here," was the reply, "but I
+think you will be given top liberty after awhile," replied the man.
+
+"Will they let us go?" asked Ralph eagerly.
+
+"No; he didn't say that; he meant they would give us liberty to walk on
+the top deck for a short time," replied the captain.
+
+Shortly thereafter the lieutenant in command of the submarine appeared
+at the foot of the hatchway and informed the captain that they were at
+liberty to ascend. Never did the sun appear to be more beautiful or
+inviting, although there was a perceptible chill in the atmosphere. The
+submarine was moving along at a speed of twelve knots an hour. Four men
+were engaged in taking down a bent and partially ruptured periscope
+tube.
+
+The captain glanced at it and drew the attention of the boys to its
+structure. It was the tall periscope that received the shot, which
+struck it about four feet from the top.
+
+"It must have been hit on the water line," said the captain, addressing
+the lieutenant.
+
+The latter merely nodded, but made no remarks in response.
+
+They were permitted to walk to and fro for an hour, when the order came
+to descend, and they again entered their prison. As before, they were
+subjected to total darkness, but there was no necessity for this
+deprivation, and it is not clear why an enemy should treat prisoners in
+this manner, for such actions necessarily leave only resentments and do
+no good whatever.
+
+It was a long, long, dreary afternoon and night, which they tried to
+while away in sleeping, for conversation, under the circumstances, soon
+became irksome. When they awoke, or, rather, when all were again alert
+and felt as though the night must have passed, the captain was the first
+to break the silence, as he said:
+
+"We have been resting quietly for more than an hour, I should say,
+probably lying in wait in one of the steamer lanes for new victims."
+
+"Isn't it likely we are on the bottom of the ocean? Don't they go down
+sometimes and wait there?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes; but not in deep water, such as is found in this bay. At no place
+is it less than 150 fathoms, and in the central portion, where our ship
+went down it is more than 2,000 fathoms."
+
+"Why, that's two miles deep, or more," said Alfred.
+
+"Yes, the Bay of Biscay is one of the deep holes in the Atlantic coast
+line of Europe. The average depth of the Irish Sea, St. George Channel,
+the English Channel and the North Sea is only about 250 feet, and there
+are thousands of places in the North Sea, particularly, like the Dogger
+Banks, where the water is not more than a hundred feet deep," remarked
+the captain.
+
+"Then the submarines could easily rest on the bottom if the depth is not
+more than one hundred feet?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Submarines have, in several cases, gone down as far as 200 feet below
+the surface, but it is at a great risk," said the captain.
+
+"You mean risk from the pressure of the water?" said Ralph.
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"What would be the pressure of the water on a submarine at that depth?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"Pressure is calculated on the square inch of surface; for every
+twenty-eight inches the pressure is equal to one pound. If, therefore,
+200 is multiplied by 12 and then divided by 28, the quotient will
+represent the number of pounds on each square inch," answered the
+captain.
+
+"Why multiply 200 by twelve?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Because there are twelve inches in a foot," said the captain.
+
+"Oh, yes; I didn't happen to think of it; well, 200 by 12,--that's
+2,400, and divided by 28, is----"
+
+"Eighty-five," interrupted Alfred. "Well, that's not very much."
+
+"Quite true," rejoined the captain; "but how many square inches are
+there in a square foot?"
+
+"One hundred and forty-four," replied Alfred.
+
+"Then, eighty-five times one hundred and forty-four makes quite a sum,"
+continued the captain.
+
+"Whew,----" said Ralph with a half whistle in his tone, "why, if I have
+made it out right, it's over 12,000 pounds. No wonder it isn't safe to
+stay down very long, if at all, at that depth."
+
+"I have often wondered how it is that the submarine could rest on the
+bottom or come up at will," said Alfred.
+
+"All submarines are lighter than the water in which they float,"
+answered the captain. "They are provided with tanks holding compressed
+air. Now, in order to submerge, the only thing necessary is to permit
+enough water to flow into special tanks within the submarine, until the
+combined weight of the water, hull and mechanism, is the same as the
+amount of water that the ship displaces. If an added quantity of water
+is now added, it will go down, and remain under water until the air in
+the compressed tanks is used to force out a quantity of water from the
+special tanks."
+
+"But is that the only way they can go down?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Oh, no; a submarine can submerge without doing that, but in such a case
+power must be used," answered the captain.
+
+"What! push it down by power?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Exactly; these vessels have fins, the same as fish, so arranged that if
+they are properly turned and the ship moves forward, it will dive, and
+continue to go down at an angle as long as the fins are properly set. If
+the vessel should stop moving the submarine would come to the top,
+because it is lighter than the water," responded the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+SOME OF THE MYSTERIES OF A SUBMARINE
+
+
+With a click the door of their prison cabin opened and a seaman informed
+them that their breakfast was ready. They passed through the narrow
+door, and edged their way along a tortuous path that led to the rear,
+where they entered what might be called a miniature galley, on one side
+of which was a narrow shelf containing food of various descriptions.
+
+There was room only for the attendant to pass while they were seated. An
+abundance of the best food was served, cereals, and even fruit, forming
+part of the menu. Each of these vessels carry from twenty-two to thirty
+men, but there were in sight in the dining room only ten, besides the
+cook and waiter.
+
+After the meal, the captain inquired of the officer at the main hatch
+whether they would be permitted to go on deck.
+
+"I have no orders," he replied.
+
+Meanwhile, the boys had an opportunity to investigate the mysteries of
+the interior, for it was well lighted.
+
+"What are those long drums ahead there?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I think they are the casings which carry the torpedoes," replied the
+captain. "If you look beyond you will see the rear ends of the tubes
+which receive the torpedoes. The cylinders in sight hold the torpedoes
+until they are ready to be placed in the tubes and shot out of them."
+
+"You have orders to go on deck," the under officer at the bottom of the
+hatch now informed them.
+
+This was an invitation to which they quickly responded. They ascended,
+and found the sun hidden, and the sea about them calm. Glancing across
+the broad expanse of water, not a sail was in sight. It was a cold, gray
+morning, ordinarily uninviting weather, but after the house of
+confinement it was enjoyed to the fullest extent.
+
+"Down below!" shouted a voice.
+
+The boys looked around in surprise, for they had been on deck less than
+ten minutes.
+
+"Clear the deck!" shouted the same voice. The boys, with the captain,
+were hustled forward into the conning tower, and the iron door closed
+with a bang. The boys were permitted to stop only long enough to see two
+men turn eight swinging bolts, which hung about the margins of the
+doors, and quickly screw them up against the jamb.
+
+The lieutenant was leaning over a narrow table on which was a chart, and
+gazing through a crystal-covered port in the front of the conning tower.
+A bell tinkled, machinery began to turn and impart its vibration to the
+ship, and it was again a living thing. It glided forward with the same
+rhythmic noises for a half-hour, and then two bells were heard.
+
+The character of the sounds from the machinery changed; they seemed to
+move forward with less effort, and as they felt the same inclination in
+the motion of the ship, all were now satisfied that she was again
+submerging. Fortunately, they were not confined to their room, and,
+although no verbal orders had been given for the various operations
+required to handle the vessel, the prisoners had an opportunity to judge
+of what was going on.
+
+Thus, when the signal was given to change the motive power from the
+internal combustion engines to electricity, they could see the engine
+stop, and an attendant shift the clutch which engaged the electric
+motors. A dial swinging over a card alongside a pair of levers indicated
+the direction of movement, while another gave not only the inclination
+of the ship, but its speed as well.
+
+These things were very fascinating to the boys, but their attention was
+now attracted to a still more interesting scene. A bell forward gave two
+short, quick snaps. Four men sprang forward and stood at attention, two
+on each side of the tube at the right of the hold.
+
+"The indicator shows that the submarine is turning," said the captain.
+The boys watched the indicator; it had swung around almost half-way.
+
+"There,--look at the inclinometer," said Ralph. "It is moving
+upward----"
+
+"Ting! ting!" Two more sharp bells forward. The cylinder was off the
+torpedo, and it lay before them exposed.
+
+Three bells more; and now there was feverish haste. An oval door in the
+wall ahead was swung open, revealing a round, black hole.
+
+"That is the torpedo tube," said the captain quietly.
+
+The torpedo was moved back three feet, and then again carried forward on
+its truck so that the end of the torpedo entered the tube.
+
+One bell more. The torpedo moved into the tube, the breech block, which
+in this case was the oval door, closed, and the crew stood at attention.
+While thus waiting the boys glanced at the inclinometer and at the
+direction indicator.
+
+"See it swing back and forth," said Alfred. "It seems to act queerly."
+
+"Not at all," replied the captain. "Evidently we are chasing a ship
+which is zig-zagging, as we did, for the direction dial is constantly
+moving."
+
+While thus conversing they were startled by the signal of four bells.
+One of the men, reaching forward, touched a button, and the signal could
+be heard in the conning tower. That was, evidently, to inform the
+commander there that all was in readiness. Everything was expectancy
+now. The ship still manoeuvered.
+
+Then, without a warning of any kind, there was a singular dull sound,
+which seemed to shake the submarine from stem to stern.
+
+"They have fired it," said Alfred.
+
+"And they are putting in another one."
+
+"If I am not mistaken it is the last one they have," suggested the
+captain.
+
+"Why do you think so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I notice that all the cylinders with the open ends are without
+torpedoes, and you will notice that the one they are now putting in is
+the last one with the closed end," responded the captain.
+
+"I am glad they haven't any more of them," said Ralph.
+
+Three bells again sounded; the officer at the gun responded, and during
+the next two minutes of suspense, the boys were quiet, waiting for the
+next shot. It soon came; the ship shook as before, the breach block
+opened, the shell behind the torpedo was extracted, the door closed and
+the men stood at attention.
+
+When the officer, who had handled the torpedoes, walked down the steps
+from the conning tower, the boys noticed him shake his head sadly.
+
+"Did you notice that?" asked the captain.
+
+"Do you mean the way he shook his head?" said Alfred.
+
+"Yes; I am curious to get your views about that action of the officer,"
+remarked the captain.
+
+"That is, why he shook his head?" interjected Ralph.
+
+"Yes," answered the captain. "Do you think he looked discouraged because
+the shot failed in its mission, or because it went home successfully?
+That is the problem."
+
+The boys were quiet for a few moments. Ralph was the first to speak:
+"Well, I'll bet the torpedo didn't hit the ship, and he feels cut up
+over it, as it was the last one they had."
+
+"I don't agree with you," rejoined Alfred. "It struck the ship and sunk
+it, and the fellow feels so badly about it that he shook his head the
+way he did when he thought of the suffering it caused. Don't you agree
+with me?" said Alfred, addressing the captain.
+
+The captain could not repress a slight laugh as: he answered: "I must
+confess you advance good arguments in both directions; but really, I am
+of the opinion that either torpedo didn't get in its work."
+
+"Why do you think the first one failed?"
+
+"If the first one had succeeded, they would not have shot the second,
+would they?" replied the captain.
+
+"No; I don't think they would, seeing they had only one more left,"
+remarked Ralph. "But why do you think the last one was no more
+successful?"
+
+"I infer it from the following circumstances: It takes, on an average, a
+minute for a torpedo to reach its mark, after it leaves the torpedo
+tube. The officer in the tower is in a position where he can see the
+effect of the shot. If the torpedo struck, however favorable the blow,
+it would take at least fifteen or twenty minutes for the ship to go
+down. Sometimes the bulkheads will keep the ship afloat an hour or more.
+In fact, there are records of ships which have been torpedoed, that were
+actually towed into harbors and saved," answered the captain.
+
+"But I do not see how that is any sign that the torpedo missed," replied
+Alfred inquiringly.
+
+"Probably you did not notice the period that elapsed after the last
+shot, and the time the officer came down the tower hatch?" remarked the
+captain.
+
+"No, I did not observe," replied Alfred.
+
+"You remember, do you not, that as soon as the last torpedo was
+launched, the officer went up into the conning tower, and that within a
+minute, or not exceeding two minutes, he again came down the stairway,
+and shook his head in such a disconsolate manner?" continued the
+captain.
+
+"Well, yes; you may be right in that," responded Alfred.
+
+"Then, I inferred this," said the captain, "that the lieutenant had had
+ample opportunity to observe whether or not the shot went home, and, as
+it had not landed, he reported to the officer the failure. If the shot
+had struck he would have known it before the officer left the conning
+tower to come down. Do you get my idea?" asked the captain.
+
+"That seems to answer the question, to my mind, that it wasn't a hit,"
+said Ralph.
+
+"Well, it doesn't quite satisfy me," replied Alfred. "The lieutenant
+might have told him that the shot hit the ship, and that it was going
+down, and that's what made him feel so badly about it."
+
+The captain could not help feeling amused at Alfred's argument, as he
+replied: "I must admit that your view is logical, and I am also willing
+to assent that the question is one, which, in the absence of actual
+knowledge, could be settled in one way only."
+
+"How is that?" asked Ralph.
+
+"By knowing the mental condition and attitude of the officer who came
+down the hatchway. If he happened to be a humane person he would regret
+the loss of life, and show it, probably, by his actions. On the other
+hand, if he should be devoid of the finer feelings, and be a mere slave
+to duty, it is more than likely that he would shake his head
+discouragingly, to learn that the torpedo failed in its mission," was
+the captain's final word on the subject.
+
+"Now that they are out of torpedoes, what do you suppose they will do?"
+asked Ralph.
+
+"Go home; I suppose," replied Alfred.
+
+"Unless they have a base somewhere on the coast," replied the captain.
+
+"Where is the most likely place for such a base?" asked Ralph.
+
+"That is the enigma, of course. It has been believed that the Germans
+have a base somewhere along the northern coast of Spain," said the
+captain.
+
+"What are the reasons for thinking so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"One of them is that some of the Spaniards are said to be more or less
+friendly to the Germans, and, furthermore, there are few ports or
+harbors on the north coast, hence the shipping to Spain in the southern
+waters of the Bay of Biscay is very small, a condition which would help
+to keep a base along the coast line at one or more points."
+
+"But we ought to know in the next day or two whether they have such a
+base," said Ralph.
+
+"Yes; it will be the opportunity now for us to make some observation
+which will tell us whether we are going to Germany, or not," said the
+captain with a grin.
+
+Situated, as they were, below decks, with no instruments but the
+direction indicator, and the inclinometer in sight, it was impossible to
+judge of the direction they were going, for it was evident that the
+submarine was now moving ahead at full speed.
+
+"It will be, probably, twenty-four hours before we are able to get any
+information as to our destination," said the captain.
+
+"Do you intend to ask some of the men?" inquired Alfred.
+
+"No; that would be fruitless. It is not at all likely they will venture
+any information upon a subject of that character," replied the captain.
+
+"Then how would it be possible to learn anything about where we are
+going?" asked Ralph.
+
+"We are now somewhere in the Bay of Biscay, and I infer that we must be
+about a hundred and fifty miles from the Spanish coast. To reach that at
+the rate we are going, would take at least ten hours, for I assume that
+the vessel is capable of at least ten miles an hour. Then, we must take
+into consideration the possible meeting with vessels, in which case we
+must submerge, and thus go much slower," said the captain.
+
+"Then, if they have a base anywhere along the coast we ought to be there
+before tomorrow at this time?" ventured Alfred.
+
+"That is exactly what I mean," answered the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+GROPING THROUGH THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
+
+
+There was a steady pulsation of the engines during the entire afternoon
+without cessation until five o'clock, when the submarine submerged and
+continued under water for an hour. The three captives had now learned a
+great many of the manoeuvers incident to the diving operations, the
+signals accompanying each action, and studied with the greatest
+diligence and care the direction indicator and inclinometer.
+
+"I have been noticing the indicator for the last hour," said Ralph, "and
+it didn't change once. Are we going due north?"
+
+"The indicator that you see is not for the purpose of showing the points
+of the compass, but to tell whether or not there is a turning movement
+in the ship. If, for instance, the rudder should be turned to starboard
+or to port, the dial would swing in such a position as to show how much
+of a turn has been made, and no more," responded the captain.
+
+"Suppose then, that after making a quarter turn, the ship should again
+go ahead on a straight line, what would happen to the dial?" asked
+Alfred.
