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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -<title>THE RIVAL SUBMARINES</title> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Rival Submarines" /> -<meta name="MARCREL.ill" content="Fleming Williams /home/ajhaines/rival/rival.rst:2: (INFO/1) Enumerated list start value not ordinal-1: "C" (ordinal 3)" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1913" /> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="40866" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Rival Submarines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Percy F. Westerman" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-03-20" /> - -<link rel="schema.DCTERMS" href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" /> -<link rel="schema.MARCREL" href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/" /> -<meta content="The Rival Submarines" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="/home/ajhaines/rival/rival.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2016-07-25T17:36:51.970738+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40866" /> -<meta content="Percy F. Westerman" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="C. Fleming Williams" name="MARCREL.ill" /> -<meta content="2013-03-20" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="Ebookmaker 0.4.0a5 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-rival-submarines"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE RIVAL SUBMARINES</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States -and most other parts of the world 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 </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> included with -this ebook or online at </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>. If you -are not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws -of the country where you are located before using this ebook.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Rival Submarines -<br /> -<br />Author: Percy F. Westerman -<br /> -<br />Release Date: March 20, 2013 [EBook #40866] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE RIVAL SUBMARINES</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 59%" id="figure-71"> -<span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="container frontispiece"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 64%" id="figure-72"> -<span id="like-an-arrow-the-snake-like-monster-darted-forward-p-175"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""LIKE AN ARROW THE SNAKE-LIKE MONSTER DARTED FORWARD!" p. 175." src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"LIKE AN ARROW THE SNAKE-LIKE MONSTER DARTED FORWARD!" p. </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id1">175</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE RIVAL SUBMARINES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />PERCY F. WESTERMAN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF "A LAD OF GRIT" -<br />ETC. ETC.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">ILLUSTRATED BY -<br />C. FLEMING WILLIAMS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">THIRD IMPRESSION</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON -<br />S. W. PARTRIDGE & CO., LTD. -<br />OLD BAILEY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CONTENTS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span></p> -<ol class="upperroman simple"> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#captain-restronguet-leaves-cards">Captain Restronguet leaves Cards</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#sub-lieutenant-hythe-discovers-the-submarine">Sub-Lieutenant Hythe Discovers the Submarine</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-man-who-walked-out-of-the-sea">The Man Who Walked out of the Sea</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-signal-from-the-depths">The Signal from the Depths</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#captured">Captured</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#face-to-face">Face to Face</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-the-conning-tower">In the Conning-Tower</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#explanations">Explanations</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-first-day-in-the-aphrodite">The First Day in the "Aphrodite"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-second-officer-returns">The Second Officer Returns</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#concerning-captain-restronguet-s-rival">Concerning Captain Restronguet's Rival</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-vorwartz-is-sighted">The "Vorwartz" is Sighted</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-missing-submarine">The Missing Submarine</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#la-flamme">"La Flamme"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-visit-to-gibraltar">A Visit to Gibraltar</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#over-a-volcano">Over a Volcano</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-rescued-italians">The Rescued Italians</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-rivals-pass-through-the-suez-canal">The Rivals pass through the Suez Canal</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#struck-by-lightning">Struck by Lightning</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#rammed-amidships">Rammed Amidships</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#captain-restronguet-learns-the-news">Captain Restronguet learns the News</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#beset-by-somalis">Beset by Somalis</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#over-the-bar">Over the Bar</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-aero-hydroplane">The Aero-Hydroplane</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-approach-of-the-vorwartz">The Approach of the "Vorwartz"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-sinking-of-the-topaze">The Sinking of the "Topaze"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-pilot-under-compulsion">A Pilot under Compulsion</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-the-ballast-tank">In the Ballast Tank</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-pride-of-rhodesia">The "Pride of Rhodesia"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#id2">Captured.</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-unsuccessful-competitors">The Unsuccessful Competitors</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-fate-of-von-harburg">The Fate of von Harburg</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#hythe-s-masterstroke">Hythe's Masterstroke</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="captain-restronguet-leaves-cards"><span class="x-large">THE RIVAL SUBMARINES.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CHAPTER I.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET LEAVES CARDS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The garrison port of Portsmouth was mobilized. -Not for the "real thing," be it understood, but -for the quarterly practice laid down in the joint -Naval and Military Regulations of 1917.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Everything, thanks to a rigid administration, -had hitherto proceeded with the regularity of -clockwork; the Army officials were patting -themselves on the back, the Naval authorities were -shaking hands with themselves, and, in order to -cement the bond of unity, each of the two Services -congratulated the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the best of their belief they had reason to -assert that Portsmouth was once more impregnable. -A series of surprise torpedo-boat attacks -upon the fortress had signally failed. The final -test during the mobilization was to be in the form -of a combined attack upon the defences by the -battleships then lying at Spithead and the airships -and aeroplanes stationed at Dover, Chatham, and -Sheerness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At eight o'clock on the morning of the day for -the grand attack the fleet at Spithead prepared -to get under way. Forty sinister-looking -destroyers slipped out of harbour in double column -line ahead, and as soon as they had passed the -Nab Lightship a general signal was communicated -by wireless for the battleships to weigh and -proceed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Commander-in-Chief and the Admiral-Superintendent -of Portsmouth Dockyard had -breakfasted ashore on that particular morning, -and both officers, with the Military -Lieutenant-Governor of the Garrison, were to proceed to -Spithead on a cruiser to witness the departure of -the fleet. It was a fine day, but the beauties of -the morning were lost upon them; to have to -breakfast at an unearthly hour had considerably -ruffled their tempers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come along, Maynebrace," exclaimed the -Commander-in-Chief irritably. "It's six bells -already."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Coxswain! Coxswain! Where in the name -of thunder is my coxswain?" shouted -Rear-Admiral Maynebrace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, sir!" exclaimed that worthy, saluting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has the Lieutenant-Governor arrived yet, -coxswain?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir. The police at the Main Gate have -just telephoned through to say that Sir John -Ambrose has arrived, sir, but being rather late -proceeded straight to the jetty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And kept us kicking our heels here," grumbled -Sir Peter Garboard, the Commander-in-Chief. -"Look alive, Maynebrace, or----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that moment a flag-lieutenant, red in the -face and well-nigh breathless with running, dashed -up the steps of the portico of the Admiralty -House.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sir!" he exclaimed. "Sir, this message has -just come through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sir Peter took the proffered envelope, fumbled -with the flap with his flabby fingers, and at last -untied the Gordian knot by tearing off one edge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good heavens, Maynebrace!" he gasped. -"Read this!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Admiral-Superintendent, with unbecoming -haste, grasped the paper and read:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vice-Admiral, First Battle Squadron, Home -Fleet, to Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. On -fleet weighing anchor a painted board was found -attached to the anchor of every battleship, the -said board bearing the words 'With the -compliments of Captain Restronguet.' Have ordered -fleet to anchor again and am sending divers to -investigate. Will communicate their report in -due course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All traces of irritability vanished from the faces -of the two Admirals. Instinctively they realized -that something of moment had taken place, and -that instant action was necessary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A diver has been playing the fool, perhaps?" -hazarded Maynebrace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Diver? Humph! Can you imagine a diver -leaving his card, in the shape of a painted piece -of wood, attached to the anchors of forty ships? -No, no, Maynebrace, it's not that: at least, that's -my opinion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, sir, what is it?" questioned the -Rear-Admiral.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A menace to our fleet, that's what it is. -Although there is no real harm done the moral -result is bad enough. It's my opinion that there's -a foreign submarine at work. Moreover, she -must have means of direct outside communication -while she is submerged."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What makes you think it is a foreign submarine?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Logic, my dear Maynebrace, logic. None -of ours are capable of such a feat, and there's no -knowing what these foreigners are up to. As -inventors they are miles ahead of us. And what -is more, the name--Restronguet--doesn't that -sound French?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps," admitted the Rear-Admiral. "But -all the same it is exasperating; it is humiliating. -And there are some who think that the days of -the submarine are over!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even as the introduction of ironclads propelled -by steam machinery had revolutionized naval -warfare in the middle of the nineteenth century, -so had the vast strides in military aeronautics -rendered obsolete, or nearly so, the huge battleships -that were the chief features of the world's -navies in the beginning of the present century. -For several years a fierce war of controversy was -waged between the supporters of an all-powerful -navy and those who pinned their faith in vessels -capable of supporting themselves in the air and -able to use the terribly aggressive means that the -researches of science could bestow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not only did the Great Powers take up the -question. The lesser states of the world, -realizing that a sudden revolution in warfare might -place them on an equal basis with nations who -had hitherto kept them in the background, took -the liveliest interest in the discussion. They -agreed that since the ill-advised building of the -first British Dreadnought had given other Sea -Powers a chance to build equally formidable -vessels at the same rate of construction, and that -in consequence the predominant Navy flying the -White Ensign was practically out-of-date, a -drastic and sudden revolution whereby a -comparatively cheap means of offence could be created -might also render obsolete the huge costly -leviathans that even the richest nations could -ill-afford to maintain in the race for naval supremacy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In Great Britain the opinion of those qualified -to judge was nearly equally divided. The Blue -Water School maintained that a numerically -superior fleet of ships, capable of defence against -aircraft, would meet the case, provided a -supplementary division of airships and aeroplanes -was ready to act in conjunction with the squadron. -Battleships could keep the sea in all weathers, -while aircraft were at the mercy of every hurricane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the other hand the supporters of the air -fleet deprecated the need of a huge navy--using -the word navy in the strict sense of the term. -All the warships that Great Britain had at her -command could not prevent the passage by night -of airships and aeroplanes--either singly or -collectively--across the comparatively short -distance between the Continent and the East Coast -of England, while by a judicious study of the -barometer and climatic conditions generally the -dangers of being overtaken by a heavy gale -could be reduced to a minimum. Besides, had -there not been instances of foreign aircraft -manoeuvring over the East Coast naval ports at -night during the progress of a terrible equinoctial -gale that had caused, amongst other disasters at -sea, the loss of several destroyers taking a -doubtful shelter in the badly-protected Admiralty -Harbour at Dover?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up to the present time the result of the controversy -in Great Britain was a compromise. Instead -of spending a couple of million pounds upon a -single battleship of between forty or fifty thousand -tons, smaller ships were laid down and completed -within eleven months. They were not pleasing -to the eye. Even the "ironclads," ugly in -comparison with the stately "wooden walls" of the -early nineteenth century, were models of -symmetry and grace beside the latest creations -from the brain of the Chief Constructor of the Navy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The modern battleships were vessels of but -ten thousand tons displacement, or about the same -as the "Anson" class of 1886. Their draught -was, however, considerably less, being but -twenty-two feet when fully manned and ready for sea. -They were propelled by internal combustion -heavy oil engines capable of developing 22,000 -horse-power, the maximum speed being forty-two -knots. The principal armament consisted of -twenty-four six-inch guns, that for muzzle velocity, -range, penetration, and bursting power of the -projectile were more than equal to the -fifteen-inch gun mounted on the later Super-Dreadnoughts -of the United States Navy. The weight -saved in engines, armament, and especially by -the absence of coal, was devoted to additional -armour. The battleships were veritable -steel-clad vessels, for not only were the sides -completely encased in Harveyized steel, but the upper -decks were surmounted by a V-shaped roof -capable of resisting the most powerfully-charged -shell that airships could possibly carry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor was the protection for submarine attack -left unprovided for. The whole of the -under-water surface was armour-plated, not merely by -one skin but by two complete layers of steel, -the thickest being on the inside. In the double -bottoms thus formed, oil, the food for the motors, -was stored. A powerful torpedo might fracture -the outer armoured skin and release the oil in -that particular section, but having the thickest -plating inside it was considered almost a matter -of impossibility for the latter to be holed and thus -admit the burning oil--a source of danger that -had long been recognized--into the vitals of the ship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Submarine warfare, in the opinion of many -naval experts, had had its day. At the height of -five hundred feet a scouting aeroplane could easily -detect the presence of a submarine so long as it -was daylight. By night a submarine would be -fairly safe from observation, but conversely her -commander could not with certainty attack a -hostile ship that had taken the precaution of -manoeuvring with screened lights. In addition -to the danger of mistaking friend for foe there -was also the possibility, nay probability, of being -unable to see the enemy's ship. It was, -however, admitted that the submarine's chance was -to attack either at dawn or sunset, with a fairly -choppy sea running, and no aircraft to upset the -calculations of the officer at the periscope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor had the vast changes occasioned by the -development of aircraft been confined to naval -affairs. Fortifications, hitherto considered -impregnable, were rendered untenable by reason of -the danger from attack from above; and in this -respect the reorganization of the Portsmouth -defences might be taken as an example of what -had to be done in other naval and military towns -of the British Isles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As is well known Portsmouth, the principal -naval arsenal of the British Empire, is defended -by a triple line of fortifications; while to prevent -subsidized tramp steamers from emulating Togo's -feat at Port Arthur by being sunk at the entrance -to the harbour a line of massive concrete blocks -were placed from the shore to the east of Southsea -Castle, extending seawards as far as to Horse -Sand Fort--one of the three built upon the -bottom of the sea. This form of defence was -severely criticized, for it proved a source of danger -to trading and other private ships, while at high -tide a torpedo-boat could with impunity pass -over the submerged artificial reef.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Consequently a permanent breakwater, -fashioned after the manner of that superb work -protecting Plymouth Sound, took the place of -the worse than useless concrete blocks; a similar -one was constructed from Ryde Sands to the -Noman Fort, and thus, with the exception of the -main channel between these two hitherto sea-girt -forts, Spithead was rendered almost immune from -torpedo-boat attacks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These breakwaters, and indeed all the fortifications -on shore, were armed with the latest type -of air-craft repelling armament; a three-inch -automatic gun, capable of firing one shell per -second. The bursting charge of each shell was -proved to have an effective radius of a hundred -yards, while the creation of air-waves and -"pockets" resulting from the detonation, would -seriously imperil the stability of every aeroplane -within three hundred yards. At night each of these -guns was supplied by an ingeniously constructed -searchlight that, projecting a narrow ray of light -almost parallel with the axis of the gun-barrel, -rendered a "miss" an impossibility unless the -range was greatly miscalculated. As the sights -of the weapon were altered the beam of the -searchlight was automatically adjusted. All the -gunlayer had to do was to train the searchlight -upon the hostile aircraft and fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet in spite of all these elaborate means of -defence the main portion of the British Navy, -seemingly anchored in perfect security at -Spithead, had received a most unpleasant moral -blow. Who and what is this mysterious Captain -Restronguet?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="sub-lieutenant-hythe-discovers-the-submarine"><span class="large">CHAPTER II.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">SUB-LIEUTENANT HYTHE DISCOVERS THE SUBMARINE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Pipe away the diving-party!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>H.M.S. "Ramillies," the flagship of the First -Battle Squadron of the Home Fleet, had just -anchored in almost the identical position that she -had occupied barely a quarter of an hour -previously. With mathematical precision the other -battleships of the squadron had also returned to -their late anchorage and were preparing to -investigate the mysterious occurrence in the shape -of a complimentary message from the still more -mysterious Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up from below tumbled the diving-party. -Air-pipes, life-lines, pumps, dresses, and helmets -were produced from some remote yet properly -apportioned part of the ship and were thrown -down in a seemingly chaotic manner upon the -steel deck. Actuated by electric power several -sections of the armoured shields between the -upper deck and the eaves of the V-shaped shell-proof -roof were lowered till they lay flat upon the -deck, and steel ladders for the divers' use were -rapidly placed in position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you wish me to go down, sir?" asked a -sub-lieutenant of the Number One.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, Mr. Hythe," replied the first -lieutenant. "Make a careful examination for -a radius of say fifty yards from the shot-rope. -You will doubtless be able to see the place where -the flukes of our anchor held before. Ascertain -if there are any traces of independent work; such -as footprints in the ooze, tracks of the underbody -of a submarine settling on the bottom, for example."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," replied the sub, who, saluting, -went off to be assisted into his diving-dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sub-lieutenant Arnold Hythe was generally -regarded as a smart and promising young officer. -These golden opinions were gained not by -self-advertisement, for the sub was unusually reticent -concerning his profession, but by sheer hard work -and a consistent application to that great deity -that should always be before the eyes of all true -subjects of the King--Duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He held a First-class certificate in Seamanship, -Gunnery, and Engineering; a Second in -Torpedo, and also in what the Navy List terms -"Voluntary Subjects"; he was a qualified -interpreter in French and German, and had more -than a smattering of Spanish and Italian. In -addition to these intellectual qualifications he -possessed a powerful physique, and had a sound -reputation as an all-round athlete whilst at Dartmouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The latter portion of his time as midshipman -and the first few months after his promotion to -sub-lieutenant were spent in duty with the Fifth -Submarine Flotilla, whose base was at Fort -Blockhouse at the entrance of Portsmouth -Harbour. But through some cause, to him quite -inexplicable, he had been appointed to the -"Ramillies." This was somewhat to the sub's -disgust, but realizing that it was of no use -repining over such matters, Arnold Hythe accepted -the change with cheerful alacrity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Banks and Moy, the two seamen divers who -were also to descend, were already dressed. All -that remained was for their copper helmets to be -donned, the telephones and air-tubes adjusted, and -the glass fronts screwed on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't expect you will find any actual -evidence, and it will be lucky if you come across any -circumstantial evidence," remarked Mr. Watterley, -the first lieutenant. "But in any case, should you -see anything of a suspicious nature, inform us -before proceeding to investigate. I need not remind -you that the east-going tide is making, and that -the current will be running fairly strong in a few -minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sub-lieutenant Hythe was a diver of -considerable experience. Ever since his first descent in -the training tank at Whale Island he took -naturally to the hazardous duty. Going under the sea -had a peculiar fascination for him, whether it was -in the hull of a submarine or encased in the -cumbersome india-rubber suit and ponderous helmet -of the diver.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men at the air-pumps began slowly to turn -the handles. The glass front plates of the sub's -helmet were secured, and assisted by a seaman -Hythe staggered awkwardly towards the head of -the iron ladder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rung by rung he descended till the water rose -to his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove, the tide does run," he muttered. -"If it's like this now, what will it be in another -ten minutes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Raising one arm he waved to those on deck, -then releasing his hold he allowed himself to drop -into the deep. The "Ramillies" was anchored -in nine fathoms, but ere the sub reached bottom -nearly a hundred and twenty feet of life-line and -air-tube were paid out. With an effort he gained -his footing and commenced to walk in the -direction of the ship's anchor, battling against the -two-knot current that swirled past him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although the sun was shining brightly and the -light at that depth ought to be fairly strong, the -sand and mud churned up by the tidal current made -it impossible to see beyond a few yards. With -nothing to guide him, for the life-line was quivering -in the swirling water, Hythe struggled stolidly -in the supposed direction. He realized that he was -practically on a fool's errand. The mysterious -person or agency who had been responsible for -attaching the message to the anchors of the -squadron was not likely to remain upon the scene of -his exploit, while already all the sought-for traces -must have been obliterated by the tide.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently two eerie-looking shapes ambled -towards him. They were his companions, Banks and Moy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if I am going in the wrong direction, -those fellows are making the same mistake," -thought the sub. "So here goes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another thirty yards were laboriously covered. -Here and there the divers had to make a detour -to avoid the wavy trailing masses of seaweed, -that, if not actually dangerous, would seriously -impede their progress, while at every few steps -numbers of flatfish, barely discernible from the -sand and mud in which they were partially buried, -would dart off with the utmost rapidity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank goodness, here's the shot-line," -exclaimed the sub, as a thin rope, magnified under -water to the size of a man's wrist, became visible -in the semi-gloom. The shot-line, terminating in -a heavy piece of lead, had previously been lowered -to serve as a guide for the divers to work from.