+
+"In that case the dial would again indicate that by coming back to its
+original position,--or, in other words, the dial would show that the
+ship had then assumed a new direction of sailing, and if it again
+changed to the right or to the left the indicator would reveal this to
+the observer," remarked the captain.
+
+"I wish we had a compass," said Ralph.
+
+"Unfortunately, they have taken our watches and pocket compasses," said
+the captain. "We may contrive, later on, to get a glimpse of the
+steering compass."
+
+"Do you know where it is?" eagerly inquired Alfred.
+
+"The navigating officer's instrument is in the conning tower, but it is
+usual, too, to have a similar instrument below, and I am sure it is
+located to the left of the cook's galley. It would not be safe, however,
+for either of us to be spying around in that quarter," responded the
+captain.
+
+That night they were again locked in their narrow apartment. As they had
+been provided with a good meal it was not such an unpleasant experience,
+and they were also comforted by the feeling that the submarine was now
+engaged in a no more perilous duty than trying to reach some port.
+
+That night was followed by a trying day of waiting. Singularly, they had
+not been permitted to ascend the hatchway stairs since the first day of
+their capture.
+
+"A glance at the sun would be enough to tell us the direction," remarked
+the captain after they left the table at the lunch hour.
+
+"I suppose they are keeping us down here for that purpose," suggested
+Alfred.
+
+"I have thought," replied the captain, "that the very fact of keeping us
+in ignorance of the direction they are going is the best indication that
+we are making for a concealed base."
+
+When they retired the second night the captain remarked: "It is now
+plain to my mind that we are on the way to Germany, or, possibly, to a
+base somewhere at a greater distance than Spain."
+
+"How long would it take to make the trip to Germany?" asked Alfred.
+
+"If we circled the British Isles and came in by way of Norway, it would
+mean a run of 1,400 miles. To go by way of the Channel would be about
+800 miles. It would make but little difference in point of time,"
+answered the captain.
+
+"Why wouldn't it take longer to travel 1,400 miles?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Because on the long route we would be able to travel four-fifths of the
+way on the surface, and would not have to avoid mines and nets. The
+Channel route is a dangerous one, requiring the utmost caution," said
+the captain.
+
+The second morning Alfred was outside, as usual, consulting the
+instruments, when a voice remarked in response to an inquiry: "48, 10."
+He paid no attention to it at the time, but later on, in a conversation,
+remarked to the captain:
+
+"Some one in the conning tower, this morning, said '48, 10.' What do you
+suppose he meant by that?"
+
+"Glad you remembered that. Are you sure the figures you give are
+correct?" asked the captain eagerly.
+
+"Sure of it," was Alfred's reply.
+
+"Then we are near the English Channel. Good; I am glad to know that. Did
+you hear them refer to any other figures?" asked the captain.
+
+"What would the other figures be?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Of course, I can only guess. The figures you have given me
+unquestionably represent forty-eight degrees and ten minutes north
+latitude. What interests me most is to get our position east and west,"
+said the captain.
+
+"About what longitude are we in?" asked Ralph.
+
+"If we are less than five degrees west we must be in the English
+Channel, and it would appear that they are taking the shortest route. If
+we should be seven or eight degrees west I should regard it as a pretty
+sure symptom that we are going to encircle the British Isles," remarked
+the captain.
+
+Late that afternoon Ralph rushed into their little cabin and said:
+
+"I have an idea that I can tell you the direction we are going."
+
+"Have you heard anything?" asked the captain.
+
+"Not a word," answered Ralph. "I have just made an observation," he
+continued, laughing.
+
+"That's good," responded the captain. "I think we are sailing north by
+west."
+
+"You are wrong," replied Ralph; "we are going due east."
+
+"Are you sure?" asked the captain, exhibiting unusual interest in the
+news. "How did you find it out?"
+
+"I saw the sun," said Ralph with a chuckle.
+
+"How and where did you see it?" asked Alfred, incredulously.
+
+"Well, I didn't exactly see the sun, but I saw a streak that came from
+the sun," was the reply.
+
+"That's just as good," responded the captain. "Where did you see it?"
+
+"I was at the indicator when an officer went up and the hatch was
+raised. As he didn't push it all the way down I had an idea he might
+soon return, so I moved up and stood between the twin tanks to the right
+of the steps. When the officer raised the hatch a streak of sunlight
+went right across the under side at the corner of the door, and I knew
+it couldn't come in at the front port hole," said Ralph, with a glow of
+pleasure in the discovery.
+
+The captain shook his head slowly, as he said: "I am afraid this will
+mean an additional source of worry to all of us; it is bad enough to be
+locked up and subjected to the guns of vessels and warships, but it will
+be doubly hazardous to pass through the mine fields, and avoid the
+nets."
+
+"Do you know anything about them, and how and where they are located?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes, I have a pretty good knowledge of their location, and how to avoid
+them, although they constantly change the nets, or provide new safety
+outlets," said the captain.
+
+[Illustration: _The Steel Nets_]
+
+"What do you mean by safety outlets?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Immense steel nets are stretched across the straits from Calais to
+Dover, two lines, in fact, between which the vessels plying between
+England and France go to and fro in safety. Furthermore, war vessels
+guard these nets on both sides, so that it would be a difficult matter
+to get near the nets," said the captain.
+
+"But submarines do seem to get through somewhere; do they not?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Yes; owing to their ability to make the trip under water, and taking
+advantage of the darkness, it is sometimes the case that they get
+through without being entangled in the nets," he replied.
+
+"But how do the ships that sail along the Channel get through?" asked
+Alfred.
+
+"That is just what I was referring to when I spoke of safety outlets. At
+a certain point there is an opening through the nets at one side,
+through which vessels can pass into the line between the two wire
+cordons. The opening in the other line of nets is not directly opposite,
+but a mile or so off to one side, so that in order to get to the opening
+in the other nets, it is necessary for the ship to sail along in the
+safety zone between the two nets, and make a turn at right angles to get
+out through the second opening. That method has been found to be most
+effective, and is called the safety lane," responded the captain.
+
+They were now in or near the most widely traveled part of the ocean on
+the western front of the continent. Thousands of ships pass and repass
+that zone which reaches from the southern part of Ireland to the western
+coast of France, and it was remarkable that the submarine was able to
+move along up to this time on the surface without being detected.
+
+Before the sun had gone down that night, however, they were compelled to
+submerge twice, and then the mantle of night shrouded the vessel and it
+moved along with more boldness. On this the fourth night of captivity,
+they were not locked in their prison.
+
+"I cannot account for it," said the captain. "Possibly the commander
+has some little human sympathy left, and does not want to drown us like
+rats in a cage."
+
+Neither the captain nor the boys slept much that night. They were too
+much occupied with constantly watching the manoeuvers necessary on the
+part of the commander and his crew to prevent detection as they passed
+up the Channel.
+
+"I have spent years on the Channel as a navigating officer and in charge
+of various types of ships in the merchant service, as well as on our own
+naval vessels, and I know, probably, better than the lieutenant in
+charge of the submarine, what the dangers are. It is my belief that the
+lieutenant has come over this course before, and probably knows a safe,
+or measurably safe route, and has taken the chances of returning, but no
+one, however skilful a navigator he may be, can be sure of making
+exactly the same course twice. The tides may be against him; he may be
+out of his reckonings hundreds of feet, and that is too big a margin,
+where a hundred feet in width is the limit through which his vessel may
+pass in safety."
+
+The captain thus, in general terms, set forth the perils of the route
+that the commander of the submarine had taken, and stated also, very
+plainly, that they must now be prepared to meet the greatest of all
+dangers. Sleep, therefore, could not be considered.
+
+The long and weary night at last came to an end, and the appetizing
+odors of the morning meal were wafted to them. Their toilets were
+exceedingly simple affairs, a small cake of soap, warm water, and a
+long towel serving for the three. They had no trouble in dressing, for
+their clothing had not been removed. They were obliged to dispense with
+the bath, for, although all these boats are provided with comforts of
+that kind, none of them was available to the captain and the boys, and
+they did not ask that any privileges be extended to them.
+
+No sooner had breakfast been served than the machinery began to slow
+down until finally it ceased. Not a perceptible motion was now observed.
+A pulsator or two were at work, and a slight rumble due to the action of
+the dynamo came to their ears.
+
+"I suppose we are now on the bottom," suggested Ralph.
+
+"Yes; during the daytime it will be necessary to keep quiet. Even the
+periscope may reveal our presence," remarked the captain.
+
+A little information as to the activities of the crew during these
+periods of rest may be interesting. Idleness breeds discontent and
+mischief. It is upon the principle that constant work encourages
+contentment and makes for efficiency, that the Germans require the
+continued activity which was shown by the occupants of the submarine.
+
+The vessel was manned by twenty-seven officers and men. The personnel
+being as follows: A lieutenant, a sub-lieutenant, two under or petty
+officers, a physician, a cook and two oilers, two first-class
+machinists, and seventeen helpers, or seamen, although it was evident,
+as the captain expressed it, that few of the helpers had seen much sea
+duty.
+
+While it is customary to divide the duties on shipboard into three
+watches, during the period of twenty-four hours, so as to give each
+squad a period of service every day at a different period, it would be
+difficult to carry out the same regulations on board a ship of this
+character.
+
+The captain said: "I notice that they have practically two watches, one
+taking up the duty from midday until twelve at night, and the other from
+midnight to noon. Yesterday, I noticed the same shift that was on duty
+in the morning continued at work all the afternoon, so it is possible
+that every three or four days shift No. 1, which works from noon to
+midnight, will be changed so that for the next four days the time for
+their services will be from midnight to noon."
+
+Attention is called to this method of doing duty so that the reader may
+understand certain events which will be referred to later.
+
+The personnel of the shifts was also changed at intervals so that while
+the lieutenant during one shift would have at work a certain machinist
+and petty officer, during the next or second shift thereafter another
+machinist or petty officer would be on duty. In this manner all became
+efficient, for they had the opportunity afforded of being drilled and
+handled by different combinations of men and assistants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+CAUGHT IN THE DEEP SEA NETS
+
+
+The starting of the heavy machinery was sufficient indication that night
+had come. They were now going up and at an angle which was very
+perceptible. The boys had become quite expert in detecting certain
+activities, as they tried in every way to understand the use of the
+signals. One thing was certain; two sets of bells were brought into play
+as the signal for changing the motive power. The first signal, three
+bells followed by two more, was invariably the necessary preparation for
+this event.
+
+A highly pitched bell next gave the signal to stop the gasoline engines
+and a deep-toned bell indicated the coupling of the electric motor.
+Occasionally a new set of signals would resound, which they tried to
+figure out. During the night Alfred thought he had found the key.
+
+"Did you notice the big hand wheel on the side of the upright tank,
+which we pass as we go into the dining room?" he remarked.
+
+"That is connected with a large valve," said the captain. "What did you
+observe?"
+
+"Well, did you ever notice that before they rang the shrill bell four
+times we always have heard a whistle?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Why, I have heard the bell ring four times on several occasions without
+the whistle," contended Ralph.
+
+"So you have, but it was always after the four rings that followed the
+whistle. A little while ago I was near the tank, and I heard the
+whistle. The attendant sprang to the wheel, and when the four rings came
+he turned the wheel around twice. When the four next rings came (without
+the whistle, of course), he quickly turned it back again," said Alfred.
+
+"That is the submerging tank," said the captain. "I see you are rapidly
+learning how to handle a submarine," and he laughed at the eagerness of
+the boys trying to conquer the details of signaling.
+
+During that night there was hardly a half-hour but some movement or
+other was indicated by the bells. They submerged, halted, rose to the
+surface, steamed at full speed, and in one or two instances it was
+evident from the sudden stopping that the submarine had to reverse.
+
+This constantly kept them alert, and while engaged in conversation late
+in the morning, they were thrown forward on their seats with a motion
+that indicated a collision with something which was not very rigid, for
+there was no concussion such as usually accompanies the contact of the
+hull of a vessel with a hard object.
+
+The boys looked at the captain in astonishment. They could now feel the
+propeller pulling in the opposite direction, only to be brought back
+again with the same springy collision, as when it had gone forward and
+first struck the strange obstacle.
+
+The captain's face paled, and the boys plied him with questions as they
+saw his perturbed countenance.
+
+"What do you think it is?" asked Ralph, as he saw the anxious seamen,
+and the second officer rushing about shouting orders, while one of them
+seized the main valve wheel and turned it.
+
+"We are caught in one of the steel nets," said the captain quietly.
+
+The boys' faces grew deadly pale. They knew what such a calamity meant.
+Few, if any of the submarines caught in the nets, ever escaped. The
+boys, while they did not know this, were, in a measure, aware of the
+great danger to submarines from this source. They were alarmed
+particularly on account of the serious manner in which the captain acted
+the moment the first impact took place.
+
+The captain now arose, followed by the boys, and marched through the
+narrow passageway toward the lieutenant who was leaning over one of the
+air compressors.
+
+"Is there anything we can do to help you?" asked the captain.
+
+The lieutenant looked up and replied: "We can do nothing but change the
+trim of the ship. Everything portable in the stern must be moved
+forward. Your assistance will be appreciated," was the reply, an answer
+that was in marked contrast with his former demeanor.
+
+The lieutenant then quickly detailed four men, who, together with the
+captain and the two boys, were directed what articles to carry forward.
+In this exercise they found many unexpected nooks and turns. The
+articles removed were mostly ship's supplies, stores, boxes of canned
+goods, drugs in cases, and a lot of tubing. Some of the boxes must have
+contained machinery, or mechanical parts, for they were very heavy.
+
+They were engaged at this work for fully an hour, and the task proved a
+difficult one, for the passageways were narrow and tortuous, and
+sometimes it was necessary to move through narrow alleys which ran
+almost directly across the ship. Every available bit of space is
+utilized in these vessels for the operating machinery.
+
+The entire length of the submarine was 126 feet, and the material had to
+be carried a distance of about eighty feet. The lieutenant was in the
+stern portion, pointing out the articles which should be taken, while
+the sub-lieutenant directed the placing of them in the bow.
+
+The captain and Ralph were just depositing a load in the hold near the
+bow, when a peculiar noise was heard, resembling a scraping, rasping
+sound. Before they had time to turn around, or move from their
+positions, the rear end of the submarine seemed to swing upward,
+bringing down and scattering among the machinery a choice lot of boxes
+and parcels.
+
+A groan followed. Something peculiar had happened,--a thing unique in
+the annals of submarining. The vessel, after the peculiar motion, was
+quiet, but it was lying at an angle of forty-five degrees. The seamen
+and the captain hurriedly tried to move back in order to discover what
+had happened and from whom the groans proceeded.
+
+It was hard work, and dangerous, too. Alfred was found pinned between
+the tanks, and temporarily held by several cases, but, fortunately, he
+was not hurt in the least.
+
+Directly forward of the conning tower stairway the captain now noticed
+an object, and upon examination it was found to be the lieutenant, who
+had been thrown a distance of more than thirty feet through the tangled
+machinery. He was unconscious.
+
+The physician was soon by his side, and a frightful gash was observed on
+the right side of the officer's face. Two men nearby were groaning. One
+had a broken leg, and the other several contusions about the head, and,
+owing to their crippled condition, it was just as much of a task to
+lower the bodies down into the inclined hold as to walk upward.
+
+This was finally accomplished, and the lieutenant, with the two injured
+men, were landed in the long compartment, which served as the dining
+room.
+
+The sub-lieutenant was found pinned by some boxes between two
+stanchions, which had not been distributed and placed within the
+compartments. The seaman soon released him; he was not injured in any
+way, and now that the lieutenant was in a serious condition, the command
+devolved on him.
+
+"That motion, if anything, will disentangle us from the nets," said the
+captain, addressing the sub-lieutenant. The latter did not reply, but
+turned on the captain with a frown.
+
+"Your opinion is not requested!" he said in a terse manner.
+
+The captain made a quiet bow and moved toward their small room, the boys
+following.
+
+"I am sorry that fellow is in command," said Alfred. "I never liked him
+from the first."
+
+"I'll bet we were locked up by that fellow's orders, for I don't believe
+the lieutenant had anything to do with it," remarked Ralph. The captain
+nodded his head, as he replied: "I knew that from the first day."
+
+"I'd like to get ahead of him some way," said Alfred.
+
+The captain looked at the boys for a few moments, then quietly put his
+hands on their arms, as he said: "Getting ahead, or getting even,
+doesn't pay, as a rule; but I have known where a few have been able to
+overcome a great many, as a duty, for that is what makes men strong."
+
+Alfred's eyes fairly bulged, as he gazed at the captain. "Isn't it a
+duty to capture this submarine?"
+
+The captain leaned forward and held up a warning hand. Ralph rose up and
+glanced around. "Why can't we do it?" he asked.
+
+"There is only one thing lacking; yes, it has been in my mind from the
+first moment we came aboard, but we cannot do it without weapons. With
+them in our possession we might succeed. Why, if we could have had them
+this afternoon it would have been an ideal time to make the attempt,"
+said the captain.
+
+"I have something to tell you," said Alfred, as he lowered his voice.
+
+"What is it?" asked the captain.
+
+"I know where there is a box of revolvers," he replied.
+
+"Where?" asked the captain, agitated visibly.
+
+"Do you remember the two big upright drums which I was pinned against
+when the ship went up?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes," replied the captain.
+
+"Well, one of the boxes broke open when it came down the passageway, and
+when I saw what was in it I pushed it way under the base of the tank on
+the left side," said Alfred.
+
+"The revolvers are all right, but we may have some trouble in getting
+cartridges," replied the captain. "But wait," he continued, "I am sure I
+carried cases of them down the passageway."
+
+"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes near there,--rather long,
+slim boxes, are they not?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes; with a red label on the corner," interrupted Ralph. "I can put my
+hands on a box any minute."
+
+"Then you are with me and will carefully follow out my instructions?"
+inquired the captain, looking at them intently.
+
+"We will follow you in whatever you ask us to do," replied Ralph.
+
+"You must remember that the business we are about to engage in means
+life or death. Once begun we cannot go back. We have no line of retreat.
+While it is most hazardous, the feat would be a wonderful one," said the
+captain.
+
+"No; we are not afraid. Both of us have been in some dangerous places
+and have come out all right. We have confidence in you," said Alfred
+slowly and deliberately.
+
+"Thank you for that," replied the captain. "We must begin the
+preparations at once, for at the present time when all is confusion we
+can get the opportunities that may not be offered later on."
+
+"The boat seems to move," said Alfred.
+
+A perceptible swaying motion was now observed. The vessel was still
+lying at the inclined position heretofore described. As they were about
+to crawl out of their cabin, they heard the voice of the sub-lieutenant:
+
+"Connect the forward motor!"
+
+They drew back into the room. "What is that for?" asked Ralph.
+
+Before the captain could reply came the second order:
+
+"Reverse!"
+
+The motor buzzed, but no effect was produced on the boat.
+
+"That seems singular," observed Alfred.
+
+"Not at all," answered the captain.
+
+"Why not?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The stern of the submarine is out of the water," answered the captain.
+
+The power was shut off, and again turned on. It was now obvious that
+they were dangling in the water with the prow of the boat held fast in
+the entangling nets. As they glanced out the door they could see the
+faces of the seamen moving to and fro with terror depicted on their
+countenances.
+
+"They may well fear the results," said the captain. "But we have a duty
+to perform, and I might as well advise you of several things which we
+should do and observe. We must try to obtain the weapons and ammunition.
+That will be the first duty. Does either of you know where the electric
+switches are?"
+
+"Yes," answered both of the boys in one breath.
+
+"I mean the switch in the hold," said the captain.
+
+"Yes," said Alfred. "The one I mean is close to the dynamo on the
+switchboard, behind the steps leading to the conning tower."
+
+"That is correct," answered the captain. "The control switch for the
+lighting is in the conning tower, however, and I call your attention to
+this, as it may be of service to us in our work."
+
+"I can see, now, that to keep that in our control would be the main
+thing," said Ralph.
+
+"The officer has not yet given any orders to put the boxes in the
+passageways aside, and he will not do so, probably, until they are able
+to ascertain whether or not the ship will free itself; under the
+circumstances, Alfred, I must delegate you to secure a half-dozen of the
+revolvers, or remove them from the box so that we can secrete them
+later," said the captain.
+
+As Ralph crawled from the cabin and moved toward the main gangway, the
+captain added: "If you remember where one of the ammunition boxes is you
+might smuggle it into this room, but proceed very cautiously."
+
+Ralph soon made his way back, carrying with him one of the revolvers.
+"There are a dozen in the box," he said, "and I brought one over to show
+you. You see, it is the kind from which the cylinder can be removed.
+Wouldn't it be a good idea to take the cylinders out of all that we
+can't use?"
+
+"Capital idea," said the captain. "If you can find any wire, put it
+where you can quickly place your hands on it."
+
+"I found a box of ammunition also," continued Ralph, "but I haven't
+tried whether it would fit the revolvers."
+
+An examination revealed the fact that the cartridges were not of the
+same calibre. It was, indeed, a terrible disappointment.
+
+"Here it is," said Alfred, as he slipped into the door of the room.
+
+"Ah, this is a different size; you have the right ones, fortunately,"
+said the captain.
+
+"Now, let me give you a few words as to the next,----"
+
+A pronounced lurch in the vessel's position interrupted the captain. The
+seamen were now rushing around frantically, and talking excitedly.
+
+"Hold your tongues!" shouted the sub-lieutenant.
+
+The vessel was, evidently, moving. Occasionally, there would be a heavy,
+rasping sound, and the rear end of the boat would seem to settle down a
+few feet.
+
+"It's coming all right," said Ralph in excitement.
+
+"Connect forward motor!" again shouted the sub-lieutenant.
+
+The motor turned smoothly without producing a disturbing influence on
+the ship, indicating that the propeller was still in the air.
+
+"I fear that the sub-lieutenant does not know his business any too
+well," remarked the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE NIGHT'S STRUGGLE TO FREE THE VESSEL
+
+
+The boys wondered at the remark which the captain had made, and were
+about to ask him for an explanation, when the electric lights suddenly
+died out, and all were left in total darkness. The captain crawled past
+the boys and felt his way toward the stern of the vessel.
+
+"The storage batteries!" was all he said.
+
+That there was confusion on the part of the crew of the vessel, was
+apparent, for the sub-lieutenant shouted one order after the other,
+until he seemed to be incoherent, and, as a result, no one knew what was
+expected of him or what to do.
+
+Evidently, the captain knew the trouble and how to remedy it, for within
+a minute the lights were again in commission, and the captain was
+noticed at the main switch. From that point he shouted to the
+sub-lieutenant:
+
+"I found a box on the switchboard. It had slipped down and thrown out
+the switch bar at the time the boat made the last lurch."
+
+"Thank you for the service," said the sub-lieutenant, to the surprise of
+the captain and boys.
+
+As the captain returned to their room he remarked: "The sub-lieutenant
+was very polite; probably he would not be so likely to thank me for some
+other things I have done."
+
+"What! since you left us two minutes ago?" asked Ralph.
+
+The captain nodded. "But I started to say a few minutes ago," he
+continued, "that we ought to have our work planned out ahead and
+thoroughly understand each other. There is one thing I must impress on
+you, and that is, we must not again be locked up in this room. I have no
+faith in the present commander, and would be very much mistaken if he
+permits us to have our freedom after we once get free of the nets."
+
+"What must be done if he again orders us locked up?" asked Alfred.
+
+"That brings us to the point where we must make a canvass of the
+situation as it confronts us. Let me see; there are three men in
+addition to the commander, who need not be reckoned with in a contest.
+Fortunately, one of the men is a machinist, and the only other man
+except the sub-lieutenant, of any intelligence, is the doctor. I doubt
+if he would be a strong factor against us," said the captain.
+
+"The fellow who had charge of the men carrying the boxes is nothing but
+a chump," said Ralph. "I wouldn't be afraid of him."
+
+"I am considering more the character of the men who are able to handle
+the boat, and who know the intricacies of the mechanism. I can see where
+men of that sort will be able to make it very interesting for us if we
+should attempt to capture the officers and crew," said the captain
+thoughtfully.
+
+It was evident that the vessel was slowly righting itself, for every
+minute or two there would be a slight sinking movement, which was very
+gratifying.
+
+"Where are the revolvers?" asked the captain.
+
+"I found a dandy place for them, and can get them in a minute, if
+wanted," said Ralph.
+
+"Captain, I wanted to ask you some time ago what you meant by saying
+that the sub-lieutenant didn't know any more about submarining than he
+ought to. What did you mean by that?" asked Alfred.
+
+"One of the things I had in mind was, when he was trying to start the
+propellers, that he could have found an easier way to learn whether they
+were in the water or not," was the answer.
+
+"How so?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The indicator board in the conning tower shows just how far the vessel
+is under water," replied the captain.
+
+"But," said Alfred, "would that tell it correctly if one end of the
+vessel should be up and the other down, as this is?"
+
+"Why not? It would indicate how far down in the water the hull would be
+amidship, and it would not require much involved calculating to figure
+out where the stern of the vessel would be if he knew the angle at which
+the hull was resting," answered the captain.
+
+"I would just like to know how far we are down," said Ralph, looking up
+the stairway into the conning tower.
+
+"Do you think you could spot the right dial face if you went up?" asked
+the captain.
+
+"I think I could," said Ralph, rather doubtingly, it must be admitted.
+
+"Then I'll give you a little hint, if you'd like to try to make an
+investigation," said the captain. "Directly forward of the table, which
+contains the chart, and below the three levers, you will see a glass
+column with red colored liquid in it,----"
+
+"I know what you mean now," said Ralph, interrupting.
+
+"Well, simply get the number on the card on the right side of the glass
+column. Do you understand?" remarked the captain.
+
+"Yes; but why not take the numbers on the left side also?" asked Ralph.
+
+"They merely indicate the pressure. Depth below the surface is all we
+want," rejoined the captain.
+
+"Well, here goes; and I hope they won't catch me at it," said Ralph, as
+he slowly moved out.
+
+"One moment," said the captain, as he put forth a restraining hand.
+"What will you do, or how will you act if some one should catch you in
+the tower?" he asked.
+
+Ralph hesitated: "I hadn't thought of that; why,--well,--I suppose I
+should try to explain it in some way or other," he said.
+
+"I am afraid that would not do. Allow me to make a suggestion. Go up
+boldly, as though you had a perfect right to, or that you did not
+suspect it was a forbidden place; if some one accosts you look at him in
+a surprised way, make an apology, and retire; I give you this pointer
+because you may be flustrated and unable to make a prompt reply, and
+that would show guilt of some kind," said the captain.
+
+Ralph went out and loitered about, gazing at the various pieces of
+machinery, and finally stood on the steps of the conning tower, which,
+at the angle of the boat in its inclined position, were almost
+horizontal. He stretched himself out on the stairs, and turned his head.
+From that point he could see the red liquid in the glass column, but it
+was difficult to read the figures.
+
+The glare from the electric light interfered with his sight, and before
+he had an opportunity to get a glimpse of the figures from his new
+position, one of the petty officers crawled along the passageway, and,
+noticing him lying on the stairs, peremptorily ordered him to get down.
+
+Ralph glanced at the man, smiled at him, and promptly complied,
+chagrined at his failure. As he entered the little room the captain
+eagerly questioned him: "What did it say?" he asked.
+
+"That fellow ordered me away before I could make out the figures," said
+Ralph, "but I'm going to try it again."
+
+"How near was the liquid from the top of the glass tube?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"Well, I should say about so far," replied Ralph, indicating space
+between his thumb and finger. "I guess it was about an inch."
+
+"How long do you think the tube is?" asked the captain.
+
+"I think it must be a foot long; probably more," was the answer.
+
+"I asked you to give me an estimate of the length of the entire tube so
+as to give me some assurance that you knew the value of an inch. You
+were right; those tubes are twelve inches long. Now let me see; I ought
+to know what figures are an inch from the top!" remarked the captain
+thoughtfully.
+
+"Pardon me, Captain, but how does it come that you know all about these
+boats?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I used to be an officer on a French submarine," he replied in a quiet
+tone, and immediately proceeded to make certain mental calculations.
+Then he continued: "One inch below the top! That is twenty."
+
+"Twenty what?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Twenty feet; the Germans have the English foot on all their boats. I
+wonder they didn't think about that, and make a change before starting
+out."
+
+"Maybe it's twenty meters," said Alfred, with a slight laugh.
+
+"Oh, no," replied the captain. "That would be too Frenchy for the
+Germans. Besides, it would be too much by all odds. I am sure the
+conning tower is not more than twenty feet below the surface of the
+water."
+
+"Then the stern of the submarine must be sticking out of the water,"
+remarked Alfred.
+
+"Unquestionably," replied the captain.
+
+"How far, do you suppose?" asked Ralph.
+
+"We can easily figure that out," said the captain. "Let me see; we must
+first get the angle at which the boat is lying."
+
+[Illustration: _The Entangled Submarine_]
+
+After looking about for some time he continued: "The door jamb is built
+in vertically; that is sure. A string, or piece of thread will make a
+plumb-bob; here it is: now let us see; according to the plumb line the
+boat is at an angle of 33 degrees, as nearly as our imperfect device
+indicates. There, now this line A shows the top of the boat and B the
+base of the conning tower. A line C, from the top of the water to the
+center of the conning tower, measuring 20 feet, shows where the water
+line is. Do you understand how I am doing it?"
+
+"That is very plain," said Alfred, "and it is an interesting way to get
+at it, too. Then how far is the tail of the boat out of the water?"
+
+"I should say it is about nine feet," replied the captain.
+
+"No wonder the propellers didn't do any good when they sent them
+spinning!"
+
+"There is one thing I forgot about," said the captain, as he shook his
+head. "Why didn't I tell you to note the time. We are in the greatest
+danger, I fear."
+
+"Why, what makes you think so?" asked Ralph.
+
+"This accident happened during the night, and we have now been in this
+condition for at least four hours. If we are caught here at daylight it
+is all up with us," remarked the captain.
+
+"Why, is it any more dangerous then than now?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Because the patrol boats and submarine chasers will spy us, and then a
+shot, and all will be over," replied the captain with a solemn voice.
+
+"Then I think we ought to do something right away," said Ralph, as he
+half rose and glanced out.
+
+"I am afraid that will put the burden of getting out of the nets on our
+shoulders," replied the captain. "No, let them work at it, as long as
+they care to, but we must try by some means to determine the time."
+
+"Do you think the seamen would object to telling us?" inquired Alfred.
+"Just let me alone; I am going to try it on, anyway," he said, as he
+slipped out of the door, picked up a box and stowed it away snugly at
+one side out of the way of a young fellow who was making his way up the
+incline toward the stern.
+
+Alfred struck up a conversation, and asked: "Can I help you in any way?
+Tell me what to do."
+
+The request seemed to warm up the fellow, and the information was given
+that the officer had instructed him to remove the stray boxes from the
+machinery. The two engaged in this work for more than fifteen minutes.
+Finally Alfred said: "How are you, pretty tired? You haven't had much
+sleep so far?"
+
+"Oh, no; but we're used to that," he replied, "why, in the last run we
+had hardly an hour's sleep in the last four days before reaching port."
+
+"That must be very trying," rejoined Alfred. "But it must be near
+daylight."
+
+"It is just about an hour off; and when the day comes I don't know what
+will happen," remarked the seaman.
+
+"Why, what are you afraid of?" asked Alfred, appearing to be greatly
+alarmed.
+
+"They have caught us this time for good, as I heard the lieutenant,----"
+
+The sentence was never finished, for at that moment there was another
+rasping sound, and the stern of the boat came down with a sudden spring,
+then rebounded, and after two or three oscillations, rested quietly in
+the water, still at quite an angle.
+
+The sub-lieutenant sprang toward the conning tower as fast as he could
+scramble. The signal was given to reverse, the motors began to hum and
+the ship vibrated. It was a glorious feeling, and the captain grasped
+the hands of the boys in an ecstacy of joy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE CAPTURE OF THE SUBMERGED VESSEL
+
+
+"Why does it still keep at this angle?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Have you forgotten the stuff we carried back into the stern?" replied
+Alfred.
+
+"Do you think that really is the trouble?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes; it is out of balance, and I suppose we may look out for another
+job," said the captain. "That may be the opportunity we are seeking.
+Furthermore, what is to be done must be done just as soon as possible."
+
+"What makes you think so?" eagerly inquired Alfred.