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pointing in two opposite directions Hythe -signed to the two men to begin their investigations, -while he, taking a route that lay at right -angles to the others' course, began once more to -struggle against the current. Ere he had -traversed another ten yards his feet slipped into a -slight depression. It was the hole scooped out -by the flukes of the "Ramillies'" stockless anchor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Could do with a lamp," he remarked to -himself, then stooping he began to examine the bed -of mud and sand in which he stood. Beyond the -almost filled-in cavity and the faint traces of the -sweep of the battleship's anchor-chain there was -nothing to attract his attention. He turned to -look at his own footprints. They were already -practically obliterated, so it was hopeless to expect -to find the footprints of the mysterious diver or -divers who had contrived to visit each of the -anchors of the battleships in turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anything to report?" asked a voice through -the telephone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," replied the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thought as much," said Watterley. "Merely -a matter of form. You may as well come up. -I'll recall the two men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sub-Lieutenant Hythe was not sorry to hear -the order to return. Had there been any -possibility of success he would have prosecuted -his investigations with alacrity, but Spithead with -an east-going spring tide running is no place to -indulge in submarine excursions. The danger -of getting life-line and air-tube foul of some unseen -obstruction was no slight one.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-73"> -<span id="the-next-instant-he-felt-himself-being-hurled-violently-backwards"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""THE NEXT INSTANT HE FELT HIMSELF BEING HURLED VIOLENTLY BACKWARDS."" src="images/img-022.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"THE NEXT INSTANT HE FELT HIMSELF BEING HURLED VIOLENTLY BACKWARDS."</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe adjusted the valve of his helmet prior -to giving the recognized number of tugs on the -life-line--the signal to be hauled up. The next -instant he felt himself being hurled violently -backwards by a sudden and irresistible swirl of water. -Within ten feet of him a huge, ill-defined mass of -what appeared to be bright metal tore past. He -was just conscious of a vision of one of a pair of -propellers thrashing the muddy water and the -object was lost to view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a narrow squeak!" he growled -angrily. "By Jove, I shouldn't be surprised if -Banks is done for. It's a submarine, that I'll swear, -but not one of ours. Ours are painted a dull -grey and that seems to be a huge moving mirror."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of his strong nerves, a mild panic -overtook the sub. He signalled frantically to be -drawn up, and to his relief he found himself -alongside the battleship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Grasping a line that was thrown him, Hythe -hauled himself along till he reached the iron -ladder. Here he clung, too excited to attempt -to climb, until a seaman descended and assisted -him up the side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up, Mr. Hythe? You look as if -you'd seen a ghost," exclaimed the Number -One, as the front plate of the sub-lieutenant's -helmet was removed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are Banks and Moy safe?" gasped the young officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Safe? Of course they are," replied Lieutenant -Watterley, giving a hasty glance over -the side to where two distinct clusters of -air-bubbles marked the progress of the divers. -"What have you seen? But no, say nothing -more at present. Wait till you're out of your -dress, and you can report to the captain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arnold Hythe sat down on a bollard and -attempted to collect his scattered thoughts, while -his attendant proceeded to remove his helmet -and leaden weights. Ere his india-rubber dress -was stripped off Banks and Moy appeared over -the side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well?" demanded the first lieutenant laconically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothin' to report, sir," replied Banks, while -his companion signified corroboration by a nod -of his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Watterley looked inquiringly at the sub. -The flush upon his face had vanished and his -features were white with excitement. Several -of the officers had come up and were engaged in -plying Hythe with questions, to which the latter -paid no attention. He was still in a kind of -stupor, the result of a sudden shock to his nerves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now then, Mr. Hythe--why, what's the -matter with you? Here, I must send for the -staff-surgeon; I must, by George!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assisted by two of his brother officers the -sub was taken below, and in a very short space -of time Doctor Hamworthy succeeded in bringing -him to a more normal state.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Admiral Hobbes, hardly able to -conceal his impatience beneath a cloak of official -reserve, was engaged in animated conversation -with Captain Warborough upon the eventful -incidents that had necessitated the return of the -Fleet to Spithead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Commander-in-Chief coming off, sir!" -reported the lieutenant of the watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tearing as hard as her sixty horse-power -motors could drive her the Admiral's pinnace -containing the Commander-in-Chief, the -Admiral-Superintendent of the Dockyard, and the -military Governor of the Fortress headed towards -the "Ramillies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Received with due ceremony and formality -the officials came over the side, and on being -welcomed by Vice-Admiral Hobbes were taken -below to the latter's cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Hobbes, what do you make of this -business, eh?" asked Sir Peter Garboard. -"Have you taken any steps to investigate?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sent three divers down," replied the -Vice-Admiral. "I am even now awaiting their -report."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then the sooner the better," rejoined the -Commander-in-Chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Admiral Hobbes touched a bell and a marine -orderly entered the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pass the word for Mr. Watterley."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The marine orderly saluted and doubled along -the half-deck, nearly bowling over the -staff-surgeon and the first lieutenant who were -already on their way to make their report to -the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's this? Mr. Hythe frightened by -something he saw beneath the surface?" -demanded Vice-Admiral Hobbes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," replied Doctor Hamworthy. "He -is suffering from a shock to the nervous system; -the symptoms are almost identical with those -resulting from a severe electric shock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't mean to say that Mr. Hythe is -the victim of a submarine discharge?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not assert, sir; I merely stated my -opinion based upon observations."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how is he now?" asked the Vice-Admiral -impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fairly fit; he could be judiciously -cross-examined," replied the staff-surgeon. "But, -unless absolutely necessary----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is absolutely necessary," interposed -Admiral Hobbes; then turning to the first -lieutenant he continued:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what were the other men doing? I -understand that there were two seamen sent -down. Were they injured?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They saw nothing unusual, sir," replied -Mr. Watterley. "I subjected them to a strict -examination. They walked in opposite directions -from the shot-rope, athwart the tide, while -Mr. Hythe went dead against the current. The -water was very muddy. The men said they -could see about ten yards in front of them. -Banks, after the question was repeated, said he -fancied he felt a cross-current that might have -been the following-wave of a submerged vessel -moving at high speed----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the by," interposed Sir Peter Garboard. -"I suppose you ascertained that none of our -submarine flotilla were manoeuvring at Spithead?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no, sir; or rather, I mean yes, sir," -replied the harassed lieutenant. "We signalled -to Fort Blockhouse and in reply were informed -that F 1, 3, 7, and 9 of the 2nd Flotilla went -out at 7 this morning for exercise off the Nab. -Those were the only submarines under way -from this port. I also asked them to communicate -with the Submarine Depots at Devonport, -Dover, Sheerness, Harwich----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope you didn't give the reason, by Jove!" -exclaimed Sir Peter vehemently. "If the papers -get hold of the news there'll be a pretty rumpus."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shouldn't be surprised if the Press hasn't -received more information than we have," remarked -Rear-Admiral Maynebrace. "It passes my -comprehension how they manage it. One thing, it's -no use trying to hush the matter up. We cannot -expect to muzzle nearly five thousand men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wish to goodness I could!" snapped Sir -Peter. Then addressing Mr. Watterley, he -added: "Oh, first lieutenant, will you please -send for Mr. Hythe, so that we can hear his -version of the business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes later Sub-Lieutenant Hythe was -shown into the Admiral's cabin. The young -officer was still pale. His iron nerves had -received a severe shock, but thanks to Doctor -Hamworthy's attentions he was able to pull -himself together sufficiently to give a fairly full -account of what had occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How would you describe the submarine that -passed so close to you?" asked Captain Warborough.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She was quite unlike any of our types, sir. -I noticed she was almost wall-sided, with a very -flat floor. Instead of tapering to a point fore and -aft she had a straight stem and, I believe, a rounded -stern, cut away so as to protect the propellers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How many propellers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two, I think, sir. I distinctly saw the -starboard one revolving. The eddy from it prevented -my seeing anything more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm. By the by, had she a conning-tower?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I could not see, sir. Her upper deck must -have been quite twelve feet above my head."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What colour was she painted?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That, sir, I can hardly describe. I can only -liken the sides to a huge mirror that reflected -objects without reflecting the sunlight at the same -time. As it was I could only see that portion of -her that passed immediately in front of me. I -could not even give an estimate as to her length, -or even the speed at which she was travelling."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You were capsized, I believe. Did anything -strike you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An under-water wave, sir, hurled me backwards. -Nothing actually struck me, but I felt a -strange paralysing sensation in my limbs, so that -I could not make my way back to the shot-rope. -All I could do was to signal to be hauled up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then how do you account for the fact that -this submarine craft passed close to you, and yet -was unseen by Banks who was farther from the -ship than you were?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I regret, sir, I cannot hazard an opinion," -replied the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That will do, Mr. Hythe," said the -Commander-in-Chief, indicating that the interview was -at an end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, by the way, Doctor," he continued, after -the sub had left the cabin, "I suppose you -have no doubt that this young officer actually </span><em class="italics">did</em><span> -see this submarine? Is it possible that he was -the victim of a hallucination?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From Mr. Hythe's medical sheet, and from -my personal knowledge of his physical and mental -condition, I have every reason to reply in the -negative to both your questions, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, well, gentlemen," exclaimed Sir Peter, -"we have a great task in front of us, with very -little data to work upon. We have reason to -suppose that there is a mysterious submarine -commanded by an equally mysterious Captain -Restronguet--a name that suggests that the fellow -is French. We have definite evidence that by -some unknown means that Captain Restronguet -is able to execute extensive and fairly intricate -work, namely, fixing those painted boards to the -fluke of the anchors of the Fleet. How it was -done has to be proved, and it must be proved up -to the hilt, for even though no hostile act has -been committed it is quite evident that the ships -at Spithead were quite at the mercy of this -unknown submarine. As far as the safety of the -Fleet at Spithead is concerned, you, my dear -Hobbes, are responsible. I, for my part, -must take due precautions to prevent this -submarine from entering the harbour, and I venture -to assert, gentlemen, that when our preparations -are complete, this Captain Restronguet and his -submarine will be neatly trapped."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-man-who-walked-out-of-the-sea"><span class="large">CHAPTER III.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE MAN WHO WALKED OUT OF THE SEA.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Before night the news of the event that caused -the manoeuvres to be hurriedly abandoned had -been published in the papers. Most of the -journals contented themselves with a brief account -of what had transpired, based upon reports that -had been obtained from men serving in the Fleet; -for although liberty men were not landed -communication with the shore had to be maintained. -Other papers enlarged on the actual facts, and -announced in double-leaded columns that a foreign -submarine had attempted to fix mines to the -hulls of the ships at Spithead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never had there been such conjectures since -the time when some years previously an airship -of unknown nationality had sailed over Chatham -and Sheerness. People asked what was the use -of making elaborate defences against aircraft when -a submarine could unseen enter the most -strongly fortified roadstead in the world and coolly -tamper with the moorings of the Fleet?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the Naval authorities at Portsmouth, -who regarded Captain Restronguet's visit -as a slur upon their capabilities, lost no time in -prosecuting their investigations. A stupendous -obstruction, formed of several old torpedo nets -fastened together, was thrown across the Needles -Channel between Cliff End Fort in the Isle of -Wight and Hurst Castle on the Hampshire shore; -while a similar defence net was placed between -the seaward extremities of the two new -breakwaters on the eastern side of Spithead. All -homeward bound shipping was forbidden to make -for any of the ports within these obstructions, -while an embargo was placed upon all merchant -vessels about to leave Southampton, Portsmouth -and Cowes, and their outlying ports. It was a -drastic order, and quite unnecessary, but the -country was almost in a state of panic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into the enclosed area every available trawler -suitable for mine-sweeping, as well as all the -dockyard hopper-barges fitted with appliances for -"creeping" were kept busily at work, till hardly -a square yard of the bottom of the Solent was -left unexplored, and not until this particular work -was completed did the authorities agree that the -mysterious submarine might have left these waters -almost as soon as Captain Restronguet had left -his new-fangled cards upon the officers commanding -H.M. ships at Spithead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While these dragging operations were in -progress the force of the tide through the Needles -Channel, which often exceeds seven knots, tore -away the nets thrown across that passage. Two -days later the easternmost netdefence was removed, -and it was then found that a rent thirty feet in -length had been made in the steel meshes. -Whether this was done by human or natural -agency could not be determined, a minute -examination of the fracture ending in nothing but -heated arguments between the experts who had -been called in to make a report.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the same day that the torpedo net defences -were removed the master of SS. "Barberton -Castle" reported sighting two submarines lying -motionless on the water, about fifteen miles S.S.E. of -the Lizard. He stated that owing to the -submarines being against the light he was unable to -see them at all distinctly, yet he felt certain that -they were of a totally different type from those -of the British and French navies. They were so -close together that the bows of one overlapped -the quarters of the other, and thinking that they -were in distress, he ordered the "Barberton -Castle's" head to be turned in their direction. -Directly the tramp answered to her helm both -submarines dived simultaneously, and were lost -to view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next morning Reuter's published a -telegram from their agent at Cherbourg, announcing -that the mysterious Captain Restronguet had -brought his submarine into the harbour and at -high tide had placed three dummy mines at the -entrance to the docks in the naval arsenal. To -each of the mines was a tablet on which was -painted "Avec les assurances de ma plus parfaite -consideration--Restronguet, capitan de sous-marin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With the fall of the tide, that here exceeds -twenty feet, these disquieting evidences were -discovered, and within a few hours Captain -Restronguet was the talk of all the cafés of Paris. -The French, pioneers in submarine warfare, were -now at a loss to explain how a submerged craft -could, in broad daylight, enter the breakwater-enclosed -harbour and run alongside the caissons -of the docks without being discovered, while to -deposit three bulky "mines" in water of not -more than three fathoms in depth was an exploit -that required a lot of explanation as to how it -was done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The transference of Captain Restronguet's -attentions to the other side of the Channel -relaxed the tension on the British shore. But, -bearing in mind that Cherbourg is only a few -hours' distance from Portsmouth, the naval authorities -at the latter port were still on tenter-hooks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A week passed. The First Battle Squadron -of the Home Fleet still remained at Spithead, -although under orders to proceed to the Nore at -an early date.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At 11.15 one morning a startling incident -occurred that, rightly or wrongly, was attributed -in some manner to Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was on Southsea beach, almost midway -between the pier and the castle. The beach and -parade were thronged with people, mostly visitors -who had taken advantage of the Fleet's presence -to enjoy the view of the ships. The sea was -perfectly smooth, being unruffled by the light -off-shore breeze; the tide was, however, running -very strongly, for it was about the fourth hour of -the ebb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a succession of shrieks from a group -of children paddling in the water attracted the -attention of persons in the vicinity, and to the -astonishment of every one the head and shoulders -of a man encased in a dull green metal helmet -emerged from the waves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a few moments the man hesitated, then -staggered out of the water. At the edge of the -beach he sat down and began to remove his head-dress, -that the onlookers noticed was unprovided -with air-tube or life-line. He was apparently quite -independent of an outside air-supply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Surprise had hitherto kept the spectators at a -respectful distance, although their numbers were -momentarily increased by others, until a deep -semicircle of gaping onlookers hedged the diver -in on the landward side. But as soon as he -began to take off his helmet the crowd swayed -nearer and nearer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The removal of the metal head-dress revealed -the features of a man of about thirty years of age, -clean-shaven and with closely-cropped dark-brown -hair that had a tendency to curl. Without -speaking a word the unknown drew a knife from his -belt and began to hack rapidly at some contrivance -at the back of his helmet. As soon as he had -severed the part he was attacking he stood up -and hurled it far into the sea. This done he -calmly began to strip off the stiff fabric that -composed his diving suit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the coastguard on duty at the -look-out hut had noticed the crowd congregate, -and through his glass saw that something unusual -was happening and that a diver had come ashore. -Since there were no Government diving boats -anywhere in sight he naturally thought that it -was a case for investigation, and the detachment -of coastguards was promptly turned out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, sir, what's the meaning of this?" demanded -the chief officer, forcing his way through -the crowd. "Who are you, and how did you -manage to get ashore here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I can easily explain," replied the -unknown. "I am an inventor, and this diving-dress -represents the result of seven years' work. I -walked into the sea at Gosport a couple of hours -ago, but, getting caught in the strong current -running out of Portsmouth Harbour, I was swept -a great distance until I managed to regain my -feet. By walking in a direction due north as -shown by my watertight compass I came ashore -here. Needless to say I do not look for publicity, -and all I wish is to pack up my discarded gear -and go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief officer looked at the stranger with -mingled astonishment, admiration, and doubt. -Never before had he known of a diver covering -a distance of more than two miles, and that -without the assistance of a boat containing the -necessary apparatus for supplying the submerged man -with air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hanged if I know what to make of it, -Smithers!" he said in an aside to his leading -petty officer. "Perhaps he's a spy, or one of -that blooming Captain Restronguet's crowd. -This beats all creation!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't we detain him on suspicion?" asked -Smithers. "I'll swear he's up to no good."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've half a mind to," replied the chief officer -dubiously. "But, you see, they'll come down on -me like a hundred of bricks if I exceed my duty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Invite him to the station, friendly-like," -suggested the petty officer, "then, while he's there, -you can telephone for instructions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll try it, by smoke!" ejaculated the chief -officer, and approaching the unknown he asked -if he would like to dry his clothes at the coast-guard -station, since his ordinary garments, owing -to the exertion in a confined space, were dripping -with moisture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, thank you," replied the submarine -pedestrian. "All I want is to get a taxi, and -make myself scarce. The attentions of so large -a crowd are really embarrassing, and I am a man -of a very retiring disposition. Had I expected -this reception I should have vastly preferred to -have landed in a more secluded spot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that he ignored his questioners and began -to roll his diving suit into as small a compass as -possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The coastguards were on the horns of a dilemma. -They feared to make an unlawful arrest, while -they might be severely brought to book for allowing -the stranger to slip through their fingers, but -there was nothing in the King's Regulations to -prevent a man landing on a public beach, whether -from a boat, hydro-aeroplane, or otherwise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just at that instant a policeman strolled leisurely -up, and scenting a charge, produced his notebook -and pencil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hi! What's this you're up to?" he demanded, -but the unknown totally ignored him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't he speak English?" asked the policeman -of the coastguard officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather," asserted the other emphatically; then -in a lower tone he added, "Look here, we want -to detain the man, but we cannot name a charge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll see about that," retorted the policeman. -"Now, sir, your name and address, please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allow me to inform you, constable, that my -name is not 'Hi.' Since you addressed me as -such you must not be surprised that your question -was ignored."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A titter went up from the crowd, which had the -effect of rousing the ire of the representative of -the Law.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, sir, your name and address, please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What for, constable?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For bathing off a public beach in prohibited hours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't talk rot!" exclaimed the unknown indignantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good; since you refuse I have no -option--I arrest you. Any statement you make -may be used as evidence against you. Come -along with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Attended by the surging crowd the policeman -escorted his charge to the road, where a cab was -hailed. The chief officer of coastguards was -requested to accompany the prisoner as a witness, -and the three entered the vehicle and were driven -to the police-station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here, in order to gain time, the prisoner was -formally charged with unlawful bathing, and as -the Court was still sitting at the Town Hall he -was ordered to be taken there at once. The -chief officer meanwhile communicated with the -naval authorities by telephone, expressing his -opinion that the diver was a member of the -mysterious Captain Restronguet's submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the prisoner never arrived at the Town -Hall. When the cab stopped outside the court -a policeman was found insensible on the seat. -The floor had been violently ripped up, and -unknown to the driver and the constable on the -box the suspect had got clean away. By some -inexplicable agency the unknown had deprived -his captor of his senses, and the mystery of Captain -Restronguet had entered into another phase.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-signal-from-the-depths"><span class="large">CHAPTER IV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SIGNAL FROM THE DEPTHS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Naval appointments: The following appointment -was made at the Admiralty this afternoon: -Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe to the 'Investigator' -for special duties (undated)."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This item, in the Stop-Press columns of an -evening paper, was shown to Sub-Lieutenant -Hythe by one of his brother officers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are a lucky dog!" exclaimed the latter. -"My Lords evidently recognize your capabilities -as a diver. Well, good luck, old man. I hope -you'll play the chief part in running down this -plaguey fellow. Hang it all, I cannot see that -he's doing any harm, except that all leave is -stopped until something is done to stop his little -antics."