+
+"Several things. The first is, that we are now in the English Channel
+under the guidance of a man much less skilful than the lieutenant; and,
+secondly, the lieutenant, although badly wounded, may recover
+sufficiently to be able to direct affairs," replied the captain.
+
+"When I was out there talking with the seaman," said Alfred, "I learned
+that the lieutenant was in a very low state."
+
+"I should judge so, too," rejoined the captain, "for the reason that the
+doctor has not left the room once since the lieutenant was taken there.
+In making a calculation of the forces against us I have considered that
+the lieutenant, the cook and the doctor are disposed of, so far as being
+of any aid to the crew. Three others are also so badly injured that they
+do not need to cause us much worry. I am not certain in my mind,
+however, where they are at this time."
+
+"Do you mean the men who were injured?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Two of them are in the bunks behind the compressed air tanks," answered
+Ralph.
+
+"Are you quite sure of that?" queried the captain.
+
+"I know it," was the answer.
+
+"Well, that makes six accounted for, so that there are twenty-one we
+must meet. Now I shall give a few general instructions before we
+proceed. The sub-lieutenant has gone into the conning tower. As he
+entered I tried to get a glimpse to ascertain whether or not the sun had
+risen, but was unable to decide, but I should judge that it is not yet
+daylight or he would not be running on the surface. As a precautionary
+measure we must have the weapons ready, and have the revolvers put away
+so as not to expose them before we are ready."
+
+"Here they are," said Ralph, who cautiously brought them to the room.
+
+"Shall we load them?" asked Alfred.
+
+"By all means; and let me warn you of one thing: when you aim be sure to
+hit. There must be no pretense about it. The matter is too serious for
+anything but strict business. I hope we shall not have the opportunity
+or necessity for using the revolvers. Now pay attention to the details:
+the sub-lieutenant must be the first one captured, and he must be taken
+into the conning tower. I suggest that you, Ralph, take your place
+beneath the stairway, hiding, as much as possible, behind the amidship
+tank, while you, Alfred, remain at the door of our room here."
+
+"Shall I stay here so I can be seen or keep out of sight?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Remain under cover inside the room, but in sight of the stairway. You
+have probably noticed that the under officer makes frequent trips to the
+conning tower, and that on returning each time he turns a short lever
+below the hinge," said the captain.
+
+"I have noticed that several times and wondered what it was for," said
+Ralph.
+
+"That is for the purpose of holding the hatch door so that it can be
+opened by him when he again ascends the stairway. Now, when the under
+officer opens the hatch and comes down the hatch stairs, will be the
+time for you to come out of the room and take up your position at the
+forward corner of the room; that will completely hide you from the eyes
+of the officer. I shall then go into the room, the moment he reaches the
+last step, and thus he will not suspect me. The moment he reaches the
+passageway opposite the door, I will hold him up with my revolver, and
+compel him to enter the room. The moment that is done you will push the
+door shut, as you will see that it has a spring lock. Do you fully
+understand the instructions so far?" asked the captain.
+
+"I think so," answered Alfred, "although I don't exactly understand why
+I am to go into the room first, and then come out the moment the hatch
+is being opened."
+
+"For the reason that we must not be suspected by the others, some of
+whom are at all times not far away, and if, while we are waiting, some
+of the crew should pass the end of our room they would be sure to see
+you and consider that a peculiar place for you to be in. Do you
+understand it now?" replied the captain.
+
+"Then, after that what will take place?" asked Ralph, his breath coming
+thick and fast.
+
+"I shall go up the stairway, followed by Alfred. While this is going on
+it will be your duty, Ralph, to watch the workers at the dynamo and the
+aft tank. They are the only ones who will be able to see the stairway
+clearly. If you see any look of alarm on their faces, or see that they
+notice what is going on, move around into the opening, and level both
+revolvers at them, without, however, making any sound. Hold them in that
+position until I raise the trap-door and warn the sub-lieutenant. Alfred
+will follow close and hold the trap-door from being sprung. Then move up
+the companionway as fast as you can. There, he is going up now. Take
+your place, Ralph."
+
+The crucial time had come. Alfred retreated into the little room as the
+captain leisurely moved along the narrow passageway toward the dynamos.
+Thus they waited and waited, five, ten minutes. Ages seemed to pass.
+Then the hatch door opened slowly. Alfred came out quietly without
+looking around, moved forward, and then walked back and slid into the
+corner of the room.
+
+The petty officer closed the hatch and moved down the steps, brushing
+past the captain. As he did so the captain entered the door and
+immediately turned with the revolver pointing at the officer's breast.
+
+"Not a sound, or I fire," said the captain in a voice which could not be
+heard a dozen feet away. The captain stepped aside, and pointed to the
+open doorway, at the same time indicating by motions that the German
+should enter it. The officer gritted his teeth and finally obeyed. As
+the captain stood there with the revolver at his side, but pointed at
+the man, Alfred slowly closed the door.
+
+The captain now turned and moved up the stairway. With his revolver
+drawn he pushed open the trap-door quietly, and, in a quiet voice, said:
+"Hands up!"
+
+The sub-lieutenant turned quickly, to look into the muzzle of the
+revolver. His hands reached out to seize a lever.
+
+"_Stop!_" said the captain, and the officer quickly raised his hands.
+
+Alfred was now in the tower, and Ralph, walking up backwards, had his
+head through the hatch opening, when a shot was fired. He dropped one of
+his revolvers, and Alfred quickly seized him by the shoulders and drew
+him up. The hatch cover came down with a bang.
+
+"Are you hurt?" asked Alfred, as Ralph dropped down, but he was
+reassured as the latter arose. For the moment the captain's gaze was
+averted, when, quick as thought, the officer's hand touched a lever.
+
+The captain smiled, as he said: "I am afraid the valve of the submerging
+tank will not work; I prefer running on the surface. But, in the
+meantime, as I am commander of this vessel, and I notice that you are
+trying to interfere, I shall have to restrict your movements somewhat."
+
+Saying this he drew a small cord from his pocket and instructed Alfred
+to bind the arms at the wrists. The hands of the officer were then
+carried around to the back and the cord fastened to a stanchion at one
+side, where he was out of reach of the instrument board.
+
+This gave the captain an opportunity to examine Ralph's wound. The
+latter had quickly rallied. It was the shot, coupled with the extreme
+tension, which caused him momentarily to collapse, for it was found that
+the wound had passed through the fleshy part of the arm above the elbow.
+
+"I suppose you want the destroyers to sink us," said the officer.
+
+"Not at all," replied the captain. "Unscrew the bolts of the door,
+Alfred. And now a word more, Mr. Officer. Where are your flags?"
+
+"I refuse to inform you," said the officer, with a look of determination
+in his face.
+
+"I expect a shot every minute," said the captain, "for I know as well as
+you do that there is a cruiser on our port side. I shall give you
+another opportunity; where are the flags?"
+
+"You must open the hatch for them," said the officer.
+
+"All the bolts are out," said Alfred, turning to the captain.
+
+"Guard the officer while I go out and signal," said the captain.
+
+Before the captain reached the door there was an ominous boom in the
+distance. Alfred could see the officer's face grow pale. A shower of sea
+water sprayed over the deck, and some of the water entered the open
+door. Looking out he saw the captain, who had thrown off his coat and
+vest, and was now drawing off his white shirt, which he held up and
+waved to and fro, just as the second shot boomed.
+
+Fortunately, the shot was too far away to be at all dangerous, as Alfred
+thought, but the voice of the captain explained it.
+
+"Signal to stop!"
+
+"Which lever?" inquired Alfred.
+
+The latter hesitated. He glanced out the door and then at the boy. To
+refuse meant that the ship was doomed and his companions below without
+hope of rescue.
+
+The captain, with the white signal in his hand, stepped to the door, and
+with the revolver pointing full into the face of the officer, said:
+"Stop the ship or you will never have an opportunity to save yourselves
+or your companions."
+
+"Pull the second lever," he said, and Alfred did as directed.
+
+"Reverse!" demanded the captain.
+
+"The lever below," said the officer.
+
+A mile away was a small, speedy craft, sailing around the submarine. It
+seemed fairly to skim over the surface of the water, and cast the spray
+astern like a mist. It had come up unnoticed by the captain.
+
+"Look at the little boat," shouted Ralph, who had now recovered and had
+moved to the open door.
+
+The captain turned quickly toward the stern, waving the white flag in a
+frenzy. It must have been regarded as a remarkable thing to those on
+board the little cutter to see a German submarine hoisting a surrender
+flag. It seemed too good to be true. They evidently supposed the white
+flag was a ruse of some kind, for they did not venture nearer.
+
+Meanwhile, the cruiser, which had fired the two shots, came up behind
+the little craft, and the latter cautiously steamed up. The small vessel
+was one of the speedy torpedo boat chasers, carrying two three-inch
+guns, and drawing less than six feet of water. The safety of these boats
+lies in their great speed and in the shallow draft, which prevents the
+submarine from reaching them with their torpedoes.
+
+Once abreast the commander called out: "I am sending a boat for your
+officers."
+
+"I have only one here, that we can get at, at present," shouted the
+captain.
+
+"What is that?" asked the commander of the chaser.
+
+"I have one of the chief officers in the conning tower, and the others
+are below," said the captain.
+
+"Who are you?" asked the commander.
+
+"Captain Leclere, of the French service," replied the captain.
+
+"Captain Leclere!" almost shouted the German officer in the conning
+tower.
+
+"That's the man," said Alfred.
+
+"Then I am not surprised," said the officer in a low voice.
+
+"Surprised?" said Ralph. "Did you say 'surprised?'"
+
+The officer sighed, turned his head away, and was silent.
+
+A lieutenant and four seamen reached the side of the submarine, and were
+drawn aboard.
+
+"Ah! it was your ship that went down in the bay last Wednesday," said
+the chaser's lieutenant.
+
+"Yes; we were picked up by the submarine, together with my two young
+friends here," said the captain.
+
+"And how does it happen that you are in command of this vessel?" he
+asked in surprise.
+
+"We captured it about a half an hour ago, and have the chief officer and
+the crew below," replied the captain.
+
+"That is certainly a remarkable exploit," replied the lieutenant. "I
+suppose you will be glad to meet the commander of _l'Orient_?" said the
+lieutenant.
+
+"Ah! Captain Tournai, you mean! I recognized the French colors. But I
+supposed he was in the Mediterranean; it will be quite a pleasure,
+indeed. Do me the honor to signal him," said the captain.
+
+The lieutenant gave the necessary instructions, and the flags wig-wagged
+from the bridge of the little vessel.
+
+The sub-lieutenant was called out of the conning tower, and Alfred
+directed to unloosen the cords.
+
+"I suppose you will take charge of the prisoners," said the captain.
+
+"I should be glad to do so, with your permission, although you have a
+right, of course, to turn them over to _l'Orient_," said the lieutenant.
+
+"No; it is sufficient gratification to know that we have the vessel,"
+said the captain, "and I shall be glad to leave to you the disposition
+of the men and the vessel."
+
+"What procedure would you suggest?" asked the lieutenant.
+
+"I shall give an order to the sub-lieutenant directing the men to come
+out of the hold," said the captain. Then, turning to the sub-lieutenant,
+he said:
+
+"You will inform the men below that they are to present themselves at
+the hatch."
+
+The officer bowed, and entered the conning tower He immediately
+descended. Before he had, reached the bottom the captain said:
+
+"Halt! Notify them from where you are. I shall not permit you to go any
+farther."
+
+All the men were found to be stationed near the hatchway steps. One by
+one they appeared, and were escorted out, a dozen marines in the
+meantime having appeared in two boats. As they emerged from the door
+they were escorted to the side and directed to take their places in the
+ship's boats.
+
+"That makes twenty-one," said Alfred.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE SECRET KEY TO THE BOMB FUSE
+
+
+"Shall I go down and assist in bringing up the lieutenant?" said the
+sub-lieutenant, as the doctor of the submarine passed out.
+
+"No; I have decided that he shall not be removed until this evening,"
+said the captain. "In the meantime the doctor may return, and give him
+such aid as is necessary."
+
+The sub-lieutenant's face turned pale, and he trembled. This was the
+first show of weakness that he exhibited. The boys looked at the
+captain, and turned their glances toward the officer of the chaser. They
+could not understand it. The captain continued:
+
+"I believe the chief machinist is also injured, as well as two of the
+machine tenders. They may also remain until after the lieutenant is
+brought up."
+
+All present noticed the wrought-up condition of the sub-lieutenant, and
+the latter soon exhibited evidence that he was breaking down. At last he
+remarked with trembling voice:
+
+"At what time can they be brought up?"
+
+"I cannot tell at this time; possibly not until tomorrow," said the
+captain, directing a searching glance at the officer.
+
+"He is very ill," said the doctor.
+
+"I have no doubt of it," replied the captain. "The length of their stay
+in the submarine will depend on the length of the fuse attached to the
+time explosive in the hold."
+
+The sub-lieutenant almost dropped as the captain uttered these words,
+and the boys exchanged significant glances, while the lieutenant of the
+chaser smiled.
+
+"You did not think," continued the captain, "that I would be so lax in
+my duty as to permit you to plant a mine under our feet?"
+
+The sub-lieutenant dropped his eyes without answering. The captain gazed
+at him intently, as he continued: "For the present you will be detained,
+and the time of the removal of the lieutenant with his companions will
+be decided within the next two hours."
+
+With this decision the sub-lieutenant was put in charge of the marines,
+while he descended to enter the boat. As he was about to step aboard, he
+turned to the captain and said: "It will be too late if you defer the
+decision for two hours."
+
+"Ah!" said the captain with a faint smile, "you have thought better of
+it. Will the fuse last an hour?"
+
+The sub-lieutenant nodded. The captain waved his arms and directed the
+officer to proceed. The latter unceremoniously pushed the sub-lieutenant
+into the boat.
+
+"I will see to it that the fuses are taken out," said the
+sub-lieutenant, recovering from his sullen attitude.
+
+The captain paid no attention to the remarks of the officer. As soon as
+the sub-lieutenant was well out of hearing, the captain turned to the
+boys and said: "It may be a difficult and trying duty to you to perform,
+but it is the only safe thing to do. As you know almost every part of
+the submarine from the investigation you have made, I would ask you to
+follow me, and I will tell you what to do."
+
+The boys nodded their heads, and entered the conning tower with the
+captain. The latter turned, before descending, and said:
+
+"You will have observed, no doubt, that the scheme was to turn over the
+submarine to us as soon as possible, leaving a time fuse, which, within
+a specified time, would have blown the ship to atoms. By so doing they
+would accomplish two purposes, namely, destroy the ship, and save their
+own lives. We must not put confidence in any statement they may make."
+
+"But wouldn't it be a good idea to let the sub-lieutenant remove the
+fuses, as he said he would do?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Would you be willing to rely on that?"
+
+"Well, I wouldn't," replied Alfred. "I could tell by the way the
+sub-lieutenant acted that he would play a trick if he could."
+
+"That is just why I want you to assist me in check-mating," said the
+captain.
+
+"Tell us just what to do, and you may depend on us," replied Ralph.
+
+"As you know many of the dark places below I want you to go down with me
+and find several where you can secrete yourselves. I will then send the
+sub-lieutenant down, and order him to remove the fuses. I want you to be
+particular to observe every step he takes, and, as far as possible, note
+what he does at each place; do you understand?" said the captain.
+
+"Perfectly," replied Ralph.
+
+Together they descended. All were well aware that the lieutenant, the
+doctor, and the three wounded men were still in the dining galley, the
+door of which had been closed and locked by orders of the captain, after
+the last of the submarine crew reached the upper deck.
+
+"I know one good place where a fellow can hide and still see what is
+going on," said Alfred.
+
+"Where is that?" asked the captain.
+
+"At that tank by the side of the dining galley," replied Alfred.
+
+"That would be a good vantage point," answered the captain. "It is the
+aft trimming tank, and if you can find a place of concealment it would,
+at the same time, enable you to overhear any conversation that might
+possibly take place, when the sub-lieutenant is performing his unwelcome
+duty."
+
+"Then maybe I ought to get somewhere forward of the main hatch?"
+proposed Ralph.
+
+"I suppose you have your revolvers with you?" said the captain.
+
+"I know mine is all right," replied Ralph.
+
+"So is mine, I think," said Alfred, "although I haven't had an
+opportunity to try it so far."