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that is hard lines," assented the sub. -"But I'll do my level best, no doubt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>H.M. surveying vessel "Investigator" was -lying in dock at Portsmouth, and was under -orders to proceed to sea at the first possible -opportunity, her errand being to endeavour to locate -and capture the submarine that, it was generally -agreed, was still in the vicinity of Spithead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To cope with the situation a special Bill had -been hurriedly introduced into Parliament making -it an offence against the Naval Secrets Act for -any person to manoeuvre a private submarine -within five miles of specified naval ports. The -Bill received the Royal assent and became law -within thirty-six hours after the escape of the -suspect arrest on Southsea beach, an individual -who was generally accepted as being the man of -mystery, Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fellow's diving gear, or at any rate the -major portion of it, remained in the hands of the -authorities. After being subjected to a lengthy -research at the hands of the Diving School at -Whale Island the following report was issued -confidentially: "The helmet is of a metal hitherto -unknown, possessing all the advantages of -aluminium, without the known disadvantages. It is -a departure from the usual form, having a -ridge-shaped projection in front, possibly to lessen the -resistance to the water when moving on the -bottom of the sea. The helmet is also valveless, -the air, chemically prepared, is by some means -kept at a fairly high pressure, sufficient to distend -the suit in order to do away with any discomfort -to the wearer by reason of the weight of water. -The suit is made, not of rubber as was at first -supposed, but of an unknown quality of flexible -metal. When distended it also presents an edge -in front, in order to minimize lateral resistance. -How the air is purified is still a secret, the -apparatus for so doing having been detached and -thrown into the sea by the unknown. A diligent -search had failed to produce this important item. -Undoubtedly the suit, when complete, is far in -advance of any now used in the Service."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A careful watch was maintained along the -shore, the coastguards stationed in the district -being temporarily augmented by men drafted -from more remote places. Yet no trace of the -mysterious submarine on the surface was to be -seen. How, when and where the craft replenished -her fuel necessary for locomotion purposes -and her provisions and fresh water completely -baffled the naval experts; for a fortnight had -elapsed since she announced her appearance at -Spithead, and save for the temporary visit to -Cherbourg all evidence pointed to the fact that -she was still within the limits of the Port of -Portsmouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arnold Hythe duly joined the "Investigator" -as officer in charge of the diving parties. Twelve -first-class seamen-divers were drafted into the -ship, while special gear for "creeping" was placed -on board. Submarine apparatus for recording by -sound the presence of submerged craft under way -was also installed, so that it was impossible for -any vessel making the faintest noise to approach -within two miles of the "Investigator." Even -the wavelets lapping the bows of a passing -fishing-smack would be reproduced with unerring fidelity. -Just before high water the "Investigator" was -undocked; steam was soon raised, for the surveying -vessel, being of an old type, was driven by -reciprocating engines and oil-fed boilers. Almost -at the moment of casting off the hawsers and -springs came news that caused the greatest -disappointment amongst officers and crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet had, according to the -latest report, turned up in a totally different spot. -This time he devoted his attention to the German -port of Wilhelmshaven. Here his visit was not -of a comparatively harmless nature, for the locks -of the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal were totally -demolished by means of a powerful explosive. The -battleship, "Karl Adelbert," that was about to -pass out of the canal, was badly damaged. In the -confusion six destroyers and submarines were -ordered from Cuxhaven. They were quickly on -the spot, but no trace of the mysterious submarine -was to be seen, except a small barrel painted -white and green, with the name "Captain -Restronguet" in bold letters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Investigator" was immediately ordered to -make fast one of the buoys in Portsmouth harbour. -Her special mission was, for the time being at -least, over; a far more serious situation had arisen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German Government, supported almost -entirely by the Press of that country, actually -suggested that, since Captain Restronguet had -committed an act of piracy against the German -Fleet while he had refrained from so doing on his -visit to Portsmouth and Cherbourg, Great Britain -and France were secretly aware of the identity of -this modern buccaneer, and that they had -encouraged him to make an unlawful act of hostility -towards a friendly Power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three army corps were hastily ordered to -Hanover and Schleswig-Holstein, the German -High Sea Fleet was ordered to assemble at a -rendezvous off Heligoland, and every available -battleship, cruiser, destroyer and submarine in the -Baltic was sent through the Great Belt and -around the Skaw to augment the naval armament -already in the North Sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The British Government met the situation -with promptitude, firmness, and calmness. The -First and Second Home Fleets settled at the -Nore; the Third Home Fleet, which happened -to be cruising off the Orkneys, was ordered to -the Firth of Forth. Troops were quickly -entrained at Aldershot and Salisbury Plain for the -defence of the East Coast, while the Territorial -Army and the National Reserve were called up -for garrison duty. At the same time a statement -was made to the German Ambassador in -London in which His Majesty's Government totally -repudiated the suggestions that Captain -Restronguet held any authority, either direct or indirect, -from the Crown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this the German Press retorted by -pronouncing the declaration to be a diplomatic lie, -and unanimously urged the Imperial Government -to recall its ambassador. All privately owned -airships in the Fatherland were taken possession -of by the authorities, and ordered to the -newly-formed Government aerodrome at Munster, a -Westphalian town sufficiently far from the sea -to be out of the reach of the guns of hostile -warships, yet within a few hours' flying distance -from the East Coast of England.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The struggle, if it came off, would be a -desperate one. Both fleets were almost numerically -equal, the British having a slight margin of -superiority, but in aircraft the Germans held -a decided advantage. In the science of warfare -there was little to choose between the two, so -that as far as Great Britain was concerned the -issue depended upon whether the British tars -still retained their bull-dog tenacity that -characterized their forefathers in the days of the old -wooden walls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of the British Government's coolness -and determination the country, that had passed -through so many international complications with -safety, was in a panic. Consols dropped lower -than ever they had been known to fall; prices -immediately rose with a bound, and within twelve -hours of the receipt of the disquieting news of -Captain Restronguet's escapade at Wilhelmshaven -the country was experiencing the horrors of war -without actually being engaged in a desperate -conflict on which her very existence depended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the morning following the momentous -news from Wilhelmshaven a message appeared -in </span><em class="italics">The Times</em><span>. It was a statement purporting -to come from Captain Restronguet, in which -he emphatically denied ever being in German -waters, and that as a proof he would give a sure -sign of his presence off the shores of Great -Britain. At noon of that very day he would -give a demonstration of the irresistible powers -at his command at a spot somewhere between -the Horse Sand Fort and the entrance to -Portsmouth Harbour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think it is a joke, sir?" asked -Sub-Lieutenant Hythe of the navigating officer of -the "Investigator."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you think of it, may I ask?" -replied Lieutenant Egmont guardedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Personally, I hardly consider that it is a -hoax. You see the notice appeared in the -Personal Column."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And paid for in the usual manner, I suppose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But the Business Editor has the option of -refusing any advertisement."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what makes me think there's -something genuine about it. Again, the paper has -a short leader on it: non-committal, it is true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how can a fellow cooped up in a -submarine that is being watched for all along the -coast contrive to get ashore to send off a message -to </span><em class="italics">The Times</em><span>?" asked Egmont. "How can -he keep in touch with affairs? Why, in order -to have that notice inserted he must have heard -of the Wilhelmshaven business within an hour or -so of its occurrence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Admitted; but all the same Captain -Restronguet is a modern magician in submarine work. -I should not be surprised if he has a perfect -wireless service at his command. By the by, -has Captain Tarfag orders to proceed to Spithead?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, and he told me himself that he didn't -want to be sent on a wild-goose chase. The -Admiral has ordered a couple of aero-hydroplanes -to manoeuvre over the place indicated at noon, -and to keep a sharp look-out for any suspicious -object under the surface. There they are, by -Jove!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both officers stopped in their "constitutional," -a to and fro promenade of the short -quarterdeck of the "Investigator." A dull hum, -momentarily growing louder, announced that Nos. 27 -and 29 Aero-hydroplanes had left their sheds on -the shores of Fareham Creek and were rising -rapidly to the height of one thousand feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as this altitude was reached both -aero-hydroplanes, abandoning their spiral motion, -leapt forward, and passing high above the -shipping in the harbour were soon mere specks -floating in the blue sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Watch in hand the sub waited. It was close -on the fateful hour of noon. To and fro, in -elliptical curves, the aero-hydroplanes maintained -their lofty vigil, each turning at almost the same -moment and passing within fifty yards of one -another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Twelve o'clock! Hythe and his brother -officer exchanged glances. Captain Tarfag -ascended the bridge, and hailing the wireless -operator and the yeoman of signals by telephone, -demanded if either of them had received news -of the mysterious submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No message has been received at the -Semaphore Tower, sir," they replied. The captain -gave a deprecating shrug and descended the -ladder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're coming back, by Jove!" exclaimed -Lieutenant Egmont, after another ten minutes -had elapsed. "That proves that the message -was a hoax."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They may have seen something," suggested -the sub, unwilling to have his opinions shattered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not they. Do you mean to tell me that -if they had spotted anything suspicious they -would not follow it up. I was----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The navigating officer's words were interrupted -by a heavy detonation, like the report of a -fourteen-inch gun fired with a full charge. Beyond -the houses of Old Portsmouth, and at an altitude -of about five hundred feet, a cloud of yellow smoke -hung almost motionless in the still air. The -aero-hydroplanes, overtaken by a wave of -disturbed atmosphere, lurched violently, although -fully a mile from the actual place of the explosion. -It required all the efforts at the command of -their crew to save the aerial vessels from -destruction, but recovering their equilibrium by -superb manoeuvring of the planes, the aero-hydroplanes -turned and headed towards that portion -of Spithead over which they had so lately been -reconnoitring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! There's pluck for you!" ejaculated -Egmont. "That was Restronguet's signal. If it -had been to time those fellows would have been -done for; and now they're trying to spot the -submarine. You were right after all, Hythe. -That paragraph was not a hoax."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Tarfag was in the middle of lunch -when the detonation was heard. He rushed on -deck, and realizing that it was a case where -waiting for orders would be detrimental to success, -he ordered the moorings to be slipped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within the harbour all was commotion. -Nearly a dozen destroyers, two scouts, and three -tugs were making for Spithead, while five more -aero-hydroplanes and the naval airship -"Beresford" were ploughing their way against a stiff -south-easterly breeze towards the scene of -Captain Restronguet's latest demonstration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One noticeable result of the explosion was that -within a quarter of an hour the weather, hitherto -perfectly calm, became changed. Clouds were -rapidly banking up, with every appearance of a -heavy thunderstorm, while the placid waters of -Spithead were now white with foam-crested waves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For two hours the "Investigator" and her -consorts cruised up and down, betwixt the Nab -Lightship to the eastward and Cowes to the -west. Aloft the aircraft kept anxious watch and -ward, till it seemed impossible that any craft -could lie at the bottom of that comparatively -shallow roadstead without being discovered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing to report," came the wireless message -from the aircraft with monotonous regularity. -Captain Restronguet had outwitted the eyes and -ears of the British Fleet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon the "Investigator's" return to Portsmouth -Harbour it was possible to obtain details -of what had occurred: The sea wall in front of -Southsea Castle was crowded with people who, -half-doubting, were yet sufficiently curious to see -whether the promise in </span><em class="italics">The Times</em><span> would be -redeemed. They saw the two aero-hydroplanes -approach and manoeuvre over the pre-arranged -area. They heard the clocks chime the hour of -twelve. They waited a few moments longer, -nothing happened, so with a derisive cheer they -began to disperse. Some remained--mostly those -of the leisured class who were not restricted by -the midday meal that the British workman holds -up as an established institution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly--it was exactly at eleven minutes -past twelve--a column of water leapt vertically -upwards at less than four hundred yards -from the shore. There was a shrieking sound -like the screech of a high velocity projectile, -followed by a detonation so powerful that most -of the spectators on the sea-front were deaf for -days afterwards. The ground trembled, several -persons were overthrown; the windows of several -houses overlooking the common were broken. -Expecting a shower of scraps of metal from the -bursting projectile the terror-stricken crowd broke -and ran, but curiously enough no one could -afterwards be found to report that anything of a solid -nature fell to earth. Captain Restronguet's token -was merely an explosive rocket of high power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That same afternoon news came that a German -seagoing training-ship, the "Sachsen" was sunk -by some unknown means in Kiel Harbour, and -another green and white buoy bearing Captain -Restronguet's name, was found floating over the -wreck of the sunken vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By what manner, incomprehensible beyond the -wildest dream of fiction, could this Captain -Restronguet be at Portsmouth just after noon and at -Kiel, in the Baltic Sea, two hours later? Was -his submarine in possession of supernatural -powers whereby he could annihilate space and -practically conquer time? The theory was no -sooner advanced than it was regarded as utterly -impossible; the opinion that Captain Restronguet -was, after all, not responsible for the outrages at -Wilhelmshaven began to gain ground both in -Great Britain and Germany.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In naval and military circles the importance -of the offensive powers of the mysterious -submarine were fully commented upon. It was -recognized that submarine warfare was more than -likely to regain the supremacy that had been -wrested from it by aircraft. Here was a -submerged vessel, invisible although only in seven -fathoms of water, that could project a shell -charged with a high explosive vertically to a -great height. Although not in the accepted sense -of the word an aerial torpedo, the rocket had -seriously affected the stability of the two -aero-hydroplanes that were at a distance hitherto -considered as a safe margin. Had it been an aerial -torpedo instead of a rocket the result would have -been terrible to contemplate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><em class="italics">The Chronicle</em><span> appeared next morning with -an apology and manifesto from Captain -Restronguet. He regretted that, owing to the -proximity of the two aero-hydroplanes, he was -not able to give his promised token precisely -at the hour of twelve, and trusted that the British -public would realize that the slight delay was due -solely to his desire to avoid loss of life and -property to His Majesty's subjects. He once more -repudiated any suggestion that the Kiel outrage -was carried out at his instigation, and, further, -as a proof of good faith, he hoped to give an -exhibition of the forces at his command this time in -Plymouth Sound. At 6 a.m. on the following -day, unless unforeseen circumstances prevented, he -would make known his presence in Cawsand Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as this decision was communicated to -the Admiralty telegraphic orders were sent to -Portsmouth, ordering the "Investigator" to -proceed at once to Plymouth, where, co-operating -with the surveying-vessel "Mudlark," she was to -make every effort to effect the capture of Captain -Restronguet's submersible ship.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="captured"><span class="large">CHAPTER V.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CAPTURED.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At 4 a.m. the "Investigator" arrived off the -eastern arm of Plymouth Breakwater, whence she -signalled to Devonport Dockyard the news of -her arrival. The lights of the "Mudlark" were -soon afterwards observed as she threaded her -way through the tortuous passage between -Drake's Island and the mainland, and in company -the two vessels bore away in the direction of -Penlee Point.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Officers and crew were in a state of suppressed -excitement. If Captain Restronguet were a man -of his word, as he evidently was, his capture -seemed certain, for the waters of Cawsand Bay -were admirably suited to the arrangements which -Captain Tarfag had made for his great coup.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By dawn the vicinity of the bay presented a -scene of animation. The cliffs between the -village of Cawsand and Penlee Tower were black -with people. Thousands of the good folk of the -Three Towns had crossed over to Cremyll and -thence, mostly on foot--for the number of vehicles -available was quite inadequate--had tramped the -hilly road across Maker Heights. Kept at a -respectful distance by a strong patrol of picquet-boats -were hundreds of crafts of all sizes, from -the frail pleasure skiff to the weatherly -fishing-smacks and the local ferry steamers. Beyond -these lay several battleships and cruisers whose -presence had not yet been required in the North -Sea; and since they were of an older type, with -masts and unprotected decks, they were literally -covered with human beings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A better place to effect the capture of the -submarine could hardly be found, for the depth -shelved gradually from twenty feet close inshore -to forty along a line joining the extremities of -Penlee and Picklecombe Points.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The after-decks of the two surveying vessels -were buried beneath piles of nets composed of -three-inch tarred rope intermeshed with flexible -steel wire. These could be "paid-out" with -considerable rapidity, and being buoyed and -weighted would sink automatically till their upper -edge was ten feet below the surface and their -lower edge the same distance from the bottom. -Both vessels were to start simultaneously from -the western extremity of the Breakwater and -head for Penlee and Picklecombe Points -respectively, where strong parties of seamen were -ready to haul the ends of the nets ashore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At half-past five Captain Tarfag gave the -order to commence paying out the obstructions, -and at a steady six knots the "Investigator" -steamed ahead, her consort, being a slower vessel, -having to take the shorter distance--that between -the Breakwater and Picklecombe. Precisely at -five minutes to six the shoreward ends of the nets -were secured.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If Captain Restronguet keeps his promise he -is already safe in the net!" exclaimed Lieutenant -Egmont. "You see, there is nothing to prevent -him from giving his signal at the appointed time. -There are no vessels in the bay, and no aircraft -overhead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will be a nasty shock to those craft if he -fires a rocket over their heads," remarked Arnold -Hythe, indicating the crowd of small vessels that, -in spite of the picquet-boats, were continually -edging nearer and nearer in the desire of their -occupants to see more of the promised "fun." "But -what is going to happen when we trap the -submarine?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Captain Tarfag and I have already -settled about that," replied the navigating -lieutenant confidentially. "As soon as we are certain -that the submarine is in the bay parties of men -ashore will drag in the nets, till the craft is either -stranded or her propellers are hopelessly entangled -in the rope and wire strands. But stand by! -It's close on six."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A hush fell on the assembled multitudes. -Every face was turned in the direction of the -tranquil bay, where, save for a slight ground-swell, -the water was unruffled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowds were not kept waiting. Punctually -to the minute, at less than four hundred yards -from shore and almost abreast of the little village -that gives the bay its name, a green and white -flag, hanging limply from a staff by reason of the -saturated state of the bunting, rose above the -surface. Then urged by some unseen power the -flag-staff ripped its way through the water, -throwing the spray in silvery cascades. Then it -described a circle of less than a hundred yards in -diameter, then as abruptly as it appeared the -emblem of the mysterious Captain Restronguet -vanished beneath the surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've got him, by Jove!" shouted Captain Tarfag.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Four blasts in rapid succession from the -"Investigator's" syren was the signal for the men -ashore to haul away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly the ponderous line of netting was -dragged through the water. Fortunately there -was little or no tide and hardly any floating weed -to render the task more difficult than it might -otherwise have been; nevertheless it required an -hour's hard work ere the enclosed space marked -by the line of buoys appreciably diminished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the while signals from the "Investigator" -were being exchanged with the look-out tower on -Penlee Point. Again and again came the -disquieting news "No sign of submarine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Surely in fifty feet, with a clear sandy bottom, -those fellows up there ought to detect the craft!" -exclaimed Lieutenant Egmont impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I failed to see it at ten yards, although I -admit the water was awfully muddy," said the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what if she's given us the slip?" -continued the navigating lieutenant. "Look, man; -in another half an hour the bight of the net will -come ashore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A lot may happen in half an hour," replied -Hythe. "Unless she uses an explosive to clear -a passage we have her safe enough, and I do not -think that Captain Restronguet will resort to -extreme measures, judging how he has already -behaved in British waters."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What I want to know is how Captain Tarfag -proposes to take possession of her, when she is -held up in the nets. He told me he had a plan, -which we are now carrying out, but not a word -more on the subject would he say, so, of course, -I couldn't offer any suggestions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is nearly high-water springs," observed the -sub. "That means that we could get her -sufficiently high for the falling tide to leave her -stranded. Hulloa! What's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sudden commotion at less than a cable's -length on the "Investigator's" starboard bow -showed that some large moving object had been -held up in the stout meshes of the net. Myriads -of air-bubbles rose to the surface, causing a -considerable patch of broken water on the otherwise -smooth sea. A light-draught picquet boat, with -two heavy grapnels made ready to lower, dashed -over the submerged net. The iron hooks fell -with a dull splash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Holding, sir!" shouted the midshipman in -charge of the picquet-boat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good! Belay there!" replied Captain -Tarfag. "Drop the second grapnel, and I will -send a boat to bring the rope aboard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The working parties ashore desisted in their -efforts. All the power at their command could -not bring the nets home another fathom. Held -by the submarine, that in turn was tenaciously -anchored to the bottom of the bay, they absolutely -refused to be hauled in. A sounding gave a -depth of seven and a half fathoms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Hythe," shouted the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub took the bridge-ladder at top speed, -and saluting, awaited his chief's orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Mr. Hythe," continued the latter. "I -want to send a couple of men down to report on -the position of the submarine. If she's anchored, -get them to find out in which direction her cable -leads and we can then creep for it. Also I want -to ascertain whether it be possible to lower the -bight of a chain under her bow and stern. If -that can be done I'll signal to the Dockyard for -a couple of lighters, and we'll lift the craft with -the rising tide and take her straight into the -Hamoaze. But mind, Mr. Hythe, I wish it to -be distinctly understood that volunteers only are -required for this service."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should like to descend, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You! Why I thought, by Jove, you had -enough of it on the last occasion you encountered -the submarine, judging by all accounts. But of -course, I should be glad to accept your offer. -Take two men with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub again saluted, and on gaining the -quarter deck ordered the bo's'un's mate to pipe -away the diving-party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of the qualified divers every man-jack expressed -his desire, as vehemently as the presence of the -officers permitted, to go down. Hythe would -have much preferred to have taken Moy and -Banks, who at his request had been transferred -from the "flagship, but favouritism he strongly -set his face against.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Numbers one and two front rank men, fall out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Number one was a tall, broad-shouldered -Irishman named O'Shaunessey, a man who still -retained the Wexford brogue. Number two was -a dapper little Cockney, Price by name, who -had the distinction of holding the Navy record for -deep-sea diving.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Price," said the sub, "I'm going -down too; but I want you to clearly understand -what to do. I will try to locate the Submarine, and -see if there is any possibility of raising it by means -of a grapnel. You I want to get as close to the -bows as you can without much chance of being -seen and report by telephone what forefoot she -has, if any, and if there's any chance of slinging -her at that end. O'Shaunessey, I want you to -examine the after-end, and find out what -overhang she has; also whether her propellers are -foul of anything."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry up, there!" ordered Captain Tarfag. -He was naturally anxious that his prey should -not escape him, for, although the strain on the -picquet boat's grapnel-line was maintained, the -bubbles no longer rose from the enmeshed submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe was the first to descend, from a boat -lowered from the "Investigator." The conditions -beneath the surface were far more favourable -than on the occasion of his descent at -Spithead, for the bottom was of firm white sand, -and the tidal current was barely a quarter of a knot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere he had traversed fifty yards an ill-defined -mass loomed up ahead of him. It was the -submarine, exaggerated out of all proportion by the -refractive properties of the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With rapidly beating heart the sub continued -to advance. Suddenly he saw a figure in diver's -dress approaching. He stopped. The stranger -stopped too.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll wait for Price and O'Shaunessey," thought -Hythe, and still keeping his face towards the -unknown diver he laboriously retraced his steps. -As he did so the stranger did likewise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder----" thought the sub, and raising -his right arm he saw the unknown diver -simultaneously raise his left. Hythe was confronted -by a magnified reflection of himself. The sides -of the submarine were made of a mirror-like -substance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Keeping a respectful distance from the -submerged craft Hythe walked towards, but parallel -to, the bows. Presently he became aware that -he was passing under the lowermost edge of the -net, that, with elongated meshes, was stretched -tightly across the upper portion of the stem of -the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since nothing had attempted to molest him, -Hythe's sense of confidence rose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, they wouldn't dare play the fool now," -he reasoned. "There's no escape for them, and -they will make the best of a bad job by surrendering -at discretion as soon as the lighters sling her -clear of the bottom. I wonder where her cable is?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No signs of the submarine's anchor and chain -were visible. There were hawse-pipes--two on -the starboard bow and one on the port bow, but -in none of them was a stockless anchor, or indeed -one of any description. The hawsepipes were -partly concealed by the nets, but the meshes were -sufficiently distended to make the sub certain on -that point.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Keeping his eyes fixed upon the ground Hythe -walked on, thinking that, from the position of the -vessel, he would eventually stumble over an -anchor and chain lying half-buried in the sand. -At length he came to the limit of his life-line, -his search unrewarded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's completely stumped me--middle -wicket, by Jove!" he muttered. "A looking-glass -submarine fixed as tight as a limpet to the sand, -and not an anchor to be seen! All in good time, -I suppose. When we get her into Plymouth -we'll find out all we want to learn soon enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that he turned and began to make his -way round the submarine once more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, there's O'Shaunessey!" he said to -himself, as a huge helmeted figure came shambling -along through the semi-transparent water. "I -wonder what---- Great Scott!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arnold Hythe came to an abrupt stop. The -diver approaching him was not O'Shaunessey. -The Irishman's helmet was provided with an air-tube, -and a life-line encircled his chest; this fellow -had neither. He was one of the crew of Captain -Restronguet's submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub was not devoid of personal courage. -The sight of the strange diver advancing in his -direction aroused all the bull-dog fighting instinct -in him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, my fine fellow!" he muttered. -"I'll see if I can't tackle you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unhesitatingly he advanced towards the -stranger. The latter, pausing a brief instant, -held up one hand as if warning off his rival, but -seeing that Hythe was intent upon grappling with -him he stood on his guard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub had no compunction. Although he -could not under present circumstances summon -the man to surrender in the King's name, he -realized that, by virtues of the special Act of -Parliament, he was authorized to summarily arrest -any member of Captain Restronguet's command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next instant the two divers were locked -in a close embrace, Hythe endeavouring to bring -the man's arms to his sides, while at the same time -he shouted through the telephone for his comrades -in the boat to haul him to the surface. The -unknown struggled desperately, striving to pass one -heavily-leaded boot behind the sub's ankle. For -ten seconds they grappled in the eerie depths of -the sea, then Hythe found himself being dragged -along the sandy bottom. His signal to be hauled -up was being answered, and the steady strain on -the life-line told him that unless anything -unforeseen occurred another minute would find him and -his captive at the surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On and on, over the yielding sand the two men -were dragged, for the long scope of rope -prevented an immediate upward ascent. Suddenly -the unknown diver wrenched one hand free. He -drew his knife, the blade glinted dully in the pale -green light, and with a steady motion severed the -life-line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great heavens! He'll sever my air-tube -next," thought the sub, but, apparently content -with the advantage already scored, the fellow -dropped his knife and tightened his grasp upon -his antagonist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blow me up!" gasped Hythe through the -telephone, but although the men at the air-pumps -redoubled their exertions the extra pressure of air -escaped through the valve in the young officer's -helmet, since he was unable to close it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am attacked. Tell O'Shaunessey and Price -to come to my assistance," exclaimed the sub. -In spite of his powerful physique he was not even -holding his own. He had bitten off more than -he could chew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the struggle the sand churned up by -the feet of the wrestlers rose till it was almost -impossible to see more than a few feet away. -Several times Hythe gave a hasty glance to see -if his men were coming to his aid--but no.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Four grotesquely-attired figures appeared -through the sand-blurred water. With a feeling -of dismay the sub realized that he was hopelessly -outnumbered. Since he had taken the initiative -in provoking the contest he knew that he must -expect to accept the consequences; yet he -determined to resist as long as his strength of body -and mind remained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Powerful hands grasped him by the arms and -legs. He was overthrown and lifted into a -horizontal position. Even then he kicked out -strongly till his captors, having good cause to fear -his leaden-soled boots, desisted in their efforts to -secure his legs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A loud buzzing--the hiss of escaping air--told -him that the worst was at hand. The minions of -Captain Restronguet were unscrewing the union -of his air-tube.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="face-to-face"><span class="large">CHAPTER VI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">FACE TO FACE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The hissing sound stopped. Instead, under a -pressure of nearly two and a half atmospheres, -the water rushed into the disconnected valve. -In five seconds it had risen to the sub's knees. -Then the inrush was checked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was useless to struggle, but with an -uncontrollable longing to wrench himself away from his -captors, rather than be drowned like a rat, Hythe -persisted in his efforts, till he realized that he was -in no immediate danger of being suffocated. In -the place of the air pumped in from above--air -that was anything but fresh--came a cool, -invigorating vapour strongly charged with oxygen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He no longer appealed for aid. He knew that -with the air-tube and life-line the telephone wire -had been severed. He was cut off from all -intercourse from above. Even his air supply was -self-contained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instinctively he felt certain that he would be -carried off to the mysterious submarine. Curiosity -prompted him to accept the situation with equanimity, -his inborn fighting disposition urged him to -resist. If he were to be made a prisoner he -would let his captors know that the liberty of a -British officer is not lightly lost.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a strange procession on the sandy floor -of Cawsand Bay, for others of the submarine's -crew had come upon the scene, and surrounded -and held by five weirdly-garbed and helmeted -men Hythe was frog-marched towards the huge -submerged vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A dull patch in the side of the craft indicated -that a portion of her plating had been swung -back, revealing on closer inspection a door about -five feet in height and thirty inches wide.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the sub saw his chance. With -outstretched arms and legs he defied the crowd -of captors to pass his resisting body through the -narrow aperture. Twice he almost freed himself -from their clutches. The oxygen-charged vapour -he was breathing accentuated his fighting -instincts, and mainly through sheer delight at being -able to thwart his antagonists he lashed out right -and left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still retaining their hold the men began to -lose patience. One of them turned and looked -at another who was standing by. The look -was understood. Drawing a small instrument -resembling a two-pronged fork, from a sheath -attached to his belt, the fellow advanced towards -the young officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe, still resisting, saw the action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder what he's up to?" he muttered. -"Going to puncture my suit, I suppose, and -half-drown me. Take that, you under-handed rascal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a sudden wrench he freed his right hand, -and clenching his fist hit madly at the diver's -front plate. Had the blow struck home the -glass would in all probability have been broken, -but the man stepped backwards and the sub's -fist encountered water only. That attempt led -to Hythe's undoing, for two stalwart fellows -seized him by the arm of his india-rubber suit -between wrist and elbow. Held as in a vice he -was unable to draw back his hand, the diver -with the fork-like instrument immediately applied -the points to the officer's bare knuckles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A powerful electric current passed through -him. He writhed; his limbs jerked with -uncontrollable spasmodic movements, till, his spirit -literally cowed, he was unresistingly carried -through the aperture in the side of the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The panel glided to, smoothly and easily, -leaving the compartment in utter darkness. -Then came the sound of powerful pumps at -work, and soon, by the weight of his helmet, -Hythe realized that the water was being -expelled. Within a minute and a half of the time -of entering the place the sub was no longer in -the sea, although he was under it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A bell rang and another door opened, revealing -a fairly spacious compartment well lighted -by electricity. The floors, walls, and ceiling -were of metal coated with a substance resembling -coarse cement. Along one side were racks and -pegs to take the diving equipment, several -complete suits being not then in use. On the -other side were coils of rope, lengths of chain, -oars, grapnels, boathooks, and other gear used -on board ship, while a folding canvas boat in -three detached sections occupied a considerable -part of the available space. On the bulkhead -in which was the sliding-door by which Hythe -and his captors had entered the compartment -were various switches for controlling the ejecting -pumps, the intake valves, and the lighting of -that section of the vessel. In the other -transverse bulkhead was also a door, fitted with a -watertight sliding hatch. On either side of this -doorway were complicated machines of which -Hythe could neither make head nor tail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Feeling more like a thoroughly cowed puppy -than anything else he could liken himself to, the -sub was divested of his diving-helmet and suit. -The former was placed on the rack beside the -others, the suit, not being of the same pattern -as that of his captors, was hung up apart from -all the rest. All this while the divers retained -their head-dresses. They did not even remove -the glass plates. As soon as the sub was free -from the encumbrance of his diving-dress three -men entered from another compartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were tall, broad-shouldered fellows, -clean-shaven, and with dark crisp hair. From -their appearance they might be near relations, -possibly brothers. They were clad in dark-blue -jerseys and trousers, and dark canvas shoes, and -looked more like yacht hands than the crew of -a submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The captain will be pleased to receive you, -sir," announced one in good English, with a -west-country accent that a foreigner could not -possibly acquire, saluting as he spoke. "What -name shall I give, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young officer hesitated a moment, then, -reflecting that it was of no use beating about -the bush, replied, "Arnold Hythe, Sub-Lieutenant -of H.M.S. 'Investigator.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir; will you please step this way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The effect of the electric shock was beginning -to wear off, nevertheless the sub felt in a very -chastened spirit as he followed his guide, the -other two men keeping in the rear. Hythe -methodically took count of the number of paces -he made as he walked along a narrow alley-way -on either side of which were doors in the -longitudinal bulkheads. Fifteen steps brought -him to a stout transverse bulkhead, in which he -noticed were two sliding-doors face to face with -a space of about six inches between. Beyond, -the corridor continued for another twenty paces, -terminating at a door that was partially concealed -by a heavy curtain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe, of -H.M.S. 'Investigator,' sir!" announced the man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come in, Mr. Hythe!" exclaimed a deep, -sonorous voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The guide stood aside, and allowed the sub -to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Standing in front of two electric lamps so -that his face was in deep shadow was the -modern submarine magician, Captain Restronguet. -He had evidently taken up that position -with deliberation, for he had the advantage of -being able to scrutinize closely his visitor and at -the same time partially concealing his own -features; but the sub could see that the captain -was a well-made man of about six feet two inches -in height, with broad, square shoulders and massive -limbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was dressed almost as quietly as the three -men who had accompanied Hythe from the -divers' dressing-room and who were now standing -at attention just inside the doorway. He wore a -white sweater, dark-blue trousers, a -double-breasted serge coat and white doeskin shoes, -while on a writing desk by his side lay a -canvas-covered cap of the style in vogue at Cowes -during the yachting season.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, -sir," continued Captain Restronguet, holding out -his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe hardly knew what to say. Had he -been told that a quarter of an hour previously he -would probably have told the captain to go to -Jericho, but the antagonistic spirit had left him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so am I, sir," he replied simply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you," replied Captain Restronguet, -then addressing his men he ordered them to leave -his cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can talk more freely now," he continued -affably. "Pray take a seat. The accommodation -in this small cabin of mine does not compare with -a ward-room or the gun-room of one of His Majesty's -battleships, but still I think you will find -that chair comfortable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe sat down. The chair was comfortable -enough, but he felt remarkably uncomfortable in -spite of the fact that the captain's affability -sounded perfectly sincere.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you smoke? Yes? Well, try one of -these cigars. I can guarantee them as pure -Sumatran."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub controlled his amazement with an -effort. He had never before heard of smoking -in a submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mechanically he took the proffered cigar, lit -it, and waited for the captain to resume the -conversation. For his part he was anxious to know -what the latter's intentions were regarding his -unexpected guest, but something compelled him -to await a favourable opportunity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet eyed his captive for some -moments in silence, then:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry to have to refer to your regrettable -failure to take possession of the 'Aphrodite'--that -being the name of this craft--but at present the -opportunity has not arrived for me to relinquish -my command. Perhaps some day----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain paused meditatively. Hythe -could see his thick bushy eyebrows narrow till -they formed one continuous line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Under the circumstances I am compelled to -retain you on board for an indefinite time. I -trust that you will make yourself as comfortable -as you can, and that the wonders of this craft--for -wonders they are, although I myself say it--will -be sufficiently interesting to prevent ennui."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But why was I seized by your men, might I ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You were seized because there was no -desirable option. You--I think I am right--you -took the initiative by tackling one of my men. -They knew perfectly well that three divers were -sent down from one of the Government vessels; -they had their work to do, and were, of course, -loth to be hindered by anyone. Since I gave -them particular orders not to do anyone personal -injuries, and to maintain a strict neutrality unless -molested, they could do nothing else but make -you a prisoner. I might also mention that I -particularly wished to have a British naval officer -with me, for reasons which I hope to explain at -some future date. Chance has thrown you across -my path, and here you must for the present -remain. Your treatment rests with yourself, but -please do not regard this as a menace; it is -merely a plain statement of facts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you are fairly trapped. You cannot get -away!" exclaimed Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think not. At any rate, I will soon find out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crossing the cabin Captain Restronguet took -up the receiver and mouthpiece of a portable -telephone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How is the work progressing, Mr. Devoran?" -he asked. "All clear? ... Good.... -What's that? .... Oh, very well... two -hundred revolutions if you wish .... Splendid! ... -If you want me I'll be with you ... Thanks!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain replaced the receiver and turned -to his guest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps you would like to look through the -observation scuttle?" he asked, and touching a -switch he extinguished lights and left the cabin -in total darkness. Almost immediately after a -panel in the flat ceiling of the cabin slid back, -rapidly, smoothly, and noiselessly, revealing a -rectangular plate of thick glass through which the -pale green light streamed, flooding the apartment -with subdued hues.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No need to strain your neck, Mr. Hythe," -he exclaimed, as the sub gazed wonderingly at -the semi-transparent patch above his head. -"Look in front of you; the result from an optical -point of view will be just the same, and far more -comfortable from an anatomical standpoint."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young officer did as his host requested. -Simultaneously with the sliding back of the panel -a mirror hinged at one side had risen from the -floor till it attained the angle of forty-five degrees, -while another similarly inclined, but face -downwards, stood on a table in front of him, and -slightly above the level of his head. Thus, -by looking into the mirror on the table, Hythe -could without inconvenience see everything that -could be observed through the observation pane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He sat there absolutely fascinated. The -"Aphrodite" had escaped the coils that had, at -the cost of so much labour and time, been thrown -about her. She was moving, yet not the faintest -vibration or sound came from the propelling -machinery. Above were numerous dark objects -seemingly in suspension in the pale green vault -of water; they were the keels of various vessels, -large and small, that had foregathered in Cawsand -Bay to witness the capture of the mysterious -submarine.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-the-conning-tower"><span class="large">CHAPTER VII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">IN THE CONNING-TOWER.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For several minutes Arnold Hythe sat motionless, -watching the rapidly-changing objects that -flitted across the inclined mirror. Captain -Restronguet made no attempt to distract his attention, -but standing with folded arms he watched with -feelings of satisfaction the effects of the spectacle -upon the young officer's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonderful!" exclaimed the sub at length.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You think so, Mr. Hythe? Let me assure -you that this view is nothing to what I can show -you. Suppose we take a stroll for'ard?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain opened the door of his cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will excuse me preceding you," he -remarked apologetically. "We will proceed to the -fore conning-tower. Oh, yes, the 'Aphrodite' -has two. That accounts for the reports of the -master of the 'Barberton Castle,' that he sighted -two submarines lying side by side. As a matter -of fact he saw the two conning-towers of the -'Aphrodite' against the light, and influenced by -the fact that he had hitherto seen submarines -with single conning-towers he was misled. Had -he really seen two submarines"--and here Captain -Restronguet's features darkened ominously--"he -would have witnessed a catastrophe to one -of them. But of that I will say more later. -Suppose we look into this compartment on our -way for'ard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe's guide rolled back a sliding-hatch that -communicated with the men's quarters--a fairly -spacious room on the starboard side amidships. -To the sub's surprise he saw O'Shaunessey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Holy St. Pathrick!" ejaculated the seaman, -almost forgetting in his excitement to salute. -"Faith! sorr, how came you in this shebeen? -Sure, I thought 'twas meself only as these -rascally foreign spalpeens 'ad taken."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They collared me too, O'Shaunessey," answered Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bad cess to them!" continued the gigantic -Irishman, shaking his fist in the direction of half -a dozen almost as powerfully built men who were -imperturbably regarding their captive. "They -tackled me with some insthrument, an' I couldn't -raise me hand in self defence. They must have -known that I could never stand being tickled, the -ign'rant foreigners."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why foreigners, O'Shaunessey?" asked the -sub, while Captain Restronguet gave a low chuckle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ain't they foreigners, bedad? I prached to -'em like the blessed St. Pathrick held forth to -the sarpints, an' all they did was to shake their -heads."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is no necessity to keep up this pretence -any longer, men," exclaimed Captain Restronguet. -"This sailor must be treated as one of yourselves -for the time being. You might reassure him, -Mr. Hythe, for in spite of our electric treatment -he seems inclined to be troublesome, and a good -deal of damage might be done if we have to use -strong measures."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, O'Shaunessey," said the sub, -"we must make the best of our present position. -This gentleman, Captain Restronguet, will doubtless -put us ashore in good time," and with a swift -look that the sailor rightly interpreted that he -must keep his weather eye lifting, Hythe followed -the captain out of the compartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is the for'ard double bulkhead," -explained Captain Restronguet, as the pair came -to the doors that Hythe had previously noticed. -"The 'Aphrodite' is built in three separate -sections, any of which can, in a case of emergency, -be detached from the remaining portion and still -remain watertight. The midship sections at the -two principal bulkheads are identical. Thus if -the centre compartment should happen to be holed -the fore and after sections can be detached, -brought together, and secured. We would then -still be a submarine of two-thirds the length of the -present one. In the foremost section are the -offensive appliances, subsidiary motors, and certain -stores. The midship portion forms the living -space for the crew, main store rooms, etc.; the -after section contains the officers' cabins, and -underneath them the main propelling machinery. -In each section is a diving-chamber capable of -being flooded in order to allow the crew to leave -the vessel when occasions arise. The exit in the -midship section is on Number Two Platform; -in the others it is on Number Three."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sounds like a railway station," thought Hythe; -then--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean by platforms?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You might prefer to call them decks, -Mr. Hythe. Number One is literally on deck, and -extends practically the whole length and breadth -of the vessel. Her sections are, as you doubtless -have observed, almost square, the ridges of the -deck and the bilges being very slightly rounded -off. This gives plenty of space for the crew -when running on the surface, and also enables -the 'Aphrodite' to rest on the bottom of the sea -without any perceptible list, unless, of course, the -bed shelves at all. Number Two Platform--but -perhaps you are not interested?