+
+"I hope there will be no necessity for anything of that kind," said the
+captain. "However, we are dealing with men who are desperate, and who
+have been taught that they must do desperate things to accomplish their
+purposes, hence the safe rule, in all cases, in dealing with them, is to
+do the very opposite of that which they wish you to do."
+
+"Is that the reason why you refused to let him remove the fuse?" asked
+Alfred.
+
+The captain laughed quietly, as he replied: "He thinks I have refused to
+let him do so, but he will be surprised to get the order to remove the
+fuses, and be permitted to go down into the vessel unaccompanied."
+
+"Then he is to come down here without you?" said Ralph in surprise.
+
+"Why, certainly; and that is why I want some one here to watch
+proceedings," said the captain.
+
+"Oh! I understand now," replied Alfred. "That's a good idea. If anything
+happens we'll find out what it is if any one can."
+
+"I believe it," answered the captain. "And now select your places. I
+will go up and send him down within the next fifteen minutes."
+
+Alfred took up his station at one side of the aft trimming tank, and
+Ralph, after some investigation, upturned one of the boxes which was
+still lying in the passageway directly to one side of the steps leading
+to the conning tower, and after a little search, found two more, which
+were drawn together, thus forming a retreat which enabled him to observe
+the movements of any one on three sides.
+
+All this was done in silence, and all preparation having been made, the
+captain ascended. After reaching the deck-house of the chaser, he
+requested the sub-lieutenant's presence. As he approached, between the
+two guards, the captain said: "I have concluded that you may go down and
+remove the fuses, and I shall depend on your honor to do it
+effectually."
+
+The sub-lieutenant bowed stiffly, and was led to the boat, followed by
+the captain. As they reached the conning tower, the captain continued:
+"I will remain here. I shall give you ten minutes' time to do the work."
+
+The sub-lieutenant descended, and was somewhat surprised to find himself
+alone in the interior. The electric lights were burning brightly. Ralph
+was the first to view his movements. The officer first moved to a point
+directly opposite, and with a key opened a door, which Ralph had never
+theretofore noticed. In a moment the door was again closed and Ralph saw
+a short section of a fuse, which the officer quickly pushed into a dark
+recess below.
+
+From that point he moved toward the stern, stopping at the motors; then
+he quickly turned around and glanced about in a suspicious manner. As he
+stooped down, Ralph made a slight noise on one of the boxes, and the
+officer straightened up like a shot. The movement indicated a guilty
+act, and Ralph divined that the purpose was to injure the motors.
+
+The sub-lieutenant moved cautiously to the rear, and in a few moments
+was abreast of the dining galley. Here he was within hearing of Alfred
+behind the aft trimming tanks. He saw the officer go to the door, and
+give three quick knocks. "Herr Schwoger!" he said in a subdued voice. In
+another moment a voice within replied: "The fuses; you must not forget
+them."
+
+To this the sub-lieutenant answered: "I have been ordered to remove
+them; what shall I do?"
+
+"Take out all but the forward fuse, and report," said the voice. "Tell
+us what has happened," continued the voice, which was now recognized as
+the doctor's.
+
+"They have complete command, and two warships are outside," was the
+reply.
+
+From this point the officer crossed over to the starboard side of the
+vessel and at a large stand-pipe stooped down. Alfred tried to ascertain
+what he was doing, but was unable to detect the nature of his work. The
+sub-lieutenant then crossed back to the other side, and, working his way
+quickly to the motors, stooped down. Ralph could no longer restrain
+himself. He quickly and quietly moved toward the officer, as he saw him
+with a long tool of some kind in his hand reach down to the base of the
+motor.
+
+"Hands up!" shouted Ralph.
+
+The tool dropped from the hands of the officer with a click.
+
+Alfred was at the side of the sub-lieutenant in an instant. "You may go
+on deck," said Ralph.
+
+The officer glanced at Alfred, whom he had seen emerge from the aft
+hiding place, and then turned a look of contempt on Ralph.
+
+"Move!" said Ralph, pointing to the gangway.
+
+Alfred cocked his revolver and menacingly pointed it at him.
+
+There was only one thing to do and he did it. He was met by the captain
+at the head of the stairway.
+
+The boys followed quickly. The captain looked on at the leveled
+revolvers and appeared to be surprised.
+
+"What does all this mean?" he asked.
+
+"It means that he tried to destroy the motors, and we caught him at it
+in time," said Ralph.
+
+"That is not so," replied the officer.
+
+"What is this for?" asked Alfred, as he held up the tool which the
+officer had dropped.
+
+"But you have removed all the fuses, of course?" said the captain,
+apparently not heeding the tool referred to.
+
+"I have," said the officer, straightening up.
+
+"All but the one at the forward part of the vessel," replied Alfred.
+
+The officer turned, with a look of surprise and chagrin on his face. "He
+does not know what he is talking about," said the officer.
+
+"Then you are lying to me as you are to the captain," said Alfred. "You
+told the doctor in the galley that you had removed all but the forward
+one. Did you lie to him?" asked Alfred.
+
+A blush seemed to suffuse the officer's face, as the captain said:
+
+"We will go down together. There may be some more work to do; come on,"
+said the captain, as he indicated the way. "You may go first, Ralph, the
+sub-lieutenant will follow."
+
+There was no help for it. Once below the captain said: "You will save
+yourself considerable trouble by removing the fuse from the forward
+bomb, and that without further waste of words."
+
+The officer knew that the manner in which the words were uttered meant
+business. Without waiting for the second warning, he led the way, opened
+another secret door, and removed the tell-tale fuse.
+
+"Ah, ha! cut for two hours! Now, while we are about it you might as well
+start the motor; we have some use for it," said the captain.
+
+"I cannot do that," replied the officer.
+
+"So you succeeded in injuring it," said the captain.
+
+"No," was the reply.
+
+The captain picked up the tool, which Alfred was so particular to carry
+along. "And what was this used for?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; I have disarranged the motor fields so that they are useless; and
+I don't deny it," said the officer, straightening up and looking at the
+captain defiantly.
+
+"There; that is something like it; but you haven't deceived me in the
+least. I have brought a very useful article with me," continued the
+captain, drawing from his pocket a paper and presenting it to the
+officer. "It contains instructions, which I expect you to follow, for
+your own safety. I shall see to it that the fuses you removed are again
+put into place and the mechanism set for one hour. Of course, I shall
+hold the keys. Under those conditions you may remain locked below, and I
+shall expect you to obey my signals, as we intend to navigate the vessel
+to port, which will, as you know, occupy about fifty minutes of time. Do
+you know where the fuse boxes are?" said the captain, turning to the
+boys.
+
+Ralph marched to the side wall and pointed to the place where the
+sub-lieutenant opened the first box.
+
+"Open it!" ordered the captain, turning to the sub-lieutenant.
+
+The latter hesitated. The captain stared at him sternly and repeated the
+order. As he made no motion, the captain continued: "Why do you
+hesitate?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+OPERATING THE SUBMARINE WITH A CAPTIVE CREW
+
+
+The officer now saw that he was dealing with a man who understood the
+motives of those aboard the submarine, and it was also evident that the
+sympathy of the boys was turned from the young man. The latter had
+played his part to the ultimate.
+
+"You have now done all and more than is required of you," said the
+captain, as he altered his tone of voice. "You have set the automatic
+device, which, in due time, would have sent this vessel to the bottom. I
+understand all these devices, and they will not avail you. I understand,
+as well as you do, that to open that box will cause an explosion; but it
+is necessary to make an example of you." Then, turning to the boys, he
+said: "You may go on deck. As for you, Mr. Officer, I shall detain you
+below a sufficient length of time to be sure that the automatic device
+gets in its work. We really have no use for the submarine."
+
+He turned and started up the stairway, when the sub-lieutenant, with
+trembling voice, said: "I am powerless to prevent the explosion,----"
+
+"Unless," interrupted the captain.
+
+The officer nodded his head. "I supposed so!" continued the captain.
+"The lieutenant in the galley has the key which controls the automatic
+device. You may open the door and get the key, and from this time
+forward, if I find that you deceive me in the slightest degree, or make
+any attempt to injure the vessel, I will make it your grave without a
+moment's hesitation, and without the least compunction."
+
+The sub-lieutenant moved toward the galley, and opened the door. In a
+moment he reappeared with the key and followed the captain to the
+conning tower.
+
+Below the switchboard was a tiny slot. Into this the key neatly fitted,
+and upon giving a turn, a set of switches was exposed.
+
+"These are the control circuits," he said.
+
+"Turn them off and open the boxes below!" ordered the captain. This was
+done.
+
+"Who are the men that operate the trimming tanks?" asked the captain.
+
+"The machinist Scholer and his assistant Bracher," was the reply.
+
+"Lieutenant," said the captain, addressing the commander of the chaser;
+"send those men on board."
+
+When they appeared the captain continued: "You will go below with these
+men, and obey my signals, as we take the vessel to port, and remember,
+that if any part of the machinery is destroyed I will not guarantee to
+deliver you safely on shore."
+
+As they disappeared, the trap-door was closed, and the boys were free,
+for the first time since the eventful morning, five days previous to
+this time, when they stepped aboard the submarine.
+
+They now realized, in a particularly pointed manner, that while the air
+in a submarine seems to be fairly pure, it is filled with the most
+noxious fumes, due to the petroleum and lubricants, as well as to the
+odors due to cooking, all of which cannot be gotten rid of, however
+constantly the air-circulating apparatus of the ship is in operation.
+
+The greatest efforts have been made to automatically discharge these
+odors, but the hundreds of dead corners within a hull of this character
+make it impossible to effect a thorough discharge, and when the
+trap-door finally closes down there is a peculiar feeling, not unlike
+seasickness, which seemed to attack one.
+
+"I understand your feelings," said the captain, as he noticed the pale
+faces of the boys. "It is wonderful how you have been able to keep up,
+and not exhibit symptoms before this. I will have two seamen come over
+to assist me in the conning tower."
+
+"I wish you wouldn't do that," said Alfred, as he placed his hand on his
+temples. "I am sure we will get over this in time."
+
+"No, no; we want to stay with you, if you don't mind," insisted Ralph.
+"I am all right now," and he tried to smile, but it was not a very
+successful effort.
+
+"Then I suppose I shall have to accede; yes, lieutenant, we can take
+care of the boat, but I shall expect you to act as our convoy," replied
+the captain.
+
+The lieutenant directed his men to pull for the chaser, and the captain
+turned to the operating board. "Forward," the word was plain. The signal
+was made by two distinct rings. The propellers turned. The captain, with
+his hands on the wheel, turned to starboard and made a short turn. This
+brought the vessel alongside the chaser. A slight turn to port, then
+forward, and they glided alongside _l'Orient_.
+
+The crew had been lined up on the port side, and the captain at the end
+of the bridge raised his cap in salute as they passed by.
+
+"Where are we going?" asked Ralph, as he saw the prow pointing to the
+south. "Are we going to France?"
+
+"What are those funny things bobbing up there for,--that whole line?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"They are the floats for the torpedo nets," replied the captain. "We are
+now on our way to go through the gates, and thus avoid the nets."
+
+"Is that why we are following the torpedo chaser?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes, and when once inside the lane, we will change our course and reach
+the English base for craft of this kind," said the captain.
+
+The submarine followed the wake of the chaser for fully a half hour,
+when, for some reason, that boat stopped. As they neared it they noticed
+the sailors and marines aboard on the port side, and intently engaged
+in looking forward.
+
+"What's up now, I wonder?" said Alfred, as he opened the door of the
+conning tower and stepped on the deck.
+
+"Look at the floats ahead," said the captain.
+
+On investigation two of them were noticed moving back and forth, and
+occasionally dipping in an unaccountable manner.
+
+"Look at those fellows with the guns on the deck of the chaser," said
+Ralph.
+
+Alfred looked up. He saw the gun crews at their stations, with the
+officers in charge of the guns standing at one side in attitudes of
+expectancy.
+
+"I know," said Alfred. "They have caught one of them."
+
+"Yes; and they are making the same efforts to get away that we were
+engaged in only a few hours ago," said the captain.
+
+The chaser steamed back and forth in a quiet, determined way, the men
+never for a moment relaxing their watch.
+
+"What are they trying to do with that funny-looking, big, fat gun on the
+side near the front end of the deck?" asked Ralph.
+
+"That is a howitzer," answered the captain.
+
+"What in the world do they want a howitzer for?" asked Alfred.
+
+"To use it on the boat if it should get free from the net," replied the
+captain.
+
+"Why don't they use it now?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Because they do not want to destroy the boat unless it is absolutely
+necessary," answered the captain.
+
+"But how will they know whether the boat gets away?" asked Alfred.
+
+"By the condition of the floats," answered the captain. "You will notice
+that the two floats within range of the submarine's action are being
+dragged down. If the floats should be in a normal condition, or float on
+their true water line, which you can readily observe by glasses, it is
+evident that the submarine is free."
+
+"And then that would be the time they would use the howitzers?"
+suggested Alfred.
+
+"But how could they reach the submarine?" asked Ralph. "Do they know
+just where the vessel is now?"
+
+"Yes, they can locate it within a hundred feet; but that would be near
+enough for their purpose," replied the captain.
+
+"Do you mean," asked Alfred, "that they would send the shell from the
+howitzer anywhere near them, and that it would destroy the submarine
+even though it didn't hit it?"
+
+"Yes; the detonating or rupturing effect of the high explosive in the
+shells is such that even though the explosion would take place a hundred
+feet from the hull, it would put it out of commission at once, and, in
+all probability, crush in the sides like an egg shell," said the
+captain.
+
+"Why are they signaling?" asked Ralph, as the wig-wagging began.
+
+"I think that's _l'Orient_ in sight on the port side," replied the
+captain, after gazing in the direction indicated.
+
+"Then the cruiser will take the position of the chaser?" said Alfred.
+
+"Quite likely," answered the captain.
+
+"Look at the smoke; she's coming this way," shouted Ralph.
+
+The captain waved his hand to the lieutenant on the chaser, as he
+shouted: "They have responded to your signals."
+
+As _l'Orient_ approached and took up position, the chaser, with a
+parting salute, turned and started for its former course along the line
+of buoys. The boys looked back and kept their eyes on the moving buoys
+as far as they could see them.
+
+"It will never get away," said the captain.
+
+The chaser described a long curve, and changed its course due east, and,
+following it, they were at the entrance which had been left free. Beyond
+were several other small vessels, two of which dashed up and steamed
+alongside. The crews cheered as the boys emerged from the conning tower
+and waved their caps.
+
+The lieutenant quickly informed the officers aboard the other boats of
+the prize, which had been taken by those aboard of her, and the news
+redoubled their noisy welcome. The tell-tale number on the side of the
+conning tower, U-96, was sufficient to inform the crews of the passing
+vessels that another of the dreaded boats was out of action.
+
+Once within the lane, as the path between the two lines of buoyed nets
+is called, they turned and steamed north. Vessels were passing and
+repassing; transport and hospital ships; immense freight carriers, and
+saucy little tugs drawing barge-like flat-boats; innumerable fast
+launches and large war vessels, going to and fro between the shores of
+England and France.
+
+Within a half-hour they again approached the place where _l'Orient_ was
+watching the struggles of the entangled submarine. The boys thought of
+the trying hours when they, too, were thus imperilled, and could hardly
+refrain from shuddering at the thought of the human beings in the narrow
+prison house below the waves.
+
+Evidently, something exciting was taking place, for the cruiser was
+constantly manoeuvering, and the men at the howitzers were keenly alive.
+Occasionally, there would be a lull in the movement of the buoys and it
+was during those moments that the most intense activity was shown on
+board the guarding vessel.
+
+"I don't understand how it is that the submarine can get fastened to the
+nets," said Ralph to the captain, as they leaned over the rail of their
+vessel.
+
+"The meshes of the nets are very large,--that is, of sufficient
+diameters to permit the ends of the submarines to pass into them,"
+replied the captain.
+
+"But, if that is the case why cannot the submarines back out in the same
+way that they went in?"
+
+"They can, if the mesh is too small to take more than the bow of the
+vessel; but, in the event the mesh is large enough to permit the bow to
+enter, and the net once gets behind the fins of the submarine, that is
+the end of them, for the vessel cannot, in that case, free itself,"
+responded the captain.
+
+"How was it in our case?" asked Ralph. "Do you think the fins of our
+ship got caught?"
+
+"I did not explain it to you at the time, as I did not wish to alarm
+you; but this vessel had one of its fins through the net. Evidently we
+struck the nets at an angle, and the tide helped us in keeping the hull
+against the net at the proper angle. The lieutenant knew this, for he
+adopted the only method known to free the ship under those
+circumstances," said the captain.
+
+"So you think the lieutenant knew that only one fin had caught, and for
+that reason he tried to up-end the ship?" inquired Alfred.
+
+"Yes; but not that alone. I observed one thing that you may have
+overlooked," remarked the Captain. "He was particular to store all the
+boxes which we helped to carry aft, on the starboard side."
+
+"I noticed that," said Ralph hurriedly, "and that wasn't all. Every time
+a box was brought in he would ask: 'Heavy or light,' and I have many
+times wondered why he did so."
+
+"I did notice one thing, though," said Alfred, "and that was, when the
+rear end of the submarine shot upward, and the boxes came tumbling
+down, that the hull seemed to roll around to the left."
+
+"That was our salvation," replied the captain. "I then knew we had a
+chance."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE DEATH BLOW TO THE SUBMARINE
+
+
+Let us try to get some idea of the situation. Ahead of the boat on which
+the boys were watching the scene, and probably not more than eight
+hundred feet distant, was _l'Orient_. Between them was the row of buoys,
+as far as the eye could see, stretching from the shore of England to the
+coast of France. To their right, and not two hundred feet distant was
+the saucy little chaser, which acted as their convoy.
+
+At a point which might be termed midway between the three vessels thus
+described, were the two buoys, which moved with spasmodic jerks, due to
+the action of the imprisoned vessel below. As they looked along the
+bobbing buoys in either direction, small vessels were observed,
+patrolling to and fro, in the tiny mast, or lookout of each, being two
+or more men, with glasses, constantly scrutinizing the floats as the
+ships slowly moved past.
+
+Apparently, at regular intervals, were large ships of war, all of them
+in motion. Sailing vessels and steamers, carrying freight, were coming
+up the channel, convoyed to the open doors in this giant network which
+guarded the channel.
+
+The lieutenant on the chaser backed his vessel toward the submarine and
+hailed the captain:
+
+"Do you wish to remain?" he asked.
+
+"The chances of that fellow seem to be pretty slim. I would like to see
+the finish of the game; but I suppose we ought to get into port as soon
+as possible," answered the captain.
+
+"Then I will give the order to proceed," replied the lieutenant.
+
+The captain nodded, and the boys started for the door.
+
+"One moment!" said the captain. "We may still be able to see an
+interesting sight."
+
+The boys rushed out of the door. Glancing up at the deck of the chaser
+they could see the marines aboard rushing to the side of the vessel. As
+they looked at the buoys it was noticed that they were silent.
+_L'Orient_ was slowly backing away from the obvious location of the
+submerged vessel.
+
+"They are about to throw a shell," observed the captain.
+
+The remark had hardly left his mouth when an explosion was heard and the
+shell could be observed moving upward at a very high angle, and
+descending into the water with a vicious plunge.
+
+No sooner had it struck the sea than it seemed to raise the surface of
+the water like the foaming mass in a boiling pot. The explosion was
+dull, vibrant, ominous.
+
+"They are shooting another one," shouted Alfred, although he tried to
+suppress his voice.
+
+"Boom!" came the sound, as he uttered the words.
+
+The second shot struck the water not fifty feet distant from the first
+one.
+
+"Do you think they will fire another?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Probably not," answered the captain.
+
+"What is that little boat going over there for?" asked Ralph, as one of
+the torpedo boats boldly advanced over the spot where the two shells had
+entered the water.
+
+The captain nodded his head for a few moments before speaking.
+
+"The shots were successful."
+
+"I can see that now," said Ralph. "Look at the oil coming up and
+covering the sea."
+
+It was, indeed, a sad sight to witness, knowing that the shots meant the
+death of thirty or more human beings.
+
+"Well, I am awfully sorry for them, even if they had no sympathy for us,
+and didn't wait to see whether or not we were put into safety before
+they sent our ship down," said Alfred reflectively, as he turned and
+entered the conning tower.
+
+The scene had its fascination for Ralph, although he felt the horror of
+it all as he stood leaning over the railing, gazing at the patrol boats
+which were sailing back and forth in and around the spot where the
+petroleum was fast covering the surface of the water in all directions.
+
+"You can understand now, can't you, why flying machines are such good
+spotters for submarines?" remarked the captain.
+
+"Do you mean the oil that comes on top of the water?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"But does oil arise at all times when a submarine is submerged?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"More or less oil is constantly detaching itself from the body of the
+hull, at the discharge ports, and it can't be helped because all of the
+gas discharge ports are under water at all times, whether the vessel is
+running on or under the water, hence, as it moves along it will leave a
+trail of oil which can be easily detected by a machine in flight above
+the surface of the water," said the captain.
+
+"But doesn't a machine, when it is under the water, leave a ripple that
+is easily seen by a flying machine?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Yes; I was going to refer to that," replied the captain. "An aviator
+has a great advantage over an observer on a vessel, for the reason that
+the slightest movement of the surface of the sea, even though there may
+be pronounced waves, can be noted. If the submarine is moving along near
+the surface, the ripple is very pronounced, and the streak of oil which
+follows is very narrow. Should the submarine stop, the oil it discharges
+accumulates on top of the water at one place, and begins to spread out
+over the surface of the water and this makes it a mark for the watchful
+eye of the airmen of the sea patrols," answered the captain.
+
+"I heard one of the officers at the aviation camp say that a submarine
+could be seen easily through fifty feet of water by an airman," remarked
+Alfred. "Do you think that is so?" he asked.
+
+"I know it is possible," replied the captain.
+
+"But why is it that when you are on a ship it is impossible to see
+through the water that depth?"
+
+"For this reason," answered the captain: "if you are on a ship, and you
+are looking even from the topmast of the vessel, the line of vision from
+the eye strikes the surface of the water at an angle. The result is that
+the surface of the water acts as a reflector, exactly the same as when
+the line of sight strikes a pane of glass."
+
+"Do you mean that the sight is reflected just as it is when you are
+outside of a house and try to look into the window at an angle?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Exactly; that is one explanation. The other is this: sea water is clear
+and transparent. By looking down directly on the water, a dark object,
+unless too far below the surface, will be noted for the reason that it
+makes a change in the coloring from the area surrounding it, and a
+cigar-shaped object at fifty feet below, whether it should be black or
+white, would quickly be detected," explained the captain.
+
+"I remember that Lieutenant Winston, who has flown across the channel
+many times, told me that he could tell when he was nearing land, in a
+fog, by sailing close to the water, even though the land couldn't be
+seen. Do you know how he was able to do that?" asked Ralph.
+
+"That is one of the simplest problems," replied the captain. "The
+shallower the water the lighter the appearance to an observer in an
+airship. As the water grows deeper the color seems to grow greener and
+bluer, the bluest being at the greatest depth."
+
+The chaser was now under way, and described a circle to the right. The
+captain, after saluting the officer on the bridge of _l'Orient_, gave
+the signal "Forward," and slowly the submarine sheered about and
+followed.
+
+The second line of buoys appeared a quarter of a mile to the east of the
+one they had just left. In a half-hour the two vessels passed through
+the gateway and turned to the north.
+
+"We can't be very far from England," remarked Alfred.
+
+"I judge we are fifteen miles from Dover," replied the captain.
+
+"Do you intend to go to Dover?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No; there are no stations there that can receive crafts of this kind. I
+do not know to what point they may take us; possibly to the mouth of the
+Thames, and from there to some point where the vessel will be interned,"
+answered the captain.
+
+"How deep is the channel here?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Probably not to exceed 120 feet," was the reply.
+
+"Not more than that in the middle of the Channel,--half way between
+England and France?" asked Alfred in surprise.
+
+"No; the Channel is very shallow," answered the captain.
+
+"No wonder then," said Alfred, "that the submarines are having such a
+hard time getting through, even though they don't have the nets!"
+
+Having passed the cordon of nets the chaser turned and slowly steamed
+past the submarine. The lieutenant stepped to the side of the bridge and
+said:
+
+"I suppose, Captain, you can now make the pier-head at Ramsgate, where
+you will get a ship to convoy you to the harbor. Good luck to you!
+Adieu!"
+
+The boys waved their caps in salute, as the chaser began to move, and
+the crew lined up to give the final goodbye.
+
+The captain smiled and replied: "I think I have ample assistance on
+board; give my regards to the admiral."
+
+"How far is it to Ramsgate?" asked Ralph.
+
+"It cannot be more than twenty-five miles, and at the rate we are now
+going we should reach the head at five this evening. That will be the
+end of our troubles, as the naval officials will take care of this
+vessel from that point," said the captain.
+
+"Well, I shall be glad of it," replied Alfred.
+
+It was a glorious day, the sun was shining brightly, and the air,
+although somewhat cool, was not at all disagreeable. The boys insisted
+on taking their turns at the wheel, the course being given by the
+captain as west by north. Everything was moving along in fine shape, and
+Alfred was at the wheel, while Ralph was peering through the periscope,
+for this interested them from the moment they boarded the ship.
+
+"Where is that steamer bound?" asked Ralph, who noticed a large
+two-funnel steamer crossing the field of the periscope.
+
+"It belongs to the Australian line," replied the captain.
+
+"Aren't we in the barred zone?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I was about to remark a moment ago that it does not seem as though the
+German edict of a restricted zone makes much difference in the sailing
+of vessels," replied the captain.
+
+While speaking, the submarine seemed to slow down, and the captain
+turned toward the conning tower. "I wonder what is up now?" he asked.
+
+Alfred's head appeared at the door and shouted: "They don't seem to
+answer my signals."
+
+The captain entered the tower, and pulled the lever, _Attention!_ There
+was no response to the signal below the word. He again rang, with the
+same result.
+
+[Illustration: _The Periscope_]
+
+"I will open the hatch," said the captain.
+
+It was quickly swung open. The sub-lieutenant appeared at the hatch with
+haggard face and staring eyes. "The captain has gone mad!" he shouted.
+
+"I will go down if you want me to; I am not afraid," said Ralph.
+
+The captain looked at him for a moment, and glanced down into the
+hatchway. "Why do you not obey my signals?" he asked.
+
+The sub-lieutenant stared at the captain, but did not make a reply.
+"Answer my question!" shouted the captain.
+
+The officer raised his face, threw up his hands, and fell back across
+the low railing, which served as a guard at the foot of the stairs.
+
+"You may go down, and ascertain what is the matter, but use caution,"
+said the captain.
+
+Ralph stepped into the open hatch, and, as he did so, the captain laid
+his hand on his shoulder, and said: "Take out your revolver; do not
+trust those men for a moment, under any consideration; we know them too
+well."
+
+Ralph quickly drew the weapon and held it in his hand, then cautiously
+descended. He passed the inert form of the officer on the rail, and not
+until he reached the last step did he see the doctor and the chief
+machinist by the side of the dynamo.
+
+The doctor held a revolver, which he pointed straight at Ralph. "Drop
+that revolver!" shouted the doctor. "The lieutenant is dead, and the
+time fuse will soon send this ship to the bottom."
+
+The moment he saw the revolver and heard the voice, Ralph dropped behind
+the stanchions to which the stairway was attached. The doctor's revolver
+was fired. Instantly the captain divined the cause. Without waiting for
+a warning cry from Ralph, he leaped into the open hatch, and saw the two
+men with their weapons. He covered them with his revolver.
+
+"Come up!" he shouted to Ralph.
+
+The latter raised up from his crouching position, with his revolver now
+leveled full in the faces of the two frenzied men. Before Ralph had
+reached the upper step both men in the hold fired, fortunately, without
+doing any damage.
+
+The moment Ralph gained the deck the captain jumped out of the hatch and
+slammed it down.
+
+"Now, quickly, boys; tie this rope to the railing close to the periscope
+tube, and arm yourself with the life preservers; there, you will find
+them under that couch," said the captain, as he quickly threw back the
+cover from the couch and handed out four preservers.
+
+"Why do you want four?" asked Ralph, as he hastily buckled one of them
+around himself.
+
+"To attach to the end of the line that you have just fastened to the
+rail," replied the captain.
+
+The captain sprang out through the open door, and attached one of the
+life belts to the end of the line. The boys now noticed the coil of
+rope, which must have been more than a hundred feet in length.
+
+"I wonder what that is for?" asked Alfred, as the captain disappeared.
+
+"There," said the captain, as he again appeared at the door. "If she
+goes down that preserver will tell them where to fish for her."
+
+"Do you think there is any danger?" asked Ralph.
+
+"I do not know; I am not taking any chances. I have my opinion, though,"
+replied the captain thoughtfully.
+
+"Do you think they are going to blow up the vessel?" asked Alfred.
+
+"No; but I am inclined to think that they have not been able to
+disconnect the automatic fuse, or, that the death of the lieutenant, if
+such should be the case, has prevented them from finding the secret key,
+and,----"
+
+"That the sub-lieutenant has actually gone mad," interrupted Ralph.
+
+The captain nodded, and continued: "Although they deserve death, still,
+I am not a barbarian, and shall give them a chance for their lives,"
+and, saying this, he moved through the door, and, sighting a large
+steamer, gave a signal. Once, twice, three times he moved the flag from
+right to left. Almost immediately there was a response and two short
+whistles responded.
+
+Before the great ship had time to stop, the forward end of the submarine
+moved upward with a violent heave, followed by an explosion that seemed
+to tear everything to pieces. Ralph was thrown clear of the top, and
+landed fully twenty feet from the side of the hull. Alfred and the
+captain seemed to be propelled to the stern of the ship and dashed into
+the waves at least fifty feet from the spot where Ralph had landed.
+
+Ralph did not appear to be even stunned, but Alfred's head dropped
+lifeless on the side of the life preserver, and the captain was prompt
+to reach his side and support him so that his head was kept free from
+the water.
+
+Ralph was bewildered at the suddenness of the affair, and, while
+splashing in the water, glanced first at the captain and Alfred, and
+then swung around to get a view of the big ship, which they had
+signalled. The submarine had vanished. The sea around appeared to be a
+mass of bubbles, and he could plainly see the petroleum which was oozing
+up.
+
+Nothing was visible where the submarine floated but a single belt,--the
+life preserver which the captain had used as a buoy, to mark the
+location of the sunken vessel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE RESCUE IN THE CHANNEL
+
+
+"The boat is on the way," shouted the captain, as Ralph tried to direct
+himself toward the captain and Alfred.
+
+"We were just in time," said Ralph. "How is Alfred?" he asked.
+
+"Only stunned," replied the captain. "I think he hit the conning tower
+as the vessel up-ended."
+
+"Poor fellows," said Ralph, "I suppose it's all up with them."
+
+"They are gone beyond all help. But we did the best we could," answered
+the captain. "Here, take this fellow first," continued the captain,
+addressing the officer in charge of the boat.
+
+The boys were soon dragged in, and the officer gazed at the captain most
+earnestly, as he said: "Why, Captain, we heard just before we left the
+dock about you and two boys capturing a submarine; was that the
+submarine? What has happened?"
+
+"That is a long story, but you shall hear it as soon as we get aboard.
+Where are you bound?" asked the captain.
+
+"For the Mediterranean," replied the officer.
+
+"Where is your first port?" asked the captain.
+
+"Havre," was the answer.
+
+"Couldn't be better," replied the captain. "Ah! I see Alfred is coming
+around all right."
+
+"He seems to be breathing all right now," said Ralph.
+
+"So they heard about our exploit?" asked the captain.
+
+"Why, yes; the papers made quite an item about it; I think we have a
+copy on board," replied the officer.
+
+As the boys ascended the ship's ladder they saw two torpedo boat
+destroyers crowd up alongside the ship. The captain leaned over the
+taff-rail and said:
+
+"The buoy yonder marks the resting place of the U-96, late in the
+service of the Imperial German Navy. Please report same, with my
+compliments."
+
+Alfred was taken aboard and the ship's doctor was soon in attendance.
+Every one crowded around and the names of the boys and the captain were
+soon known to all the passengers. The _Evening Mail_ gave the most
+interesting account of the affair, and Ralph read and re-read the item.