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather!" exclaimed the young officer eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, Number Two Platform runs fore -and aft at nine feet below the overhead girders, -so there is no necessity to have to stoop when in -any of the compartments or alley-ways. Number -Three Platform rests on the cross girders that are -bolted to the keelson, and being airtight form a -hollow bottom. As a matter of fact these double -bottom compartments are nearly always filled with -water, which can be ejected by powerful, -quick-delivery force pumps when necessary. Here is -the door in the base of the for'ard conning-tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unfastening the door by a cam-action lever -Captain Restronguet agilely negotiated the narrow -way and sprang up a steel ladder. Hythe -followed and found himself standing on a metal -grating in the company of the captain and a -quarter-master. The latter took no notice of his superiors -beyond moving a little to one side; his whole -attention was fixed upon the task of steering the -submerged craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The interior of the conning-tower was literally -lined with electrical appliances, each switch -distinctly marked according to the work it had to -perform, but for the moment the sub paid scant -heed to them. His eyes travelled in the direction -of one of three large oval scuttles filled with plate -glass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The submersion indicator pointed to thirty-four -feet, a depth that allowed the "Aphrodite" to -pass under the keel of the deepest draughted -battleship afloat, with five feet to spare. The -compass pointed due east.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are just pottering about, as it were, -between the Draystone and the Mewstone," -announced Captain Restronguet. "The depth here -averages ten fathoms, which gives us a margin of -five feet under our keel. There is a battleship -coming out of harbour, she is now in Smeaton -Pass, and we are waiting for her to draw clear. -On a falling tide we must take no risks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Simply that as soon as the vessel is outside -the Breakwater I mean to take the 'Aphrodite' -into the Hamoaze, and give you a chance to see -that historic stretch of water under slightly -different conditions from that which you have -been accustomed to, Mr. Hythe. You were in -the submarine service, I believe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," assented the sub. "But how do you -know that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Merely by a reference to the Navy List. But -look ahead; see that object dead in line with -our bows?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An electro-contact mine, by Jove!" exclaimed -Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right again. Since the beginning of this -German war-scare, which I venture to predict -will pass away, unless my powers of reasoning -play me false, the approaches to all British ports -of any magnitude, especially the naval ones, have -been strewn with these contrivances. Watch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A slight touch on the switch controlling the -helm and the "Aphrodite" swung away to -starboard, clearing the deadly mine by less than -twenty feet. Another loomed up ahead, only to -be avoided by another touch of the helmsman's -finger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not want to boast," remarked Captain -Restronguet, "but I have enough electrical -energy stored within this vessel to explode -simultaneously every mine, be it a mechanical, -observation, or electro-contact one, in Plymouth Sound, -and even seriously imperil every fort and ship in -the vicinity. Some day I may have to put the -powers at my command to a stern test, but until -the necessity actually arises I prefer to exploit -the 'Aphrodite' solely as an example of what -I am capable of producing in the interests of -science. Look out of that scuttle on your left; -what do you see?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A regular pile of huge stones," replied the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The eastern extremity of that wonderful work -known as Plymouth Breakwater. We are now -in only forty-five feet of water allowing for the -state of the tide. The top of our conning-towers -are but fifteen feet above the surface, yet I can -assert with confidence that anyone standing on -Staddon Heights and looking down upon this -channel from an altitude of not less than three -hundred and fifty feet would not see the faintest -sign of the 'Aphrodite.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What causes her to be almost invisible?" -asked Hythe. "Are her plates made of or faced -with glass?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no. Glass would not serve the purpose. -The light would be reflected too much. In fact -the 'Aphrodite' would be a huge heliograph, -sending out rays of reflected sunlight in all -directions. The composition placed over the steel -plating of this submarine is a secret. All I can -say at present is that it has the power to reflect -the image of near objects only. It absorbs all -brilliant rays of light, and is in consequence an -almost perfect form of invisibility."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is that?" asked Hythe excitedly, -pointing to a sudden turmoil in the water ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only the action of the triple propellers of a -torpedo-boat-destroyer. We are overhauling her. -Ease down to ten knots, Carnon. She's off -through the Asia Pass. There's not enough -water for us; so let her come round to starboard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The quartermaster telegraphed for speed to -be reduced; the submarine turned towards the -deeper Smeaton Pass, leaving the destroyer, in -blissful ignorance of the proximity of the -much-searched-for Captain Restronguet, to take the -short cut into the Hamoaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now we can take things more easily," -observed the captain after awhile. "The channel -is now ninety feet deep, although we are but a -few hundred yards from Plymouth Hoe. We -are now approaching the Drake Channel, between -the Victualling Yard and Drake's Island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"However do you contrive to find your way -about in a complicated waterway like this?" -asked the sub, who was well acquainted with the -above water navigation of that part of Plymouth -Sound within the Breakwater. "You have no -periscope?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A periscope would soon give the show -away," observed his companion. "For the -present, we simply rely upon the chart and -compass, and look out for the sudden shelving -of the bottom. See, there! Hard a starboard, -quartermaster: there's the Vanguard Bank dead -ahead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From almost due south the "lubber's line" in -the compass-bowl pointed to almost due north. -The "Aphrodite" had reached the "Narrows" -between the Devil's Point and Cremyll.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At a word from Captain Restronguet the -quartermaster set the engine room telegraph -indicator to stop; another movement, a gentle hiss -betokened the admittance of water into one of the -sub-compartments of the vessel. Then slowly -and mysteriously the "Aphrodite" sank in twenty-two -fathoms of water to the bed of the narrow -channel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that depth, and owing to the swift-running -tide, charged with the mud brought down by the -River Tamar, the water was so thick that, till -the electric lamps were switched on, the submarine -was in total darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Prepare to anchor," ordered Captain Restronguet -through a telephone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good!" he ejaculated, after about a minute -had elapsed. "Now, Mr. Hythe, you must be -feeling hungry; so will you do me the honour of -having lunch in my cabin?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="explanations"><span class="large">CHAPTER VIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">EXPLANATIONS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"By the by," observed Captain Restronguet, as -he entered the cabin, "I have already sent a -reassuring message concerning you to the British -Admiralty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have! How?" asked Hythe in astonishment. -"You are not fitted with wireless?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why not? As a matter of fact we are; -with one of the latest type of Raldorf-Holperfeld -instruments, which, as you know, do not require -out-board aerials. The message is received by -an automatic recorder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And, might I ask, with whom do you communicate?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That need not be kept a secret from you, -Mr. Hythe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I wish to detain you on board the -'Aphrodite' until I have no further use for secret -correspondents. My wish is law, Mr. Hythe, -and please to remember that. At the same time -I wish to make your period of enforced detention -pass as pleasantly as possible, and you will have -complete facilities, up to a certain point, of -gaining valuable information that will in time to come -amply recompense you for any slight inconvenience -that might arise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But my career? Remember, sir, I'm a naval officer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course. That is one reason why I think -fit to keep you. Had you been an ordinary or -even an able seaman, I should have taken the -first opportunity of putting you ashore, with hardly -any chance of your seeing anything on board the -vessel that might be put to my disadvantage. As -soon as I learned that you were a naval -sub-lieutenant I made up my mind to retain you as -my guest for awhile."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you are going to release O'Shaunessey?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not at present. He, too, will serve a good -purpose. He will be able to corroborate my -statement that you will be honourably treated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But that will be unnecessary. Surely my word----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have every confidence in the word of an -officer and a gentleman, Mr. Hythe. But my -proposals are rarely influenced by circumstances -other than the workings of Providence. You -asked me a question concerning my shore agents. -The answer is this: so long as the Government -bestows licences upon private individuals to -dabble in wireless telegraphy experiments it is a -simple matter to keep in touch with events ashore. -My principal agent lives in Highgate. He is a -skilled operator, but he has contrived to keep his -capabilities masked under the role of a harmless -amateur. By advancing or retarding the spark -of the powerful coil of his instrument he can 'tap' -any messages, whether from British or foreign -warships, within seven hundred miles, while on -occasions he has accurately read messages from -Cape Race. Of course, most of the naval -messages are in code, and are unintelligible to -the uninitiated. Nevertheless I can learn all -outside news from this particular agent even when -in the Mediterranean. For short distances we -make use of wireless telephony, and by this -means I can communicate with trusty agents in -Devonport, Portsmouth, Sheet-ness and Chatham, -and under certain circumstances with Rosyth and Dundee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why did you come to a standstill here?" -asked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To partially recharge our accumulators. -Our motive power is electricity. My invention -in that direction is a revolution in marine and -submarine propulsion. We are now anchored."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anchored?" echoed Hythe. "How? I -saw no anchors when I examined your vessel -from the outside."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anchoring, as we understand the term, consists -of allowing the 'Aphrodite' to settle on the -bottom of the sea. By lowering four steel plates, -inclined at an angle of forty-five degrees--the -acute angle facing aft--an almost irresistible -brake, something after the principle of the spade -recoil brake of the French quick-firing field guns, -is formed. At this moment the ebb tide is -swirling past at four knots. The force of the current -is turning our propellers, which, acting for the -time being on subsidiary shafting, drive the -dynamos that in turn replenish our accumulators."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then that means that every day you must -recharge? How do you manage when there is -not sufficient tide to actuate the propellers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My dear sir," replied Captain Restronguet, -"I ought to have said that we were </span><em class="italics">partially</em><span> -replenishing our reserve of electricity. At this -moment there is sufficient power on board to -drive the 'Aphrodite' at a speed of thirty-five -knots on the surface or twenty when submerged, -for a continuous period of at least one hundred -and twenty hours. We merely take advantage -of the opportunity to increase our reserve. But -you are not eating. Is my meagre fare not -sufficiently tempting?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am too interested to think about eating," -replied Hythe. "But now you mention it I feel -quite peckish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are obliged to do without fresh meat," said -Captain Restronguet apologetically. "Nevertheless -I think you will find this dish of pilchards -excellent. Here is seakale sauce that by the -skill of the 'Aphrodite's' cook can hardly be -distinguished from asparagus. Roast dog-fish, if -you care to try it, you will find hard to believe -anything but beef-steak. By a certain process, -simple to apply, all taste of fish is eliminated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet helped his guest to a slice -of dog-fish--a fish that fishermen not so many years -back generally threw back into the sea as useless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Excellent," declared the sub. "However -is this dish produced in this guise?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Also by electricity," said Captain Restronguet -calmly. "By applying a certain form of current -all the oily portions of the fish are destroyed, -leaving only the red corpuscles in the flesh."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then came a knock at the door, and in -response to the captain's permission to enter -one of the crew appeared, holding an envelope -in his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm! Message from the wireless room--excuse -me," remarked Captain Restronguet, as -he began to tear open the flap. "Shouldn't be -surprised, Mr. Hythe, if this doesn't concern -you. Yes, listen: 'Secretary of Admiralty -acknowledges Captain Restronguet's message -re safety of Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe and -Michael O'Shaunessey, A.B. If genuine a -message from the naval officer detained is -requested. Reasons are also desired why Captain -Restronguet took forcible possession of two of -His Majesty's subjects.' Ha! That is a -reasonable message."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Reasonable?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. The Admiralty are beginning to -realize that I, Captain Restronguet, am a -person worthy of their consideration. That is more -than they did a few years' back. As a matter -of fact I have had a little quarrel with My -Lords. Some day I will give you details; but -meanwhile I am continuing my harmless yet -disconcerting tactics that tend to prove how -futile the defences of this country are against -the latest product of modern science. Yes, -Mr. Hythe, the Secretary of the Admiralty will have -definite evidence before many hours have -passed."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>To go back to H.M.S. "Investigator": as -soon as Hythe's appeal for help was received the -attendants on the diving-party began to haul in -the sub's life-line, but before five fathoms had been -brought inboard a sudden relaxation of the strain -told them that the rope had been severed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be sharp, men! Blow him to the surface," -ordered Egmont. "There's something up down -there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Hythe's just signalled for more air, sir," -announced the seaman who had charge of the -telephone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rapidly the handles of the air-pump revolved. -An increase in the number and size of the -bubbles rising to the surface was the only result.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See if the others are all right," ordered the -lieutenant. "What's that? O'Shaunessey -reports all correct; tell him to find out what's -wrong with Mr. Hythe. Can't you get any -reply from Mr. Hythe, Mr. Smithers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No reply, sir," said the man laconically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A paying out of the Irishman's life-line told -them on deck that O'Shaunessey was on his -way to look for his officer. Five minutes -elapsed, then a confused jumble of ejaculations -through the telephone betokened the unmistakable -fact that the Hibernian diver was shouting -at the top of his voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stow it, mate; what's the bloomin' use of -shoutin' like that?" spoke the man on O'Shaunessey's -telephone reprovingly. Then, after -a short interval, he took the instrument from his -ear and turned to Lieutenant Egmont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wire's cut off, sir," he announced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And his life-line and air-tube cut, too, sir," -added another seaman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great heavens! what's up?" ejaculated -the lieutenant. "Here, bring Price up before -he's done for."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hastily Egmont communicated this disquieting -news to Captain Tarfag. The latter went -for'ard and awaited Diver Price's re-appearance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Price's helmet appeared above the -surface his glass plate was unscrewed, revealing -his features as pale as a sheet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What has happened?" demanded Captain -Tarfag anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man was incapable of speech. He could -only raise one hand in a gesture of horror and -despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help him over the side, men," ordered the -captain. "Run aft, one of you, and ask the -steward to give you a stiff glass of grog."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly Price was divested of his helmet and -dress. Shaking like a leaf he sat down upon a -bollard. He drained the glass of whisky at one -gulp, and the colour began to return to his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Both done for!" he cried. "Saw my mate -stabbed by the villains. Never caught a sight -o' Mr. Hythe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By heavens, I'll not stand this!" thundered -Captain Tarfag. "I want three men to go -down--who will volunteer?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will, sir!" came a chorus of voices. -Every man qualified as a diver had offered to -risk possibly certain death in the depths of the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You three," ordered the captain, indicating -Moy, Banks, and Smithers. "Keep your knives -in your hands and don't hesitate to use them. -Take a charge of guncotton. If you've a chance -place it under her bilges, and I'll take the risk of -blowing this infernal submarine to Jericho."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly the three dauntless divers prepared -to descend, while a petty officer and two seamen -hastened to bring the explosive from the -magazine and the batteries for firing the charge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But ere the divers were ready a sudden -commotion on shore attracted the attention of -Captain Tarfag and the crew of the "Investigator." The -working party on the beach had discovered -that the net entanglements no longer held. -They were coming home with hardly any -resistance, bringing with them the grapnels of the -picquet-boats till the latter had to hastily cast off -in order to prevent themselves being dragged -ashore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's given us the slip, by George!" ejaculated -Mr. Egmont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps the nets have parted," suggested -Captain Tarfag. "Look alive, men!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One after another the divers disappeared over -the side. Three distinct patches of bubbles -indicated their course. They were, for mutual -safety, keeping close together. To all inquiries -on the telephone the answer was, "Nothing to -be seen," until Moy reported that he had discovered -distinct traces in the sand of the impression -of a fairly flat-bottomed vessel of at least thirty -foot beam.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no go," exclaimed Captain Tarfag. -"Order the men back, and report the loss of -Mr. Hythe and O' Shaunessey to the Commander-in-Chief -at Devonport. By smoke! All the fat is -in the fire now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly the dispiriting news spread from ship -to ship, and from boat to boat. A panic seemed -to seize the spectators in private craft, for, as if -by a sudden impulse, they made a wild stampede -from the shelter of the shallow water of Cawsand -Bay. But nothing happened to imperil their -safety. No huge sea-monster, the work of -human hands, appeared to scatter destruction -broadcast upon those venturesome individuals who had -gone forth to witness the capture of the -mysterious Captain Restronguet. The elusive -submarine had calmly stolen away, without a trace of -the tragedy that every one imagined had been -enacted beneath the waves, save for portions of -the two life-lines and the disconnected air-tubes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Investigator" and the rest of the -Government vessels lost no time in putting into the -Hamoaze. Captain Tarfag, accompanied by -Lieutenant Egmont, immediately went on shore -to report to the Commander-in-Chief. Already -special editions of the papers were out, giving -more or less accurate accounts of the futile -operations in connexion with the attempt to capture -the submarine, and all laid particular stress upon -the fact that the lives of an officer and a seaman -had been sacrificed on the altar of duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You saw nothing, Tarfag?" asked the Admiral.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, sir. The diver who escaped reported -that the whole time he was below he saw -no trace of the submarine, although he followed -the line of netting for several yards. What he -did see was his comrade, O'Shaunessey, beset -by half a dozen men. He admitted he was -terribly scared, but went to his fellow-diver's -assistance. Before he could get close enough he -saw that O'Shaunessey's life-line had been cut -and his air-tube disconnected. Realizing that he -could do nothing, and that he was in pressing -danger, Price signalled to be hauled up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how did the submarine contrive to get -clear of the wire and rope entanglements? -Surely you saw some signs of a commotion?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing--not even a ripple. The first -intimation we had was from the shore. The nets came -home quite easily."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm," ejaculated the Admiral. "Perhaps I----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The entrance of an assistant secretary caused -the Commander-in-Chief to pause abruptly. -The newcomer held out a type-written document.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Message through from the Admiralty, sir," -he announced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! What's this?" exclaimed the -astonished Admiral. "The Secretary to the -Admiralty reports that a telephone message was -received from a North London call-office, -reporting that Mr. Hythe and O' Shaunessey are -prisoners on the submarine. Furthermore, a -telegram from Dantzic announces that Captain -Restronguet--confound that fellow!--has destroyed -the armoured cruiser 'Breslau.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When was that, sir?" asked Captain Tarfag.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The message from Dantzic is dated 8 a.m. this -morning. Allowing for differences in Greenwich -time----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, if the submarine we were after is under -the command of Captain Restronguet, it is morally -impossible for him to be in the Baltic at precisely -the same hour----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unless there are two of these blessed submarines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or two captains of the name of Restronguet," -added Captain Tarfag.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose this fellow means to hold Mr. Hythe -to ransom, sir?" asked Mr. Egmont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is no mention of that," replied the -Admiral. "But, of course, that may be his -intention. I wonder where the mysterious submarine -will turn up next?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Superintendent of Police, sir," announced -the head-messenger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Richardson, what's the trouble now?" -asked the Commander-in-Chief, as a tall, -alert-looking man stepped briskly into the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"More evidence of Captain Restronguet, sir," -replied the Superintendent of Police. "The -rascal's actually in the Hamoaze. Our duty -boat, whilst returning from Bull Point, picked up -a green and white buoy, just abreast of Wilcove. -Attached to the buoy, and protected by a -water-proof covering, was this document."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The admiral took the paper--a foolscap sheet, -with a crest and the words "Submarine 'Aphrodite'" -embossed upon it. In silence he read it -to the end, then--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, of all the most confounded cheek!" he -ejaculated. "Read that, Tarfag, and tell me -what you think of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt -of the Admiralty's message of even date. In -order to prove conclusively that this reply is -authentic, I have taken steps to see that this -document is placed in the hands of the -Commander-in-Chief of the Devonport Command. -Mr. Arnold Hythe and A.B. O'Shaunessey, -official number K14,027, are on board my vessel -'Aphrodite.' In the interests of the Service, and -also in my own, it is desirable that Mr. Hythe -remain on board for a period not exceeding six -months. Any information the officer in question -may gain is entirely at the disposal of the British -Admiralty, and since the possibilities of so doing -are great, I would suggest that covering permission -be given for Mr. Hythe's absence from his official -duties. Incidentally I may mention that this -suggested permission is merely formal, for in any -case my guests will not be put ashore until I think fit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am at present giving a series of demonstrations -in British waters, but not with any aggressive -intent. It is hopeless to attempt the capture -of my submarine, and no useful purpose will be -thereby served.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I take this opportunity of explaining the cause -of the hostile acts committed against an outwardly -friendly State, in the hope that the calamity of a -great war may be averted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The submarine in Baltic waters is the property -of Karl von Harburg, a German renegade, who -has certain motives in committing these excesses, -which can neither be justifiable nor excusable. -His submarine, itself a craft of great abilities, is -but a feeble imitation of my 'Aphrodite.' It -will not help matters to any great extent by -explaining my reasons, but I can assure you that at -the first available opportunity I mean to destroy -the submarine owned and commanded by Karl -von Harburg, as I regard the man as an -unprincipled international scoundrel and a scourge to -humanity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you kindly forward this document to the -Secretary of the Admiralty, and inform him that -my agent will receive his reply per telephone, at -the hour of 10 a.m. to-morrow.</span></p> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>"I have the honour to be, Sir,</span></dt> -<dd><dl class="docutils first last"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>"Yours, etc.,</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><span>"JOHN RESTRONGUET."</span></p> -</dd> -</dl> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-first-day-in-the-aphrodite"><span class="large">CHAPTER IX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE FIRST DAY IN THE "APHRODITE."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A bell rang out sharply in the captain's cabin of -the "Aphrodite," and one of the electric indicators -oscillated rapidly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Accumulators charged," announced Captain -Restronguet laconically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a revelation to me," said Hythe. "And -when one comes to consider that at every hour -of the day hundreds, nay thousands, of ships are -straining idly at their moorings, it is certainly -remarkable that no satisfactory attempt has hitherto -been made to harness the tides."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's only one of the many lessons you will -learn," remarked the Captain. "But we are -getting under way once more. Perhaps you -would like to see the mechanism on Number Three -Platform?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly I should," replied the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the alley-way they encountered a short, -broad-shouldered man who had to set his back -against the metal wall in order to allow his -captain to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All correct, sir," he said saluting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right, Mr. Devoran. Who's in the conning-tower?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mylor, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good. I will take the 'Aphrodite' up the -river. You need not turn out till midnight. I -shall want you then."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is my chief mate, Mr. Devoran," -remarked Captain Restronguet, after the man had -gone to his cabin. "A truer-hearted comrade -one could not possibly desire. He is the only -man on board beside myself who thoroughly -understands the whole of the complicated mechanism -of my masterpiece. There are others who are -capable of manoeuvring the 'Aphrodite,' but they -do not understand how to handle her for offensive -purposes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throwing back a watertight sliding-door in the -port fore and aft bulkhead Captain Restronguet -signed to the sub to enter. Hythe found himself -in a small compartment on the walls of which -were several articles and gear. No space was -wasted on board the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the centre of the floor was an oval-shaped -aperture, sealed with a rubber-lined lid, that by -means of double levers could be opened from -either above or below. As the hatch opened -Hythe saw a portion of the well-lighted interior -of the lower deck, access to which being gained -by means of a vertical steel ladder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The for'ard compartment, extending the whole -length and breadth of the foremost section of the -submarine, with the exception of the space taken -up by the diving-exit, was as far unlike the -forehold of a ship as the sub could possibly imagine. -The cement-cased walls were distempered a pale -green; thick corticene--a kind of linoleum used in -the Navy--covered the floors; alongside the after -bulkhead were two arms-racks filled with -automatic rifles and pistols, and other modern -small-arms. Secured to the deck was an automatic -one-pounder field-gun. Towards the bows were -two long narrow tubes, the external diameter by -less than seven inches, while a seemingly -complicated arrangement of double-locking doors, -electric wires, trippers and gauges suggested -to the sub that these instruments were torpedo -tubes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite right," said Captain Restronguet in -reply to Hythe's question. "A pair of six-inch -tubes firing electrically directed torpedoes. They -will never miss their target, I can assure you, -even at five miles range, if controlled from a -lofty station. Here we are limited, but so long -as we can see our target by means of our flexibly -attached periscope, there is a million chances to -one on the weapon striking the mark. But listen!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hiss of a powerful water jet was just audible -through the double plating of the submarine's hull.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Merely a precautionary measure to clear the -holding plates of mud and seaweed," explained -Captain Restronguet. "If the spades, as I might -term them, do not fold absolutely flush with the -vessel's bottom, there's bound to be a tremendous -resistance to the water and consequently a serious -loss of speed. Now the jet is turned off. Listen -again and you will hear the anchor plates come -home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That they are!" exclaimed the sub, as a -distinct thud shook the plates under his feet. "I -suppose they are lifted by metal rods working in -water-tight glands?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no; merely by the attraction of electromagnets. -Every valve and door in this vessel is -electrically controlled, although in some cases, -such for instance the hatch by which we gained -this compartment, manual power can be used. -When next an opportunity serves I will show you -the engine-room, but we are about to rise now. -I must go to the for'ard conning-tower. You -may come, too, if you feel inclined, or if you -prefer there is a private cabin at your disposal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How does the submarine rise, might I ask? -By means of horizontal rudders?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes and no," replied Captain Restronguet. -"But before I explain perhaps this might interest you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stepping over to where three levers stood in -the centre of the compartment the captain thrust -one hard down. Instantly a portion of the floor -opened. Another lever caused a corresponding -part of the outer plating to slide back, revealing -an observation plate of about three feet by two -through the double skins of the starboard bilge-plates.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can see nothing," said Hythe, as he strove -to peer through the glass. "It is perfectly dark."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There ought to be sufficient light at this depth -to see fairly well, but since the 'Aphrodite' is -still on or nearly on the bottom of The Narrows, -the hull intercepts what little light there is to -penetrate the water. Now look!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Touching a switch Captain Restronguet caused -a strong search-light to shine vertically -downwards. About a fathom of water lay between -her keel and the floor of the sea. She was slowly -moving under the influence of the young flood -tide. The bed was shelving steeply from one -hundred and twenty feet to less than ninety. -Hythe could see the seaweed waving in the -current and the fash, mostly of the flat-fish tribe, -darting rapidly towards the dazzling light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" he asked, as two objects, -resembling barnacle-covered pipes passed slowly -across the field of light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Telephone cables between the Victualling -Yard and Mount Edgcumbe," replied his -companion. "If I felt inclined, what is to prevent -me from sending out a man and tapping those -wires? All submarine cables are entirely at my -mercy. If I wished I could create a greater panic -than the Stock Exchange, the Bourse, or Wall -Street ever yet experienced. But I must switch -off the light and close the panels now. I am -wanted in the conning-tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the sub followed his companion he could -not help noticing the freshness of the atmosphere. -Compared with the nauseating reek of the -submarines he had served in the interior of the -"Aphrodite" was as wholesome as could be. -There was, moreover, a sting in the atmosphere -that recalled the health-giving breezes of the -Scottish moors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Mylor, you carry on," exclaimed -the captain to the helmsman in the conning-tower. -"Starboard your helm a bit--go!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Forty feet beneath the surface the submarine -swung round the sharp band formed by the high -ground of Cremyll and Mount Edgcumbe. Close -to the heavy mooring-chains to the south of the -Rubble Bank she glided, till her course, almost -due north, lay right up the land-locked Hamoaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, we're going up the River Tamar!" -exclaimed Hythe, glancing at the compass. His -knowledge of the intricacies of Plymouth Harbour -and the Hamoaze, and the compass course told -him that, for nothing was to be seen through the -conning-tower scuttles save an expanse of pale -green water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that is so. I am just running up to -Saltash in order to pick up a man returning from -leave," replied Captain Restronguet with a laugh. -He spoke as casually as if he were the coxswain -of a British battleship's liberty-boat. "We are -now passing the South Yard of Devonport -Dockyard. But excuse me, I have something to -attend to in the after conning-tower. You won't -mind remaining here, I trust? Keep her as she -is, Mylor; I am going to reduce speed to five -knots or even less."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe sat down on a folding seat fixed below -the port scuttle, whence he could see either ahead -or on his left. The helmsman's head and -shoulders obstructed the view to starboard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fascinating work watching the sea swirl -past, and noting the changes as the "Aphrodite" -passed through patches of various coloured water, -for the tide was beginning to stir up the dark -brown sediment brought down from the Devonian -Hills by the swift-running Tamar, and the result -was a constant kaleidoscope. But after a while, -finding that nothing else was visible, the sub -transferred his attention to the interior of the -conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a bell gave forth a warning note and -the helmsman promptly touched a lever. The -depth according to the gauge diminished to less -than thirty-five feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that an automatic sounding machine?" -asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mylor, still keeping his eyes fixed in front of -him, shut his lips tightly, and Hythe, thinking -that he had not caught what had been said, -repeated the question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cannot say, sir," said the helmsman decidedly. -"It's against orders. For any information ask -the cap'n."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a staggerer," thought the sub. "One -thing about it the fellow's true to his master."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Captain Restronguet had retired -to his cabin, where he drafted a communication -to the Commander-in Chief of the Devonport -Command. This done, he ascended to the -after conning-tower where two seamen were on duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ship the periscope, Carclew. Directly you -sight any small Government craft bearing down -this way let me know. And Gwennap, get this -letter ready for delivery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The periscope consisted of a double-wedge -shaped instrument connected to the top of the after -conning-tower by means of a flexible armoured -insulated wire. Carclew, by switching off the -current from an electro-magnet, allowed the float -to rise to the surface, where, owing to the -comparatively slow rate of the submarine, it was -towed without being dragged under. As soon as -this was done another switch was manipulated, -and instantly a reproduction of the surrounding -objects was faithfully projected by an advanced -form of telephotography upon a dull white board -fixed to the wall of the conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a black pinnace with a yellow awning -coming down stream, sir," announced Carclew. -"She's got the letters M.P. on her bows."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Police launch evidently," said Captain -Restronguet. "Now Gwennap, stand by. Are we -right under her course, Carclew?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man Gwennap had meanwhile placed the -document in an oiled covering which in turn he -lashed to a globular white and green buoy. This -he placed in an ejector, made on the principle of -a submerged torpedo tube.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready, sir," he announced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet held up his hand, and -receiving an affirmative gesture from the seaman -at the periscope-board, nodded his head. There -was a slight, almost inaudible hiss and the buoy -with the message attached, was ejected out of the -conning-tower, rising to the surface within fifty -yards of the on-coming launch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They've picked it up, sir," declared Carclew, -after half a minute had elapsed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's well," murmured the captain, as he -descended the conning-tower ladder. "I wonder -if the reply will be in a similar strain to the one I -received five years ago. Ah! I wonder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And with a grave smile on his resolute features -Captain Restronguet returned to his cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Send Mr. Hythe to me," he ordered, when a -seaman appeared in answer to his summons. -"And tell the diving-party detailed for duty to -have the boat ready for launching; warn Polglaze -and Lancarrow to stand by at eleven to-night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Mr. Hythe," said Captain Restronguet, -when the sub was shown into the cabin, "I may -as well tell you that I have reported your presence -and that of the able seaman to the Commander-in-Chief, -and doubtless I shall have a reply before -noon to-morrow. If you would like to see our -periscope in working order now is a good -opportunity. We are travelling dead slow, and -there is plenty to be seen here--more so than at sea."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a picture," exclaimed the sub enthusiastically, -as he gazed upon the electrically-depicted -panorama. "The whole horizon is included; -but how do you know in what direction an object -is lying?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Simply by the position of this board. It -revolves by the same magnetic influence that causes -the compass card always to point to the magnetic-north, -only here we have made corrections for the -variation of the compass. The only drawback is -that objects to the south are shown inverted on -the board, but with a little practice one soon gets -accustomed to this. It is like the inverted image -on the ground glass of a camera, and to an -experienced photographer that state of affairs -presents no difficulty. Here we are: right abeam -on the starboard hand you can see Bull Point, -the ordnance depot. When were you last up the -river Tamar, might I ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite two years ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And it is more than seven since last I saw -Saltash Bridge. There have been vast changes, -and I suppose had you been at the periscope all -the way up the Hamoaze you would have -noticed a difference in the aspect of the place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see that they've covered in the magazines -with earth," said Hythe. "That's for protection -against attack from aerial craft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And it is the same in Devonport and -Keyham Yards. There's no doubt the British -nation has developed an air-invasion panic. -For instance: years ago all the building slips in -the Royal Dockyards were roofed in. I can -remember the huge sloping roofs with their skylights -arranged after the manner of the ports of an old -three-decker man-of-war. Early in the present -century these roofs were removed, and the slips -were left entirely open and uncovered. Now -what do I see? Every dock, every slip, every -Government workshop of importance is housed -in with a bomb-proof steel roof. And with one -touch of my little finger I could do more damage, -and without being seen, to that place yonder -than the combined aerial fleets of Germany and -Austria. But see, we are in sight of Saltash -Bridge. Just below that structure I mean to -bring up for the night. I regret, Mr. Hythe, I -cannot give you an opportunity to stretch your -legs upon Devon or Cornish soil, but I trust that -you will realize that circumstances prevent my -so doing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite" sank to the bed of the -river between the lofty bridge and the chains -of the floating-bridge plying between the village -of Saltash and the left bank of the Tamar. Here -in fifty-six feet of water she was in absolute -safety, and since there was no occasion to -recharge her accumulators, she had chosen a berth -where she was partially protected from the full -force of the tide by water-pipes that are laid -across the bed of the river by the side of the -Albert Bridge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just before dinner Hythe asked if he could -see his man, O'Shaunessey, and to this request -Captain Restronguet made no objection. The -sub could, of course, have had the Irishman sent to -the cabin allotted to his personal use, but somehow -he preferred to see the man in the crew's quarters. -With so many mechanical and electrical -contrivances about her Hythe fought shy of -conversing with O'Shaunessey in his cabin; there -might, he thought, be some device whereby the -captain could overhear every word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men's living-room presented quite an -animated scene when Hythe entered. Tea had -just been finished, and the crew who were on -"watch below" were playing cards, dominoes, -and billiards, or else reading or talking. A large -electric gramophone was reproducing the latest -songs, interspersed with the old-time seamen's -chanties that seemed utterly out of place within -a submarine. Captain Restronguet, recognizing -the demoralizing effect of ennui, had taken every -safeguard to maintain a cheerful demeanour -amongst his men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although nearly every one was smoking there -was hardly any sign of fumes. Overhead three -electric fans were expelling the smoke, but how -the vapour was ejected from the vessel Hythe -could not imagine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>O'Shaunessey was sitting at a table, eagerly -conversing with two of the crew. The -Irishman's sense of humour appealed to his new -comrades, and with an adaptability that contrasted -forcibly with his belligerent attitude earlier in the -day, O'Shaunessey was cracking jokes right and left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the young officer entered, the crew stood -up--not with the alacrity of naval men, but all -the same with a sense of respect towards their -superiors in rank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carry on, men," exclaimed Hythe, and -crossing over to where O'Shaunessey stood he -asked him how he fared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, an' I've fallen on me fate this time, -sorr," replied the Irishman with a grin. "They -are feeding me up like O'Leary's pig, an' it's -a drap o' the old cratur they serve out at eight -bells, which is more to me loikin' than navy -rum--after the steward's wathered it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men to whom O'Shaunessey had been -talking smiled broadly at this, and considerately -moved away so that the sub and the seaman -could converse in private. Hythe was beginning -to be afraid that the Irishman was too contented -to make an effort to obtain his liberty should -occasion arise; but lowering his voice -O'Shaunessey continued,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All the same, sorr, it's to be back aboard the -'Investigator' that I'm wanting. 'Ave you any -idea wan they'll let us out o' this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not in the least, O'Shaunessey. Nevertheless -we must try to get clear as soon as -possible, unless I receive definite orders to the -contrary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Definite orders to the contrary, sorr? From -where, may Oi make so bold as to ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few words the sub imparted the information -that news of their presence within the -submarine had been sent to the Admiralty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"St. Pathrick and the rest of the Saints be -prised, sorr!" exclaimed O'Shaunessey fervently. -"Sure, 'tis a load off me mind, for 'tis me ould -mother in Ballydonfin, County Wexford, that -might be lamentin' for her only son."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They haven't asked you to join the crew?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bad luck be on their heads if they did, by -Jabers!" ejaculated the Irishman. "Sure, I'm -thrue to me salt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ssh," muttered Hythe warningly, then in -a louder tone he added, "Well, I am pleased to -learn that you are being well looked after, -O'Shaunessey. I'll look in again soon, and see -how you are getting on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On returning to the captain's cabin Hythe -found that dinner was about to be served, and -Captain Restronguet and Devoran, the chief -officer, were in evening dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry I had no opportunity of bringing -my mess-jacket," said the sub, half-humorously, -half-apologetically. "But you see I came -on short notice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't let that trouble you, Mr. Hythe," -replied Captain Restronguet. "As a matter of -fact, we invariably make it a practice of dressing -for dinner. It recalls old times, doesn't it, -Devoran?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather," replied the chief officer. Hythe -noticed that for the time being all traces of -differences in rank were set aside. Captain Restronguet -and Mr. Devoran were more like staunch friends -than superior and subordinate officers; but on -all other occasions the latter's attitude was strictly -conformable to etiquette afloat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dinner passed pleasantly. The three men, -by an unspoken yet mutual consent, studiously -avoided "shop," their conversation dwelling on -ordinary every-day topics. All the same Hythe -could not help noticing how conversant they both -were with the latest plays, books, and the events -that afford interest to the Man-about-Town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After dinner Devoran left the cabin. The -captain busied himself with writing, while Hythe, -selecting a book from a small library, and lighting -a cigar, sought the comfort of an easy chair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an hour Captain Restronguet wrote steadily. -He seemed quite indifferent to his guest's presence. -Presently the sub found himself nodding over -the book. He had been up early, and had had -a trying and exciting day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What, nearly asleep!" exclaimed Captain -Restronguet, as he set aside his papers and -writing material. "But I forgot; you must be tired. -Your bed is quite ready, so you can retire as -soon as you wish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nothing loth Hythe bade his host good-night, -and ten minutes later he was sound asleep in a -comfortable bunk, ten fathoms beneath the -surface of the River Tamar.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-second-officer-returns"><span class="large">CHAPTER X.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SECOND OFFICER RETURNS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Captain Restronguet remained in his cabin till -nearly ten o'clock, then, going into an adjoining -dressing-room, he changed into his "duty clothes," -donned a thick coat and india-rubber boots, and -made his way for'ard to the diving-room in the -fore compartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the men had unshipped the collapsible -boat, but as yet it had not been unfolded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you going to bring her to the surface, -sir?" asked Polglaze, seeing that his captain was -in his great coat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I have decided to do so," replied Captain -Restronguet. "Bring the boat under the upper -hatchway, Lancarrow, and you, Gwennap, I want -you to lay out a kedge up stream. See that the -flukes engage in the rubble-work in the base of -the centre-pier of the bridge, and run out another -kedge aft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lancarrow and Gwennap promptly donned -their diving suits and entered the "water-lock," -taking with them the anchors and a length of -stout Manila rope. Twenty minutes later they -returned, the water dripping from their glistening -garb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All correct, sir," reported Lancarrow, as soon -as his headdress was removed. "Nothing short -of the rope parting will set us adrift, and there's -precious little tide running now. I took good -care to ram the fluke of the kedges well home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it like up above--dark?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I went up to have a look round, sir," announced -Gwennap. "It is a pitch-dark night, the stars -are in, and there's hardly a breath of wind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet -approvingly. "Pass the word to Mr. Devoran -to bring the vessel awash."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The water in two of the buoyancy tanks was -quickly expelled, and majestically the huge -submerged hull rose from the bed of the river, till -with her deck just a few inches above the surface -she fretted gently at her mooring-rope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Being immediately below the massive pier of -the Tubular Bridge there was no danger of a -passing vessel--should one be under way at that -hour--colliding with the "Aphrodite"; while -owing to the darkness and the light-absorbing -powers of her hull she was absolutely invisible at -a boat's length off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rapidly yet silently the hatch on deck was -unfastened and slid back. The collapsible boat, -weighing less than sixty pounds, was passed -through, extended, and kept in position by means -of stretchers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Carclew and Gwennap tossed the oars into the -frail craft, and holding the painter launched her -over the side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ready, sir," whispered the latter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet immediately came on -deck and stepped agilely into the boat; the -bowman pushed off, the oars dipped, and the -canvas cockleshell darted in the direction of -Coombe Bay, a tidal indentation just south of -the town of Saltash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank goodness it is a fairly black night," -muttered Captain Restronguet. Beyond the -pontoon lights at Saltash, the signal lamps of the -railway, and the riding lights of a few vessels -lying at the buoys on the west side of the river, -all was in darkness. To gain the entrance to -Coombe Bay it was necessary to pass between -two cruisers, whose anchor lamps glimmered -fitfully, throwing scintillating reflections on the -placid water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boat ahoy!" challenged the look-out on the -nearest vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain of the "Aphrodite" was equal to -the occasion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Passing!" he roared, using the shibboleth -laid down in the Naval Regulations for this contingency.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This reply apparently satisfied the look-out, -and without further interruption the canvas boat -drew into the shallow waters of Coombe Bay. -Fortunately the tide was nearly at the full, and -still rising, and hence no danger of being stranded -on the mud was likely to occur.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easy, men," cautioned Captain Restronguet, -as the gaunt outlines of the railway bridge -spanning the creek loomed up against the darkness. -Then, "Lay on your oars."