+
+An hour afterwards, when everything had time to quiet down, and Alfred
+had recovered sufficiently to sit up, Ralph drew out the newspaper, and,
+to the surprise of Alfred, read the following:
+
+ "AN EXTRAORDINARY FEAT
+
+ "A SUBMARINE CAPTURED BY THREE
+ PRISONERS
+
+    "The war is a never-ending series of startling and remarkable
+    events, the latest being the capture of a German submarine by
+    the captain of one of the transatlantic liners and two American
+    boys who were passengers on the captain's ship when she was
+    torpedoed. The commander of the submarine took the captain and
+    the two boys from the boat in which they had sought refuge,
+    after their vessel went down in the Bay of Biscay.
+
+    "It was learned from the first officer of one of the
+    torpedo-boats that the submarine while on its way to Germany
+    was caught in the nets in mid-channel. While trying to
+    disentangle itself, the chief officer of the submarine met with
+    an accident, and, taking advantage of the situation, the
+    captain and his two boy companions, having found a case of
+    revolvers, held up the second officer and the crew, and
+    imprisoned them below.
+
+    "They are now bringing the submarine to England, and we hope to
+    be able to give more details tomorrow."
+
+"There, what do you think of that?" ejaculated Ralph.
+
+Alfred smiled, but a shadow came over his face, as he looked at Ralph.
+The latter, seeing the change, jumped up, and cried: "Are you sick?"
+
+"No," replied Alfred wearily; "but I have been thinking of father and
+mother; I had a dream that I saw them standing on a dock; I wonder where
+they are?"
+
+"I have some interesting news for you," said the captain, as he entered
+the cabin, holding a French paper in his hand.
+
+"What is it?" asked the boys in unison.
+
+"Boats three, four and five of our ship have reached port all right,"
+said the captain.
+
+"Have you heard about No. 1?" asked Alfred, as he leaned forward, and
+anxiously awaited the reply.
+
+"No; but it is likely that the other boats may have been picked up by a
+west bound vessel, and it is not time yet to hear from the other side,"
+replied the captain.
+
+"But do you think they are safe?" asked Ralph.
+
+"I do not see that they were in any great danger, as there was calm
+weather for at least forty-eight hours after the ship went down,"
+answered the captain. "I understand that all but three of the boats have
+been accounted for."
+
+"Have the submarines been doing much damage?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Yes; they have sunk a great many ships," was the answer.
+
+"Any American ships?" asked Ralph.
+
+"No; but a number of Americans have lost their lives on vessels that
+have been sunk."
+
+"Where are we going?" asked Alfred.
+
+"To Havre," was the reply.
+
+"I wouldn't worry about father and mother now," said Ralph soothingly.
+
+"No, indeed; the boats were perfectly safe, and I have no doubt but we
+shall hear from them by the time we reach port," reassured the captain.
+
+Ralph waited until Alfred dropped off to sleep, and then strolled up on
+deck and mixed with the passengers. He was kept busy telling them about
+the terrible hours on board the submarine, until he was tired and
+sleepy. Then he wended his way to the cabin and was soon asleep.
+
+The distance from the point where they boarded the ship to Havre was
+about two hundred miles. Ordinarily, they would have reached port at six
+in the morning, but the route during the night was a slow and tedious
+one, for the reason that all ships along the channel route were
+permitted to pass only during certain hours when the war vessels acted
+as guides and convoys through the open lane.
+
+Once near the zone of the nets no lights were permitted, and each ship
+had to be taken through by special vessels designated for this work,
+and, when once clear of the nets, extra precautions were taken to convoy
+them to relative points of safety beyond.
+
+When Ralph awoke the next morning, and saw that it was past six, he
+hurriedly dressed himself, and, taking a look at Alfred, who was quietly
+sleeping, ascended the deck. He was surprised to see nothing but the
+open sea on all sides. Addressing a seaman, he asked:
+
+"Haven't we reached Havre yet?"
+
+"No; we may not get there until nine o'clock. We have had reports of
+many submarines in the mouth of the channel, and they are, probably,
+lying in wait to intercept steamers going to or coming from Havre,"
+replied the man.
+
+Pacing the deck he found many of the passengers excited at the news,
+although it was the policy of the officers to keep the most alarming
+information from them. Meeting the second officer he inquired about the
+captain, and was informed that he had just gone down to see Alfred.
+Nearing the companionway he met the captain and Alfred, the latter
+looking somewhat pale, and rather weak or unsteady in his walk.
+
+"I am glad to see you looking so well," said Ralph. "Where are you hurt
+the most?"
+
+"Look at the back of my head," replied Alfred. "I suppose I must have
+struck the railing as the thing heaved up."
+
+The captain suddenly sprang forward and the boys followed in wonderment.
+Before they had time to ask any questions they were startled by a shot.
+
+"That was a pretty big gun to make such a racket," remarked Ralph.
+
+"It's one of the four-inch forward guns," said a seaman, standing near.
+
+"But what are they shooting at?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Submarine, I suppose," was the reply.
+
+"But where?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Don't know; haven't seen one; but I suppose the lookouts spotted the
+fellow," was the reply.
+
+Every one now crowded forward, and gazed in the direction of the pointed
+glasses in the hands of the officers. In the distance nothing was
+visible but the conning tower and the two periscope tubes, but that was
+enough.
+
+[Illustration: _The Conning Tower, All That Could Be Seen of the
+Submarine_]
+
+The boys moved forward, and the captain noticing them, spoke a word to
+the commander on the bridge.
+
+"Come up, boys," said the captain.
+
+Once on the bridge the captain said: "I take pleasure in introducing my
+companions on our little jaunt; they are brave fellows, and are made of
+the right kind of stuff. I think you will hear from them if America gets
+into the fight."
+
+"And America is bound to get in, for we have just learned that the first
+American ship has been sunk without warning," said the navigating
+officer, as he pressed the hands of the boys.
+
+The captain took up the receiver, which communicated with the topmast.
+After listening awhile, he turned to the group and said: "The sub has
+disappeared."
+
+"That will mean an interesting time for us," said the captain. "I have
+had the same experience, but was not fortunate enough to be armed when
+they attacked us. Are all the vessels from England now armed?" he asked
+the captain commanding the vessel.
+
+"Yes; fore and aft. We have found that but a small percentage of armed
+vessels have been sunk, and those which have guns at both ends are
+surely doubly armed," answered the commander.
+
+The boom of the guns had brought every passenger on deck. The officers
+could not conceal the real state of affairs, but there was no sign of a
+panic. The officers did not even take the precaution to warn the
+passengers that they should apply or keep the life belts close at hand.
+
+"That is the policy I suggested from the first," said the captain. "That
+boat must have been three miles away, at least, and a careful gunner
+would come pretty close to hitting the mark at that distance, and those
+fellows know it."
+
+"Then why do you think the interesting or dangerous time is now coming?"
+asked Alfred.
+
+"Because the safety of the ship now depends on the ability of the
+observers to report the moment a periscope appears in sight. If the
+submarine is close enough to fire a torpedo, it is near enough to be a
+fine target for the gunners aboard, and, as the submarine would not be
+likely to attempt a shot unless it had a broadside to aim at, you can
+see that such a position would expose her to the fire of the guns both
+fore and aft," responded the captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE
+
+
+"What do you make the reckoning?" asked the captain, as the navigating
+officer lowered his instrument, and turned to the book.
+
+"Fifty, ten north," was the reply.
+
+"On the line?" asked the captain.
+
+"Twelve minutes east," answered the officer.
+
+"Then we are forty miles due north of Havre," responded the captain.
+
+"What did you mean by being 'on the line?'" asked Ralph, addressing the
+captain.
+
+"The zero line, or the point where all calculations east and west are
+reckoned from, runs north and south through Greenwich, in England, a
+place a little east of London. We are about fifteen miles east of that
+line," replied the captain, "and one hundred and eighty miles south of
+London."
+
+But all were now interested in the further developments which might be
+expected. The wireless was constantly receiving messages, and
+occasionally the commander received messages which were, evidently,
+interesting reading, judging from the comments made. Most of the
+information related to the activities of the undersea boats, and only
+in that region where they were now approaching.
+
+The vessel was proceeding slowly, when suddenly the officer in the
+crow's nest sent down a signal that vitalized the gunners. The guns
+swung around instantly. Away off to starboard was the faintest ripple,
+for the water was comparatively smooth.
+
+Two shots rang out almost simultaneously from the fore and aft guns. It
+was a thrilling sight to see the streaks of glistening water, which the
+two shells brought up to be reflected by the brilliant sun. A shout from
+the gunner at the bow caused a chorus of answering shouts.
+
+"Did they hit it?" asked Alfred.
+
+"Well, there is one less periscope, if I know anything," replied the
+navigating officer.
+
+Ralph had descended the stairs leading down from the bridge, and quickly
+made his way to the bow.
+
+"I want to congratulate you on that shot," he said, as he approached.
+
+The gunner, with glowing face, turned, and, seeing Ralph, replied:
+"Thank you, lad! Coming from you it's a compliment. Lor', but we like to
+spot 'em."
+
+"That fellow's as good as useless," remarked the officer in charge.
+
+"But suppose the submarine has any torpedoes left?" queried Ralph.
+
+"That wouldn't do him any good; he would have to use that to sight by,"
+replied the officer.
+
+"Yes; I can see that now," replied Ralph. "If he came to the top in
+order to fire the torpedo he wouldn't last very long with these guns
+pointing at him."
+
+As Ralph was ascending the stairway leading to the bridge on his return
+a half-hour later, the watch shouted out a warning: "Five points to
+starboard!"
+
+Every one was now keyed up to the highest pitch. The guns were quickly
+swung to the angle indicated, and another tense moment arrived.
+
+The captain walked over to the commander, and said: "It seems to me that
+the best policy is to bear down on him with all speed possible. That
+will give the gunners the best chance, and at the same time present the
+smallest target for the submarine."
+
+The commander nodded and gave the necessary order, but before the
+helmsman had time to execute the turning movement the forward gun was
+heard, quickly followed by the second gun. The aft gun also responded,
+making three shots that were fired, striking the water in such close
+proximity to each other that the aim must have been very accurate.
+
+"Gunners from the Royal Navy," remarked the captain, as he lowered his
+glasses. "And they have hit the mark."
+
+"Do you think so?" asked Alfred.
+
+"I am sure of it, for this reason," said the captain, as the officers on
+the bridge crowded around; "neither of the periscopes is visible, and I
+can plainly see the boiling that follows a sinking submarine."
+
+The ship was now at full speed, sailing directly over the course where
+the submarine was sighted. It did not take long for the vessel to cover
+the mile, and, as they neared the tell-tale spot, the ship was veered
+slightly out of its course, so that a good view could be obtained of the
+surface of the water.
+
+"How deep do you suppose that submarine is now?" asked Alfred.
+
+"It is in less than two hundred feet of water; see, the air bubbles are
+still coming up, although it went down fully fifteen minutes ago."
+
+The steamer slowed down as it came abreast, and the passengers leaned
+over the side in intense excitement, watching the signs which indicated
+the death of another sea terror. Even while they were watching one
+immense boiling zone appeared and settled down, indicating that another
+air tank had given way, or that the pressure of the sea water had forced
+the air from one of the innumerable pockets in the interior of the
+submarine.
+
+Four bells indicated a resumption of the journey. The great funnels
+began to pour forth smoke in immense volumes, and the ship fairly shook
+with the revolutions of the twin screws.
+
+"So we are going directly south," said Ralph, who had just examined the
+compass, and started for the stairway.
+
+"There will be no let-up now," remarked the captain.
+
+Every one understood that forced draught would now be resorted to, both
+to avoid the likelihood of being torpedoed, and also to enable the ship
+to reach port at the earliest possible moment. The _St. Duneen_,
+although a twin-screw vessel, was not of more than 5,000 tons burden,
+having been built as a mail carrier for distant ports, in which speed
+was regarded as the important element in her construction.
+
+As the commander remarked to the captain, after the latter reached the
+bridge, he felt sure that the speed alone, which he was able to make in
+an emergency, would baffle any attempt to reach his hull. It seemed so,
+for the vessel fairly skimmed the surface of the water, and left a trail
+which could be marked for miles.
+
+Every one felt happy, and there was a feeling of security aboard that
+was shared by every one. Luncheon was announced, and the boys were
+descending the stairway leading to the cabin, when they felt a peculiar
+sensation. They were thrown down the steps, taking with them several
+women and children, who were alongside.
+
+No sooner had they landed at the bottom, when the most terrific crash
+was heard.
+
+"Submarine!" shrieked a voice.
+
+The sensation of the oscillating movement of the vessel was a sickening
+one. The dining room was half-filled with women, children and men.
+
+"To your cabins at once; life belts as quickly as possible!" shouted an
+officer. "The men must aid the women and children. Do not become
+excited."
+
+This warning had a marked effect; it restored the confidence which had
+been so rudely shocked. Ralph and Alfred sprang for the closets where
+the life preservers were kept, and threw them out on the floor as fast
+as they could grasp them. They caught up one child after the other, and,
+without heeding the resistance which some offered, adjusted the belts,
+and, as fast as this was done, they assisted in pushing the children
+toward the companionway.
+
+[Illustration: _A Contact Mine_]
+
+The ship was slowly sinking to one side. The angle was very perceptible,
+and especially noticed as the boys reached the stairway, for it was
+found to be impossible to ascend by the starboard stairs. This made it
+more difficult to get the people out of the crowded rooms below.
+
+"Don't get excited!" shouted the officer from the head of the stairs.
+"We can all clear the ship safely before she goes down."
+
+As fast as the passengers reached the deck, officers were present to
+direct them to the most advantageous boats, but no orders were given to
+man the boats. The bow of the ship had gone down, and she was now lying
+at a considerable angle, but it was evident that there was considerable
+buoyancy in the vessel, and that there was no immediate danger.
+
+"Are you sure that all are out of the cabins?" asked the captain, as one
+of the porters appeared at the end of the passageway.
+
+"We might as well take a look," said Alfred, as he rushed toward the
+port passage.
+
+"I will go through the other passageway and meet you at the aft
+stairway," said Ralph, as he darted toward the gangway leading along the
+right side of the ship.
+
+Alfred diligently opened every door and glanced about; he was not long
+in reaching the aft stairway area, and waited for some minutes for Ralph
+to appear. As he was crossing the open space between the two
+passageways, he heard a shriek, followed by piercing screams, evidently
+from the port passage.
+
+Directed by the sounds he sprang from door to door, and soon detected a
+terrific struggle. "Help! help! I am being murdered!" was the cry.
+
+At the door of a cabin Alfred saw two forms, one the woman, and the
+other Ralph in a fierce struggle, the woman with her arms around the
+post, which extended upward from the floor at the side of the cabin
+couch. She defied every effort on the part of Ralph. Alfred seized her
+hands, gradually loosened them, and when they had succeeded in freeing
+her, she dropped down, completely exhausted, threw her head to one side,
+and swooned.
+
+This greatly facilitated her removal. The boys dragged her along the
+passageway, and, nearing the stairs, noticed a peculiar sound, something
+like a muffled explosion, followed by a sudden lurch of the ship, which
+destroyed their balance so that they were compelled to drop their
+burden.
+
+"What can that be?" asked Ralph.
+
+"Seems as though we have been hit the second time," replied Alfred.
+
+"Oh! here you are!" shouted the captain, as he rushed down the stairway,
+followed by an officer.
+
+"What was that?" asked Ralph.
+
+"A bulkhead has just given way," replied the captain.
+
+"Then we are bound to go down," said Alfred with a sigh. "We must get
+her up before she comes to."
+
+"Yes, but we'll try to save her," replied the captain.
+
+The ship was slowly sinking. The motion of a vessel as it loses its
+buoyancy gives a most peculiar feeling to those on board, independently
+of the knowledge that danger is lurking very near. The sinking motion is
+not a smooth and steady going down, but the movement is accompanied by
+successive throbs, as it seems,--it almost appears as though the ship
+were a living thing, sobbing away, until the final plunge takes place.
+
+Aided by the captain and the officer, the woman was quickly brought to
+the deck, where it was learned that her husband had lost his life on a
+torpedoed vessel a month before. She opened her eyes as they were
+placing her in the boat, and instantly recognized Ralph.