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gradually losing way the boat drifted on till it -grounded on the shingle hard at the foot of the -bridge. The boat's crew listened intently; -beyond the distant rumble of a belated train, and -the faint hoot of a liner's syren away out in the -Sound, all was still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten minutes passed. Captain Restronguet -knitted his brows in perplexity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's some one, sir," whispered Gwennap, -as the cautious scrunching of a man's boots upon -the shingle could be faintly heard. Then a dark -figure appeared out of the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that you, Kenwyn?" demanded the Captain -in a low voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ay, ay, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then jump in; I thought you had missed us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Couldn't get here any sooner, sir," said the -man apologetically. "I was stopped and -questioned by a patrol as I came down from the -station. There are launches up and down the -river, I am told, looking for us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The deuce there are!" exclaimed Captain -Restronguet; then in a calmer tone he added, -"We must risk it. Perhaps it is my fault; but I -don't think they'll look for the 'Aphrodite' so -close to the bridge. Give way, men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On gaining the main stream, greatly to the -relief of all in the boat, no red and green lights -of patrolling launches were to be seen. Boldly -Captain Restronguet steered across the bows of -the cruiser that had hailed him on the outward trip. -To lurk inshore would be courting suspicion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boat ahoy!" came the hail from the lookout.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet replied as before, but -this time the look-out was not satisfied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What boat is that?" he shouted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Customs!" roared the captain with a lucky -inspiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Muttering a malediction on all custom-house -officials, especially on those in this particular boat, -the seaman resumed his walk up and down the -fo'c'sle deck. He remembered a certain half a -pound of tobacco that had got him into trouble -with His Majesty's Customs, and the incident -still rankled in his manly bosom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without further interruption the boat ran -alongside the deck of the "Aphrodite." Her crew -jumped aboard the parent vessel, hauled the -collapsible on deck and folded it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look sharp, sir!" exclaimed Gwennap. -"There's a steam-boat bearing right down upon us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no time to be lost. Hastily the -folded boat was dropped through the hatchway, -her crew quickly followed and the hatch was -reclosed. One touch and the emergency chambers -were flooded, and the submarine began to sink -to the bed of the river. It was a close thing for -the picquet boat. Had she been a quarter of a -minute earlier they would have stove her bows -in against the massive plating of the elusive vessel. -As it was she passed over the after-conning-tower -with less than half a fathom of water to -spare, utterly ignorant of the narrow escape she -had had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Welcome home once more, Kenwyn!" said -Mr. Devoran cordially, extending his hand, which -the new arrival gripped like a vice and shook like -a pump-handle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had the chief officer of Southsea Coast Guard -Station, or P.C. 445 of the A Division of the -Borough of Portsmouth Police been present at -this reunion, they would have had no difficulty in -recognizing Mr. Kenwyn as the quiet and very -retiring unknown who had landed under most -unusual circumstances on Southsea Beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had to abandon my diving-suit, sir," -explained Kenwyn, who served on board the -submarine in the capacity of second officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I have already learnt from Press -reports," replied Captain Restronguet. "And I -was glad to know that you took particular pains -to get rid of the air reservoir. That did the -authorities nicely; they are welcome to the dress, -and if they can analyse the metal it is composed -of they are also at liberty to make use of the -secret. It has not been patented. But how came -you to get out of your bearings, Kenwyn? I -notice you had to concoct a cock and bull yarn -about walking from the beach at Gosport."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I never tell a lie, sir, under any conditions. -As a matter of fact, after I left the 'Aphrodite' -I did go ashore at Gosport, somewhere behind a -yacht yard. No one saw me. I then tried to -cross to the Portsmouth side of the harbour to -try and recover the submarine welding tool that -Carnon, you may remember, dropped when we -examined the entrance to No. 5 Shipbuilding -Slip. Before I realized it the ebb tide caught me, -and I was whisked off down the harbour at a rate -of at least seven knots. As soon as I felt the -current slacken I took compass bearings and came -ashore, and the rest you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have, of course, heard that we have a -naval officer on board?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heard? Rather. The papers are full of it, -sir, and every one is talking about it. At Exeter -Station and again at Millbay, on my journey -down, it was the sole topic of conversation on the platform."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how does the Great British Public like it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In a general sense they are thankful it is no -worse, so to speak. It is recognized that you are -a power that cannot lightly be ignored, and your -magnanimity (that is the way they put it) has -created quite a favourable impression. Even in -the House it was suggested that it would be a -master-stroke in world supremacy if you could be -induced to hand over the 'Aphrodite'----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never!" declared Captain Restronguet -vehemently, and bringing his fist down heavily upon -the table. "Never! They had their chance, -but foolishly threw it away. Now, gentlemen, it -is nearly one o'clock. I, for one, will be glad to -have a few hours' rest," and with an inclination -of his head Captain Restronguet retired to his -sleeping quarters.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="concerning-captain-restronguet-s-rival"><span class="large">CHAPTER XI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CONCERNING CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET'S RIVAL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was broad daylight when Arnold Hythe -awoke. He was surprised to find the "Aphrodite" -lifting to the heave of the open sea, and the -sunlight pouring in through a small circular scuttle -above his bunk. Hastily springing out of bed he -looked out. As far as his limited vision extended -he could see nothing but blue water--a sure sign -that the submarine was far from land. Judging -by the apparent motion of the waves the -"Aphrodite" was running at a bare ten knots--possibly -less. And a few hours previously she had -been lying motionless on the bed of the River Tamar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slung to the beams overhead was a metal bath, -of a similar pattern to those supplied for officers' -use in the Royal Navy, while in the bulkhead -were two taps marked "hot" and "cold." On -a chair by his bunk were his clothes, brushed and -folded, while quite a large stock of new -under-garments were lying on a folding table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe always prided himself upon being a -sound sleeper, yet able to arouse at the slightest -sound, but for once at least his faith in his -capabilities received a rude shock. Some one had -certainly entered whilst he slept, and also the -"Aphrodite" had made a lengthy trip without his -being aware of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The astonished young officer quickly tubbed -and dressed. Then it occurred to him that he -had not shaved. Lying on the dressing-table -was a safety razor, also brand-new. Evidently -his host had left nothing undone to contribute to -the comfort of his guest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His toilet completed Hythe stepped out into -the alley-way. At the fore-end, and hitherto -unnoticed by him, was a hatchway. It was now -open and a ladder had been shipped under it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An appetizing odour came from the captain's -cabin. It made the sub feel hungry; but curiosity -conquered, and he made his way on deck, or -on Platform Number One as Captain Restronguet -preferred to call it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe found himself on a flat deck nearly two -hundred feet in length, and unbroken save for -the low coamings of three hatchways and the -fore and aft conning-towers. Metal stanchions -and rails had been placed in position round the -sides to prevent anyone from slipping overboard. -As the sub looked down on the deck he noticed -that, like the sides, it reflected his own image and -those of other persons and objects on deck, but -there was no dazzling glare from the sun that -was now high in the heavens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Clustered for'ard between the bows and the -foremost conning-tower were nearly every -member of the crew: twenty-five stalwart men all -dressed in plain but serviceable rig. Pacing up -and down between the two conning-towers were -Mr. Devoran and some one whom Hythe had not -previously seen--the Second Officer Kenwyn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they turned at the end of their promenade -the two men caught sight of the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good morning, Mr. Hythe," said the chief -mate genially. "Quite a fine day after our -sample of the English climate, eh? By the by, I -don't think you know Kenwyn, our second -officer? He only rejoined last night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three engaged in conversation of general -interest for a few minutes, then Mr. Devoran -asked Hythe if he had seen the captain that -morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not yet," replied the sub. "I came straight -on deck. It was a surprise to find myself at sea. -Where are we?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nearly twenty miles S.W. of Ushant," replied -the chief mate. "We shall be cruising about -here for a few days, as we expect to fall in with -a certain vessel. We have left English waters -for a time, at all events, but you need not worry -about that, for the captain informed me that he -received a reply to his note at four this morning. -You are officially 'lent' to the 'Aphrodite' until -further orders. But breakfast is ready, and -Captain Restronguet will explain matters more fully."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain greeted Hythe with great affability, -and both thoroughly hungry did justice to -a good breakfast. Very little was said, and when -the meal was over Captain Restronguet left the -sub to his own devices while he made the -customary rounds of the vessel under his command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly Hythe went on deck once more. -The "Aphrodite" was slowly forging ahead at a -bare five knots, her course being N.N.W ¼ W. -That meant although not actually retracing her -course she was heading at an acute angle to it. It -was a sort of "wash-and-mend clothes day," a -function resembling the time-honoured custom of -keeping Thursday afternoon on board the ships of -His Majesty's Navy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The French coast was still invisible, but less -than five miles off the sky line was broken by -curiously cut tanned sails of the Concarneau -fishing fleet. Away to the north-west a huge -liner, looking without masts and funnels more -like an exaggerated Noah's Ark than anything -else, was pelting through the water at a modest -thirty-three knots. Perhaps had her officer of -the watch chanced to direct his telescope in the -direction of the "Aphrodite" he would at once -conclude that he had sighted the sea serpent, for, -owing to the invisible hue of her hull only the -seated figures of the men on deck would come -within the field of vision.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The submarine was floating fairly high out of -the water. More than half of her ballast tanks -had been "started," and consequently there was -sufficient freeboard to allow the side scuttles to be -opened. With considerable buoyancy she rolled -a good deal, but with a true-born sailor's delight -Hythe revelled in the motion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At noon Captain Restronguet appeared on -deck. Kenwyn had just "shot the sun" and -was working out the vessel's position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's about time she was here, Devoran," -remarked the captain. "That is, if the report is -authentic. Has the submarine detector given no -warning?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir, I've stationed Polglaze by it, and he -won't be caught napping. She couldn't have -passed before we arrived, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I made due allowances, giving her ten knots -above her estimated speed. But we must exercise -patience. Ah! Mr. Hythe, no doubt you are -wondering why we are dodging about here instead -of playing harmless little tricks upon His Britannic -Majesty's ships and naval establishments? Well, -I think I ought to give you some explanation, so -if you will kindly step below we can talk without -interruption."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the by," continued Captain Restronguet, as -the two men made their way to the cabin, "you -asked me how the 'Aphrodite' is manoeuvred -to bring her to the surface and vice versa. We -have three distinct methods. The first is by -means of horizontal rudders, there being a pair -at both bow and stern; the second is by means -of expelling water ballast, which is all very well -so long as the ejecting pumps work properly. -Hitherto we have had no trouble in this direction, -but it is well to be prepared. Consequently we -employ a third method--one for use in emergencies -only. I make no secret of the fact that I -borrowed the idea from the French. I prefer to -be original, but at the same time in the interests -of my crew I do not hesitate to adopt -well-established devices. To each of the three -sections of this vessel is fixed a detachable iron keel. -The bolts are secured on the keelson by a single -yet effective looking device. One thrust of a -lever and a section of this keel is dropped. -Should a compartment be half full of water there -is sufficient buoyancy gained by the release of -this dead-weight to lift the vessel to the surface."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't there a chance of the 'Aphrodite' -buckling her plates in a heavy sea with that -dead-weight split into three separate sections?" asked -Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As far as the 'Aphrodite' is concerned there -are no heavy seas," replied his host. "At the -first suspicion of bad weather we dive to eight -fathoms, or more if necessary. Since, even in -mid-Atlantic the waves rarely exceed forty feet -in height, and the depth maintained by the -submarine is regulated by the vertical height of water -over her, there is nothing to be feared as far as -the 'hogging' and 'sagging' stresses are concerned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At Captain Restronguet's invitation the sub -threw himself into an easy chair. He was eager -to hear everything about this mysterious man -and his marvellous vessel, and the fact that -the Admiralty had given a formal consent for -him to remain on board as an official observer -relieved him of all anxiety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may have noticed," said Captain Restronguet, -"that I hinted that I had had a quarrel -with the Admiralty. First let me tell you my -real name is not Restronguet. What it is is -outside the question."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The name is French, I believe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, Cornish. Had you been well acquainted -with the district around Falmouth you would have -recognized the names of Restronguet, Kenwyn, -Devoran and the rest of my crew as those of -places in what I consider the foremost county in -England. Of course that is a matter of opinion, -but that opinion is shared by every Cornishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some years back my father owned several -copper mines, or wheals as we call them, in the -neighbourhood of Redruth, and as, in time, I -would have control of them, had articled me to -an electrical engineer in order that I might get -an insight into that branch before I took over the -mining supervision. Hardly was my apprenticeship -complete when the wheals failed and my -father was a ruined man. He died shortly -afterwards and I was thrown utterly on my own -resources, and although I was very sore about it -at the time I have since realized that misfortune -is often the purifying fire of a man's strength of -mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just about that time the South African War -broke out. I volunteered for the front, and was -accepted. There I saw enough of war--although -supposed to be conducted under the most humane -principles--to make me hate it. You may look -astonished, Mr. Hythe, but I mean what I say. -War might be a necessary evil, but all the same -it must be avoided if possible. You do not know -how thankful I am that the present crisis between -Great Britain and Germany is over. It may -sound paradoxical, but with this powerful -instrument of destruction under my control I hope to -be a deterrent to any Power that attempts to -dispute the supremacy of the sea with the country -that is mine by birth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But to proceed. On my return to England -I was down on my luck, and as a final resource -I joined the electrical department of Devonport -Dockyard as a fitter. It was not long before I -saw that there was little chance of bettering -myself. I had ability and energy, but no influence. -Profiting by the experience gained in my apprenticeship -I devised an improved method of electrical -welding. It saved hundreds, possibly thousands -of pounds, and I was rewarded with a paltry -bonus of forty shillings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Needless to say I was very sick about it. -Then an opportunity came. The copper boom -revived the Cornish mining industry. The -'wheals' that my father had left me became -prosperous, and I was able to throw up my -employment with an unsympathetic State Employer. -Arguing that a wave of failure might once more -return over the mining industry I sold those under -my control to a Company; took all my best -workmen and one or two of my special -friends--Devoran and Kenwyn amongst them--and -bought a concession in the Island of Sumatra.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sumatra is a Dutch colony, as you doubtless -know. The Dutch officials lack the energy of -their fellow-countrymen at home and the -consequence is that the whole of the Dutch East -Indies stagnates. For years past the Germans -have had an eye on those islands, but my belief -is that Japan will be the future master of them. -Possibly that accounts for numbers of Germans -who settle in Sumatra and Java.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Personally I rather like the German, when -free from the excessive officialdom that pervades -in the German Empire. They are good colonists, -hard-working and law-abiding, in every foreign -possession save their own, for in the latter the -blighting effect of the be-uniformed official is fatal -to individual success. We got on very well with -our neighbours on the adjoining concessions, -with one exception. That exception was a -German named Karl von Harburg."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet paused as if he feared -that the growing excitability would overmaster -him. He was evidently labouring under a strong -recollection of bygone insults. Hythe had the -sense to keep silence, he realized that the listener -is the one who hears most.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But before I say anything more about Karl -von Harburg," continued the Captain, "I must -mention another incident. The concession I had -acquired paid beyond all expectations, for not -only were copper and tin found in abundance but -also gold. We were all rich men. Some of my -workmen went back to Redruth; others, having -no home ties, and liking the free open life, stayed -on. Since I was naturally fond of electrical -engineering and the allied sciences, I spent a great -deal of my time experimenting. One day, almost -by accident, I discovered an alloy--as light as -aluminium, absolutely showing no traces of -corrosion when exposed to the action of salt water, as -proof against acids as pure gold, and possessing -the strength and resilience of steel. It was also -as non-porous as a metal can possibly be. Under -pressure that would cause water to 'weep' through -a steel vessel, a cylinder made of this metal -showed no sign of moisture. I realized that I -had made a discovery that would prove of inestimable -value in the construction of air-ships, and as -at that time the Admiralty were 'tied up in -knots' over the utter failure of the naval airship -'Mayfly,' I sent a sheet of the metal to a trusted -agent in London with instructions to submit it to -My Lords.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Believe me from that day to this, beyond a -curt acknowledgment and a bald statement that -the subject was under consideration, I have heard -nothing further of the matter. I was -angry--disgusted because the powers that be had bluntly -shut their eyes to an actual discovery that would -give Great Britain the command of the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Since airmanship did not appeal to me I -resolved to make use of my discovery in another -direction. By further experiments I found that -my metal 'Restronium,' I have been ambitious -enough to call it, could be made capable of -absorbing bright light, yet at close distance would -act as a reflector. The result was that I devised -a submarine, steel-clad, and cased with restronium. -It was constructed by native workmen under the -supervision of my comrades and myself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The craft was a success. It prompted me to -attempt another on a more ambitious scale, but -ere it was completed Karl von Harburg appeared -on the scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This fellow is as crafty as a rogue can possibly -be. By his German co-colonists he was cordially -hated. He had ability but was lazy. His factory -did not do so well as the others; instead of -working harder he sulked. In the Fatherland he had -once held a high diplomatic position. He it was -who a few years back tried to force a quarrel -upon Holland in order that a pretext might be -found for Germany to acquire a longer coast-line -on the shores of the North Sea. He failed, and -since failure is not tolerated in Teutonic diplomatic -circles, he was disgraced. He came to Sumatra, -ostensibly with the idea of working a concession, -but in reality looking for an opportunity of -recovering his lost prestige by smoothing the way for a -German annexation of the Dutch East Indies. -Again he failed--how and why I need not now -mention; but rightly or wrongly he formed the -idea that I had a say in the matter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He had his revenge. He stole the secret of -my new alloy. He obtained possession of the -plans of my latest submarine, the 'Aphrodite,' -and set himself to build a vessel that would be -more powerful than mine. But he had not -mastered one important idea--the secret of the -defensive and offensive powers of my vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was a case of war to the knife. His idea -was to take his submarine--the 'Vorwartz' he -named her--into British waters and deliberately -do as much destruction to British ships of war -and merchantmen as he possibly could; this with -the idea of giving the Fatherland an advantage -in the coming naval war that has been so long -anticipated and which has not yet, thank God, -caused untold misery and disaster to two nations -who could be rivals yet friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is where I stepped in. I sent word -and told the fellow plainly that the 'Aphrodite' -was also bound for British waters, and that I -would take the first opportunity of smashing up -the 'Vorwartz' should one hostile act be -committed against British property. That frightened -him, for at heart he is a coward. Accordingly -Karl von Harburg, knowing that the 'Aphrodite' -had left for the Atlantic, concocted a truly -diabolical plot. He deliberately navigated his -'Vorwartz' to German waters and committed -outrages against his own country."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatever for?" asked the Sub. "It is inconceivable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To a Briton, yes!" assented Captain -Restronguet. "But Karl von Harburg had no -compunction. He had a spite against his -Government, he had a grudge against me; and -whatever the issue he had nothing to lose by being -the means of a terrible conflict between Great -Britain and Germany. Thus he impersonated -me, and by committing these outrages upon the -German fleet and harbours he very nearly -provoked the war he wished to engineer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was time for me to dissociate myself with -the authorship of these acts of piracy. Although -I have registered a solemn oath never to hand -my 'Aphrodite' over to the British Government -(yet there are times when I feel tempted to -perjure myself) I am still an Englishman. Should -the Empire require my aid I for my part will do -my best. And thus, having succeeded in -demonstrating that I could not possibly be -responsible for the work of destruction at Wilhelmshaven, -Kiel, and elsewhere, I mean to lay in wait -for the 'Vorwartz' and destroy her as ruthlessly -as I would a venomous reptile. For this purpose, -Mr. Hythe, is the 'Aphrodite' now cruising off -Cape Ushant, for according to fairly reliable -information the 'Vorwartz,' with Karl von Harburg -on board, has passed through the straits of Dover bound west."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-vorwartz-is-sighted"><span class="large">CHAPTER XII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE "VORWARTZ" IS SIGHTED.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Then there is a great possibility of a scrap, -sir?" asked Hythe, his face flushing and his -eyes glistening at the prospect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Undoubtedly von Harburg will do his best -to annihilate the 'Aphrodite,'" replied Captain -Restronguet. "Perhaps, after all, I ought to -have landed you. It is hardly fair to expose -you to danger on my account. But it is not -too late. We can put you aboard one of those -fishing-luggers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not afraid, sir," exclaimed Hythe, -rather indignantly, for the suggestion was not -one that he could bear without more than a -formal protest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I never for one moment had that idea," -remarked Captain Restronguet. "The point -I raised is that it would hardly do for me to -place you in a dangerous situation while you are -my guest on board. It is also unfair to your -employers--the Admiralty. Good, bad or -indifferent though a naval officer may be he has -cost the country a large sum for his professional -education, and it seems inconsistent that you -should be given a chance of being knocked out -in a petty feud."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From what you have just told me the business -is more than a private feud," objected the -sub. "In order to carry out my part and learn -all I can about the vessel it is only reasonable -that I should see her under every possible -condition. Therein I am doing my duty to My -Lords. If I am to be killed in action, well, -there's an end of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A bit of a fatalist, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In a limited sense. I believe in taking care -of myself. For instance----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A telephone bell ringing loudly interrupted -Hythe's remark. Captain Restronguet took up -the receiver and held it to his ear; then without -replying replaced the instrument.