+
+"Did I resist and try to injure you?" she asked. "Forgive me!" she said
+pleadingly. "But I have had so much trouble. You must be a brave boy to
+act as you did."
+
+"Don't mind that for a minute," replied Ralph. "We were bound to get you
+out; we didn't think of anything else."
+
+"Come on, boys; take the boat at the next davit," said the captain. "I
+will be with you in a moment."
+
+The boys entered the little dory and sat down. The navigating officer
+was the last one to step in. He stood there with his instruments in his
+hands, and cast a gloomy look along the deck. "Too bad, too bad!" he
+said reflectively.
+
+"Say, Ralph, I have an idea that we are hoodoos!" said Alfred, with a
+serious air.
+
+"Who is a hoodoo?" asked the captain, approaching and overhearing the
+conversation.
+
+"Hoodoo, nothing!" answered Ralph.
+
+"Well, it begins to look like it," responded Alfred. "There is some sort
+of deviltry around wherever we have happened to be ever since the war
+began."
+
+Notwithstanding the gravity of the situation, the captain could not
+repress a smile, which he quickly suppressed, as he answered:
+
+"Then what would you call me? They have sunk four ships under me by
+torpedoes, and one by a mine. You have seen and experienced some of the
+other adventures I have had within the past ten days, and now this is
+another vessel to go down under me on account of a mine," said the
+captain.
+
+"A mine! a mine, did you say?" almost shrieked Alfred.
+
+"Yes; one of the floating mines that the Germans are strewing about in
+open defiance of all the laws," answered the captain with a bitter
+voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+A FRIGHTFUL MINE EXPLOSION
+
+
+The order was given. There was no hope for the ship. "Lower the boats!"
+Everything was done with precision and in order, indicating that there
+was no panic on shipboard. Up to the last moment the wireless S. O. S.,
+_St. Duneen_, 48, 50 N., 10 E., repeated and repeated the message of the
+disaster.
+
+At a signal the wireless operator obeyed the commander's orders, and
+emerged from the little room high up aft of the main stacks. He sprang
+into the boat, as it was moving down.
+
+"Pull away! pull away!" shouted the commander, as the boats reached the
+surface of the water. The order and its execution did not come too soon.
+Like a giant, in a death struggle, there were a few spasmodic movements,
+and more pronounced ones as the bulkheads gave way.
+
+They were fully two hundred feet from the ship, when suddenly it seemed
+to roll around half-way, and they could look over the entire deck, so
+fully was it exposed to those on board of the dory in which the boys had
+taken refuge.
+
+The vessel rested on its side for a moment only, then it slowly
+staggered back, the bow quickly dipped, and failed to come back again.
+Then it seemed actually to slide forward into the depths, the stern
+rising higher and higher, as the bow moved under. More than fifty feet
+of the stern of the ship was still out of the water, when a peculiar
+thing happened. The hull ceased to move. It remained at an angle in the
+air for a quarter of a minute, while every one stared at it in silence.
+
+"What is the matter with it?" asked Alfred, who was the first to break
+the silence.
+
+"The bow is on the bottom of the ocean," said the captain.
+
+That was, indeed, true. Soon it began to sink, by falling back, and it
+quietly sank beneath the waves, leaving scarcely a ripple above the
+surface.
+
+"That would have been different if she had been struck amidship, for the
+hull would have gone down on an even keel," remarked the commander.
+
+The nine boats were now afloat near each other. In the distance could be
+seen smoke in two directions, evidence that vessels were not far away.
+Then, almost like an apparition, from the east came two of the speedy
+little ships, which act like spit-fires and lie so low in the water that
+they are able to creep up unawares. They do not give forth any smoke to
+warn an enemy, or indicate their presence to friends.
+
+Long before the ships, which had announced their positions by the smoke
+on the horizon, came into sight, the saucy chasers were sailing around
+and about the fleet of _St. Duneen's_ boats.
+
+"It rather makes me feel good to think that we didn't get caught by
+either of the submarines," said Alfred. "I would hate to give them that
+satisfaction."
+
+"But what's the difference, after all?" replied Ralph. "So long as they
+sink the ships, what matter does it make whether they do it by mines or
+submarines?"
+
+"Yes; one is as bad as the other, both done against all law," answered
+Alfred.
+
+The first boat to answer the signal was a French cruiser, which came up
+rapidly after the chasers arrived. There was ample room on board for the
+passengers, but it took fully an hour before all were safe on board and
+orders were given to start. As the cruiser turned, a great, gray British
+battleship came up to port, saluted, and passed on, followed by another
+far in the distance, those two great vessels with their black smoke
+trailing out in the distance and moving along majestically seeming to be
+the acme of power.
+
+The boys were on the upper deck and watched the scene with admiration.
+Before the cruiser had proceeded far the smoke of more than a dozen
+ships were visible, and the boys could not help but be impressed at the
+tremendous power of the Allies on the water, notwithstanding the
+calamity which had just befallen their ship. After all, the ships had
+been sunk by an enemy which dared not show his face above the surface of
+the water.
+
+"Submarine sunk near the harbor of Brest and one off Cherburg," was the
+startling announcement of the wireless operator. "Five American ships
+have arrived at the Loire," was another message. "America is aflame with
+excitement, and demands action," came later.
+
+"Is it possible that the United States will go to war?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The United States is now at war," replied the captain.
+
+"What? do you mean to say that the President has declared war?" asked
+Alfred in astonishment.
+
+"No; it is not necessary that America should declare war. Germany has
+done so by torpedoing your ships, and killing your citizens; that is an
+act of war; for every nation, and Germany itself, knows that its
+submarine war is illegal, and without any standing in International Law.
+It is no justification to say that to give notice makes it legal. If a
+man wished to commit murder it would not make him less a murderer if he
+had given notice of his intention beforehand," said the captain.
+
+"Then I'm not going back to New York," said Alfred.
+
+"Nor I; we've been in it from the first, and we might as well stick it
+out;--if I only knew that mother was safe," concluded Ralph with a
+shadow across his face.
+
+Within an hour the boys saw a faint streak of peculiar gray to the left,
+far ahead.
+
+"That must be land," said Alfred.
+
+"And that looks like a town, away in the distance," remarked Ralph.
+
+"You are right; that is the coast of France, and the houses you see
+belong to the town of Fecamp, a seaport and watering place, 22 miles
+from Havre," said the navigating officer.
+
+Every minute brought them nearer the city of Havre. How they longed to
+hear some news of their parents, now that all excitement had died away,
+and they were permitted to think of home and those dear to them.
+
+Vessels began to accumulate on all sides of them, indications that they
+were now within the safety zone. For a period of eight days they had not
+known what absolute quiet and rest meant. First, the terrible suspense
+within the hull of a submarine, the trying experience attending the
+capture of the vessel, the unquiet feeling that they had desperate men
+below who might do anything to gain their liberty, the explosion and
+sinking of the submarine, their rescue, and then the last sinking,
+seemed to form a chapter of misadventures which constantly kept them on
+the alert.
+
+It was such a different feeling now, and, as such things generally do,
+caused a reaction. They actually felt ill, and Alfred, especially, after
+the last accident, felt too weak to remain on deck.
+
+They retired to the cabin assigned to them in the officers' quarters,
+and were soon asleep. The captain, missing them, made a search and soon
+found them. He smiled, and, turning to the officers, said:
+
+"They are fine fellows; the experiences have been most trying, and would
+test the mettle of most men; but they went through with it, obeyed all
+orders, without asking why, and never showed the white feather."
+
+"Who are they?" asked one of the cruiser's officers.
+
+"American boys, caught in the war, where they helped the fighting until
+two months ago, and were just returning to the United States on my ship.
+That is how I happened to meet them and learned to love them," replied
+the captain with pride in his voice.
+
+As they were leaving the cabin, Alfred awoke. "Are we near Havre?" he
+asked anxiously.
+
+"We are now turning the point; we expect to reach the dock in a
+half-hour," answered the officer.
+
+Every one crowded the rails and watched the ever-changing panorama, for
+Havre is the second seaport in France, has the largest foreign trade,
+especially with America, and is noted for its great docks, and
+ship-building facilities.
+
+"Hurrah for the Stars and Stripes!" shouted Ralph, as he pointed to the
+banner above the mast on a ship, which was just being warped out of the
+dock.
+
+The passengers, as well as officers and seamen of the cruiser, took off
+their hats and cheered. Ralph blushed at the hearty response, but he
+knew that it was a tribute which they were paying to America, about to
+become a new ally. The seamen on board the American ship gave a hearty
+response to the salute, and this swelled the pride of the boys beyond
+measure.
+
+How slowly the ship moved, now that they were nearing the end of their
+journey from the perils of the sea. How anxiously they awaited the time
+they could step ashore and visit the consul's office, there to learn, if
+possible, the fate of their parents.
+
+"They are going to take us to the main foreign dock," said the captain,
+as he approached. "And I want to say that you must not get away from me
+in your eagerness. There are some people who want to talk to you and
+tell you how they appreciate your bravery and good work."
+
+"Thank you, Captain," said Alfred. "We had no cause to fear, as long as
+you commanded."
+
+"Indeed not," chimed in Ralph. "Even if we knew other perils that might
+come to us, we would be glad to follow you again wherever you ordered us
+to go; that's the way we feel about it."
+
+"That is, indeed, a compliment," replied the captain.
+
+"We have never felt the slightest fear or doubt," said Alfred, "but, of
+course, we have been sad many times, to think that our parents were
+separated from us, after we had not seen them for over two years."
+
+"There is the dock. We will be off within fifteen minutes now. You must
+allow me to conduct you to the consul's office; I know him very well,"
+said the captain.
+
+As the vessel touched the dock the captain turned to the boys, and said
+with a wicked grin on his face: "Get your luggage, boys, and come on."
+
+The boys laughed at the remark. "For my part," answered Ralph, "I had
+forgotten that there was such a thing as luggage, or baggage, or
+anything of that sort."
+
+"Ralph! Ralph! who is that coming across the dock? Look! it is just like
+father! I believe it is!" almost shrieked Alfred.
+
+"It is! yes; I am sure of it; and there is mother, too," replied Ralph,
+now all excitement.
+
+"Of course, they are there; I knew it; I told you it would be all
+right," said the captain with a jubilant voice.
+
+The boys glanced at the captain, and Ralph turned his head slyly, as he
+said: "And did you know they were here?"
+
+"Well, I think they got my message this morning," replied the captain
+with a laugh. "Where is your father; point him out," said the captain to
+Alfred.
+
+"The tall man with the gray overcoat; do you see him coming?--and there
+is mother, too," shouted Alfred.
+
+The boys were the first ones down the plank, closely followed by the
+captain, the passengers standing by and witnessing the reunion of the
+families.
+
+The captain came forward and shook hands with Mr. Elton. "Thank you for
+the wireless; we had about despaired, when it came to the hotel."
+
+"I didn't tell the boys," replied the captain. "I left that pleasure for
+their own eyes; and here are the mothers; how I must congratulate you on
+having such sons. I know their worth."
+
+"And is it true what they say about your doings with our boys, that you
+captured the submarine, while it was under the water?" asked Mrs. Elton.
+
+"Yes, that was true, and much more," answered the captain.
+
+"We felt so proud about it," replied Mr. Elton, "and it was some
+compensation for having been twice torpedoed within a week."
+
+"What? did you say that you were torpedoed the second time?" asked
+Ralph.
+
+"Yes," replied Mr. Elton. "We were picked up by a ship, the next
+morning, which was bound for New York. Two days afterwards, when out of
+the danger zone, our ship went down, and we had to take to the boats.
+This time we were picked up by a ship that landed us in Havre, three
+days ago. Then we heard of your exploits, of which the French papers
+were full, and we determined to remain here until we heard from you."
+
+"But I cannot understand how it was that the captain happened to reach
+you by wireless?" asked Ralph.
+
+"The cruiser wireless telegraphed the fact of our rescue to the U. S.
+consul, and I wired the commander of the cruiser," replied Mr. Elton.
+
+"I answered Mr. Elton's message," said the captain with a smile. "But
+are you going back to America now?" continued the captain.
+
+"Why, what has happened?" asked Alfred.
+
+"America is at war with Germany," was the reply.
+
+We shall now take leave of our young friends, but we do so with the
+feeling that before long we shall hear more about them, and be able to
+follow their adventures enlisted under the banner of their own beloved
+land in the fight against oppression and savagery.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+THE MOTION PICTURE COMRADES SERIES
+
+By ELMER TRACEY BARNES
+
+
+The object of these books is to place before the reader the unusual
+experiences of a party of boys who succeed in filming a number of
+interesting scenes.
+
+The stories are replete with striking incidents on land and sea, and
+above all they describe with remarkable accuracy the methods employed to
+obtain many of the wonderful pictures which may be seen on the screen.
+
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades' Great Venture;
+    or, On the Road with the Big Round Top=
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades Through African Jungles;
+    or, The Camera Boys in Wild Animal Land=
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades Along the Orinoco;
+    or, Facing Perils in the Tropics=
+
+  =The Motion Picture Comrades Aboard a Submarine;
+    or, Searching for Treasure Under the Sea=4836
+
+
+  _12mo.   Cloth_           _50c per volume_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  201-213 EAST 12th STREET        NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+By CYRIL BURLEIGH
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys; A Story of School Life=
+
+Jack Sheldon, a clean-minded and popular student in the academy, gains
+the enmity of several of the boys, but their efforts to injure him fail.
+A mystery, connected with Jack's earlier life, is used against him, but
+he comes off with flying colors.
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys in Camp; or, The Rebellion at the Academy=
+
+A strange situation arises in which an airship figures as the bearer of
+an important letter. The head-master acts without investigating all the
+facts, but matters are all finally adjusted to the satisfaction of all
+concerned.
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys on Lost Island; or, An Unusual Adventure=
+
+The scene now shifts to the West Indies and Jack figures as the hero of
+a daring rescue. Their experiences in tropical waters form a most
+stirring narrative, and the young reader is assured of a tale of
+gripping interest from first to last.
+
+
+=The Hilltop Boys on the River=
+
+The Doctor takes a number of the boys on a cruise up the Hudson. An
+unlooked for incident finds Jack Sheldon equal to the occasion, and what
+at one time promised to be a disastrous trip for all concerned was
+turned into a complete victory for our young friends.
+
+  _12mo. Cloth_             _50c per volume_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE MOUNTAIN BOYS SERIES
+
+=1. Phil Bradley's Mountain Boys=
+
+=2. Phil Bradley at the Wheel=
+
+=3. Phil Bradley's Shooting Box=
+
+=4. Phil Bradley's Snow-Shoe Trail=
+
+=5. Phil Bradley's Winning Way=
+
+
+=By SILAS K. BOONE=
+
+These books describe, with interesting detail, the
+experiences of a party of boys among the mountain
+pines.
+
+They teach the young reader how to protect himself
+against the elements, what to do and what to avoid, and
+above all to become self-reliant and manly.
+
+  _12mo. Cloth._             _50c per Volume, Postpaid_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  201 EAST 12th STREET          NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE CAMPFIRE AND TRAIL SERIES
+
+=1. In Camp on the Big Sunflower=
+
+=2. The Rivals of the Trail=
+
+=3. The Strange Cabin on Catamount Island=
+
+=4. Lost in the Great Dismal Swamp=
+
+=5. With Trapper Jim in the North Woods=
+
+=6. Caught in a Forest Fire=
+
+=7. Chums of the Campfire=
+
+=8. Afloat on the Flood=
+
+=9. The Cruise of the Houseboat=
+
+
+=By LAWRENCE J. LESLIE=
+
+A series of wholesome stories for boys told in an interesting way and
+appealing to their love of the open.
+
+  _Each, 12mo.  Cloth_      _50c per Volume_
+
+  THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
+  201 EAST 12th STREET          NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+    +-----------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                           |
+    |                                               |
+    | Typographical errors corrected in the text:   |
+    | Page  39  ofcer changed to officer            |
+    | Page  46  possed changed to possessed         |
+    | Page  73  missing word "get" inserted         |
+    | Page  76  personnal changed to personnel      |
+    | Page  77  personnal changed to personnel      |
+    | Page 119  blow changed to below               |
+    +-----------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine
+Fleet, by Kenneth Ward
+
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