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought we should not be mistaken," he -announced. "The 'Vorwartz' is bowling along -in our direction. Our detectors make it appear -that she's less than ten miles off and running -beneath the surface. There is no time to be -lost if we want to clear for action."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying Captain Restronguet hastened to -the fore conning-tower. Whether he meant to -take the sub with him or otherwise Hythe did -not know; so pending directions he remained -in the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Every officer and man of the "Aphrodite's" -crew knew exactly what had to be done. As -if by magic the stanchions and rails were cleared -away, the "week's washing" bundled down the -fore-hatch and placed in a compartment artificially -heated. In two minutes the Upper Platform -was deserted, and the water-tight hatches placed -in position and properly secured. One touch of -an electric push and all the circular scuttles in -the vessel's side were simultaneously closed and -covered with metal plates.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A bell tinkled in the after conning-tower, where -Mr. Devoran was in charge. It was the signal -that all was in readiness for diving.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How is she lying?" asked Captain Restronguet -of his chief officer by means of the telephone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Less than two miles due north, sir," replied -Devoran, after giving a hasty glance at the -electric detector that by means of two indicators -automatically recorded the course of the "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet waited no longer. The -time had arrived for the "Aphrodite" to dive -and intercept Karl von Harburg's submarine, -and only by the fact that the gentle rolling of -the vessel had ceased did Hythe realize that -she no longer floated on the surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Left to himself the sub was beginning to get -"jumpy." It was a feeling akin to the sensation -he experienced on the occasions when he saw -the submarine at Spithead and in Cawsand Bay--not -fear but nervous excitability. Had he -been in the conning-tower he would no doubt -have been as cool as a cucumber, being able to -see what the others were doing and what was -going on outside, as far as the limited range of -vision would permit. But to be cooped up in -a cabin, utterly alone, and with the possibility -of the "Aphrodite" coming off second-best in -the encounter that was to ensue did not at all -suit the young naval officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he staggered and only saved -himself by grasping a corner of the table. The -"Aphrodite," running at great speed, had ported -her helm. So sensitive was she to the action of -the rudder that she turned round almost on her -heel, and the effect upon Hythe was similar to -that of a man standing in a railway carriage when -the train takes a sharp curve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub braced himself together. He realized -that in his opinion he ought to be taking part -in the fun instead of remaining cooped up in a -cabin, incapable of raising a finger to save -himself should anything occur. He had no doubt -as to the justifiability of his resolve; had there -been only a private feud between Captain -Restronguet and Karl von Harburg he would -have hesitated, but the German had been guilty -of international outrages. He had actually -committed damage to the property of a foreign -Government, and by so doing had very nearly -succeeded in drawing Great Britain into a -dreadful war. On that account Karl von Harburg -was a pirate, a national enemy, and as such -might be captured or destroyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having quickly made up his mind Hythe left -the cabin and hurried along the alley-way; but -before he had traversed half its length a dull -thud seemed to strike the port side of the -submarine. The "Aphrodite" staggered under the -blow and heeled over to starboard. For some -moments the vessel showed no signs of recovering, -then slowly she righted and swung over to -port, ere she settled in her normal position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At first Hythe thought the "Aphrodite" had -been hulled in the for'ard compartment. He -expected to see the submarine settling by the bows, -and it was to his surprise and relief to find that -such a catastrophe had not occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he came to the after bulkhead watertight -door he found it secured. To attempt to open it -would probably jeopardize the safety of the vessel, -and Hythe was too good a sailor to tamper with -the securing bars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might have known that," he growled. "Now, -what's to be done."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another thud, this time to starboard, made the -"Aphrodite" tremble again, but there was no -disconcerting heel following the shock. Hythe -had no doubt about it; the concussions were -caused by explosions, either of torpedoes or -floating mines, outside the vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder how many of these she'll stand?" -he muttered, clambering up three or four rungs -of a ladder and trying a manhole above his head. -"Well, here goes. I'll try this hatchway. The -cover isn't locked."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Back slid the metal slab, and the sub saw that -he had opened a means of communication with -the after conning-tower. The place was in -semi-darkness, only the subdued light from the pale -green water filtering in through the observation -scuttles. As the electric-light from the alley-way -flashed upwards one of the occupants of the -conning-tower glanced down and gave an -exclamation of annoyance, adding:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry up and cover that hatchway. How -can you expect me to see ahead with that glare -under my eyes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sorry, Devoran," replied the sub, hastily -skipping up the remaining portion of the ladder -and replacing the cover.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, it's you, is it?" said the chief officer. -"Sorry, I thought it was Polglaze. Can't talk -now. Stand here, if you will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Devoran indicated a place on his left, so that -Hythe could see out of the for'ard and port -scuttles. It was some time before his eyes grew -accustomed to the half-light; then by degrees he -saw that the "Aphrodite" was tearing through -the water at a great speed. A hundred feet in -front of him he could discern the fore-conning-tower, -and beyond that nothing but water that -faded into extensive gloom. No sign of the -"Vorwartz" was to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe stood and waited. Without doubt the -"Aphrodite" was in chase of the rival submarine, -so that the latter had attempted strong measures -to beat off her pursuer, but the absence of anything -to be seen came somewhat like a disappointment -to the young naval officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly there was a wild disturbance in the -water less than twenty yards abeam. Again the -sickening concussion even more noticeable within -the conning-tower than down below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Torpedo!" ejaculated Devoran. He had no -time for further explanation, and Hythe was at a -loss to understand how the dangerous missile had -exploded without actually coming into contact with -the metal plating of the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that, by smoke!" ejaculated the chief -officer, as in place of the almost inaudible purr of -the motors came a most discordant clanging, -jawing, and groaning of machinery, while by -observing the compass Hythe saw that the "Aphrodite" -was describing a wide circle to starboard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've buckled one of your propeller shaftings," -said the sub. "I've had some before. I -know what those noises mean."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope not, by Jove!" replied Devoran, and -almost at that moment the telephone bell operator -from the motor room rang. "You're right," -continued the chief officer. "It is the propeller -shaft; we're knocked out for the time being."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet remained in the fore -conning-tower till the indicator of the detector -showed that the "Vorwartz" had put a safe -distance between her and her pursuer; then leaving -the course in the hands of a quartermaster, he -gave orders for the "Aphrodite" to be brought -to the surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe would have forborne to question the -captain at such an anxious time, but to the -former's surprise Captain Restronguet hailed him -quite genially and in a manner that showed no trace -of his annoyance at being temporarily baffled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Mr. Hythe, wherever have you been?" -he asked. "I thought you were following me -when I left the cabin, and never missed you till -ten minutes ago. You see, I had to keep all my -attention on what was going on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You said nothing about my accompanying -you, sir," replied the sub. "As a matter of fact I -took the liberty of going up into the after conning-tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That was better than remaining below," -agreed Captain Restronguet. "Only there was -not so much to be seen. From the for'ard tower -we caught sight of the 'Vorwartz' on two -occasions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should have thought you had her in sight -the whole time, sir," remarked Hythe. -"Otherwise I cannot see how you kept in her track."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By means of the detectors. I can fix the -position of the 'Vorwartz' to a nicety, and no -doubt that scoundrel of a von Harburg can do -the same, thanks to my invention, of which he -basely availed himself. I suppose you know he -let loose four torpedoes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; but it puzzled me to know why they -exploded so far from the ship."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Aphrodite' can, when desired, be protected -by a belt, as it were, of electric fluid, so -long as she remains under water. Any explosion -brought within that zone would be spontaneously -ignited. It was a weak current that knocked all -the stuffing out of you, when you were nearly -run down at Spithead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, this submarine is practically invulnerable?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When submerged, yes. A mine or a torpedo -cannot harm her, and at a depth of fifty feet she -is out of all danger of being run down. On the -surface she might, if perceived, be a target for a -quick-firing gun, or she might be cut in two by a -large, swiftly-moving steamer. Von Harburg, did -he but know it, has a unique opportunity now our -propeller shafting is gone; he might wait till we -rose to the surface and then ram us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But why didn't you torpedo his 'Vorwartz'?" -asked Hythe. "Your torpedoes would easily -overtake that vessel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was in my power to do so," replied Captain -Restronguet calmly. "But I refuse to do so in -the interests of humanity. It is part of my creed -that human life is sacred, and should not be -sacrificed unless absolutely necessary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you vowed you would destroy the 'Vorwartz'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly. What I wanted to do, and -what I will, I hope, eventually be able to do, is -to play with that wretched counterfeit of my -submarine, and drive von Harburg into a state of -panic. Then as soon as I can pursue the -'Vorwartz' into comparatively shallow water I will sink -her--but if humanly possible, I will save her -crew. Come on deck, Mr. Hythe. You will -then be able to see how we tackle repairs of -this description."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub followed his host on deck, where -about half of the crew were engaged in rigging -up a pair of sheer-legs over the stern. At the -same time the water ballast was being ejected -from the ballast tanks in the sternmost section of -the vessel, while the bow compartment tanks -correspondingly filled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lower and lower sank the for'ard portion of -the "Aphrodite," while the after end rose out of -the water till the blades of the polished propellers -were exposed to view. From the head of the -sheer-legs a double block was fixed, the tackle -being brought to bear upon the damaged shafting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're in luck, sir," shouted Kenwyn, who -had lowered himself over the stern. "The metal -is not fractured; it's a length of tarred rope -wound round and round the boss of the propeller."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take axes and cut the rope through," ordered -Captain Restronguet, addressing Carclew and -Gwennap. "We'll soon clear that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe was not so sanguine. He had known -rope to baffle the efforts of half a dozen men -working for two hours in a similar case, for the -strain is so great that the entanglement is -compressed into a solid mass almost as hard as steel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might I suggest a hack-saw?" he said. -"That will do better, since there is less danger -of harming the metal than with an axe. If you -have no objection, sir, I will bear a hand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Glad of an opportunity of doing something the -sub borrowed a working suit, and with a bowline -under his arms was lowered over the stern, where -the two men were already astride the propeller -brackets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hitherto the sea had been fairly calm, but with -provoking suddenness the wind piped up, and -vicious little wavelets began to splash over the -energetic toilers. Desperately they hacked at -the stubborn rope, removing the coils piece-meal. -Higher and higher rose the waves, till the work -became hazardous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pass me that long marline-spike, Gwennap," -exclaimed Hythe. The man leant forward with -the pointed piece of steel in his hand. As he did -so a sea swept over him; he dropped the marline-spike -and grabbed frantically at one blade of the -propeller; missed it, and the next instant was -struggling in the sea.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-74"> -<span id="he-grabbed-frantically-at-one-blade-of-the-propeller"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""HE GRABBED FRANTICALLY AT ONE BLADE OF THE PROPELLER."" src="images/img-150.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"HE GRABBED FRANTICALLY AT ONE BLADE OF THE PROPELLER."</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>One glance sufficed to show the sub that the -unfortunate man could not swim a stroke. -However competent he was underneath the sea in his -diver's dress it was a certainty that he was -absolutely helpless when it came to keeping on -the surface. He raised his hands above his head, -and in consequence sank. By the time he came -to the surface again, the submarine, now light -and high in the water, had been blown ten yards -astern. The officers and men on deck were all -equipped in heavy working-suits and sea-boots, -while the dinghy, the only above-water life-saving -appliance on board, was down below. There was -not even a rope handy that was long enough.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet, Devoran, and several -others were struggling to cast off their cumbersome -clothing and boots, but they were too late, -for Hythe, slipping out of the bowline, dived into -the water. Although more than fully clad, since -he had donned overalls over his uniform, he -fortunately was not wearing sea boots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Striking out vigorously he gained the spot where -Gwennap had sunk just as the man appeared for -the second time. Bearing in mind the instructions -laid down in official directions for saving life -Hythe used a fair amount of precious breath in -bawling in a loud voice that the drowning man -was safe. Gripping Gwennap by the collar he -jerked him on to his back, the man struggling -furiously the while. Hythe, realizing that once -the frantic and powerful fellow gripped him, it -would be "all up," had his work cut out to avoid -the man's arms. One glance showed him that -the "Aphrodite" was drifting fairly fast to -leeward; his assurance that the drowning man was -safe seemed a hollow mockery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't struggle, you idiot!" spluttered Hythe, -as the crest of a wave broke over his head. -"Don't you see you'll do for the pair of us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Gwennap evidently did not see, for if -anything he struggled the more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub came to the conclusion that the -situation was a desperate one. He was rapidly -becoming weaker; his clothes, now thoroughly -waterlogged, seemed like leaden weights. He -had lost all sense of direction; he knew not where -the "Aphrodite" lay. It seemed as if he were -left with a frantic, drowning man in the lone sea. -But not for one moment did Hythe intend to -abandon the man he had so gallantly attempted -to rescue. If only he could prevail on Gwennap -to keep fairly still a chance yet remained; but -the man showed no signs of ceasing to struggle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let go!" shouted Hythe, as loudly as he -could, as Gwennap's huge fist seized him by the -shoulder, followed by an iron grip on his -coat-sleeve. In his effort to shake himself clear the -sub sank. As he did so Gwennap's grip became -a close embrace. Down, down, down; it seemed -as if Hythe had sunk a full twenty feet ere the -downward motion ceased. His lungs seemed -ready to burst with the pressure. Even if he -would he could not now free himself from the -relentless grasp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more his head appeared above the -surface. He drew in a deep, reviving draught of -air, even though it was salt-laden; then with a -sudden effort he wrenched his right arm clear, -drew back his fist, and planted a tremendous blow -upon Gwennap's temple, and his struggles ceasing -he was now practically harmless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pity I didn't think of that before," thought -Hythe dimly. "I wonder if I've killed him, but -there was no other way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cheer up, Hythe!" exclaimed a hearty voice -that the sub recognized as Devoran's. Turning -his head the well-nigh exhausted rescuer saw -close to him the chief officer and O'Shaunessey, -who, having divested themselves of -the greater portion of their clothing, had dived -overboard to aid their comrades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's right, you hang on to me," continued -Devoran, "O' Shaunessey will look after that -lubber. The captain will give him a -dressing-down when we get aboard again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe was too done up to inquire why -Gwennap should be reprimanded. He was only too -glad to rest his hand upon Devoran's brawny -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll be all right in a brace of shakes," said -the chief officer encouragingly. "The water's -quite warm, and we are fresh enough. They -are turning the 'Aphrodite' and will bring her -to windward of us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten minutes later, the submarine, with her -upper platform barely three feet out of water, -glided slowly up to the group of immersed men. -Ropes were thrown and caught by Devoran and -O' Shaunessey, and by this means Gwennap and -Hythe were hauled on board. Captain -Restronguet was waiting to congratulate his guest -upon his heroic action, but instead he sprang -forward and grasped Hythe by the arms, just in time -to prevent the sub from falling helplessly to the deck.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-missing-submarine"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE MISSING SUBMARINE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Arnold Hythe recovered consciousness -he found himself lying on his bunk in the cabin -that had been appropriated to his use. The -scuttle was closed, an electric light was burning, -and by the slight and peculiar oscillation of the -vessel he knew that the "Aphrodite" was -running submerged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was not alone. Sitting at the head of his -bunk was Kenwyn, the second officer. He was -reading a book, but hearing the sub move he -replaced the volume on a shelf and asked Hythe -how he felt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not quite up to the mark, thanks. But what -am I doing here? Ah, I remember. Have you -got Gwennap safe on board?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, thanks chiefly to you. He's still -unconscious. Devoran told me he saw you knock the -nonsense out of him, By Jove! I shouldn't like -a blow like that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope I didn't hit him too hard?" asked the -sub anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too hard? Not much. He's as tough as -nails, and he thoroughly deserved to have his -figure-head damaged. He is the only member -of the ship's company who cannot swim, and the -captain has been trying to get the fellow to learn -for a long time past. But you are a plucky fellow, -Hythe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are we making for now?" asked -Hythe, seeking to change an embarrassing -subject. "Has the propeller-shafting been -cleared yet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're making for the North coast of Spain: -Machichaco Bay, to be exact--a place a short -distance to the east'ard of Cape Villano. You see, -the rising sea and Gwennap's accident interrupted -the work in hand, so Captain Restronguet, rather -than put into any of the harbours on the French -Biscayan coast, has decided to make for -Machichaco Bay, where there are excellent -facilities for repairing the damage without fear of -interruption. We are running with only the -port propeller, that gives us barely twelve knots -when submerged, and at that rate we expect to -sight land about mid day on Thursday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is Captain Restronguet going to beach the -'Aphrodite' at half tide?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather not. No, our repairs will be carried -out on the floor of the bay, where we shall be -unseen by every one. But don't talk any -more at present. Drink this and try to go to sleep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I don't want to go to sleep," expostulated Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, then, don't, only drink this. It -will buck you up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub took the glass proffered by the wily -Kenwyn, and drained it at a gulp. Within three -minutes he was sleeping peacefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Hythe awoke again after an eight hour's -sleep all traces of his strenuous exertions had -vanished. He tubbed, dressed in his own clothes, -which had meanwhile been dried and pressed, -and went down to breakfast in the captain's cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet greeted his guest warmly, -until Hythe felt quite uncomfortable at the praises -bestowed upon him for his act of gallantry. Once -more he succeeded in changing the subject, this -time by asking if any news had been received -of the "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing that will give us definite information -as to where she is making for," replied Captain -Restronguet. "But from my British agent I have -had news that Karl von Harburg has been -declared a pirate by the Great Powers and by -several lesser maritime states as well, and that -war vessels are authorized to capture or destroy -the 'Vorwartz' without compunction. I fancy, -however, that that part of the business will be -left to us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean to track him down?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Through the five oceans, if needs must. -But for the time being we are put out of the -running. Have you ever been to the north coast of -Spain, Mr. Hythe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, to Bilbao, Santander, and Coruña; -but it was two years ago, when I was in the old -'Alacrity.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you don't know Machichaco Bay?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never heard of it until Mr. Kenwyn -mentioned the name to me, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm. Do you remember the disaster to 'La Flamme'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The French submarine that was supposed to -have been run down on her way from Rochefort -to Toulon?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, the Dutch liner 'Huitzens' arrived at -Rotterdam about that time with several of her -bow plates buckled, and reported she had been -in collision with an unknown object thirty miles -off Cape Finisterre. The theory was advanced -and generally accepted that the liner ran down -the French submarine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And didn't she? Do you know anything -about it?" asked Hythe interestedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think I can show you certain evidence -before many more days are passed. Ha, Devoran, -what is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cape Machichaco in sight, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good. We'll go to the fore conning-tower, -Mr. Hythe. You will then be able to see -how we con the 'Aphrodite' into this somewhat -intricate roadstead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The submarine was now running at a little less -than eight knots and at thirty-five feet below the -surface. The electrically operated periscope with -its flexible attachments was in operation, and by -looking at the object-board the sub could discern -what appeared to be a range of hills, above which -a remarkably-shaped peak towered to a -considerable height. Close to the edge of the cliffs -could be seen a circular lighthouse and the -keeper's house, both painted white. Some little -distance from the cape two forbidding looking -rocks reared their gaunt black heads above the -sea, while between these rocks and the shore -was a tumbling mass of white foam.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that the cape? Where, then, is the bay?" -asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is hardly recognizable from the distance. -There it lies--away to the east'ard. A point to -starboard, quartermaster--gently does it--so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly and steadily the "Aphrodite" -approached the desired anchorage. Through the -starboard observation scuttle the sub saw -vicious-looking rocks more than once, rising boldly from -the bottom of the sea at less than twenty yards -off. Between them were cavernous depths that -could only be compared to an American canyon -suddenly submerged in a tremendous flood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the quartermaster kept the "Aphrodite" -on her course Captain Restronguet directed all -his attention to the submarine cliffs. Hythe -could hear him counting as the dangerous rocks -appeared to slip by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hard a port."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Round swung the "Aphrodite" till her bows -pointed straight for a narrow gap in the rocks. -The sub stood aghast. Surely it was courting -disaster to plunge into a submarine defile, so -dark and so narrow that it seemed an impossibility -for her to pass without touching the jagged -pinnacles on either hand?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The gauge now showed a depth of fifty-five -feet. At a sign from the captain, Kenwyn -touched a switch and instantly two parallel beams -of brilliant light flashed from the sides of the -conning-tower. As far as the beams penetrated -nothing but water could be seen, but in the -reflected light on either hand the ghost-like rocks -flitted past in a seemingly endless procession. -The "Aphrodite" was threading an intricate -passage between the dangerous shoals of Machichaco Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a weed-covered crag, looking like a -pillar of glistening silver, came within the zone of -the port search-light. A slight touch at the helm -and the "Aphrodite" swung round, clearing the -danger with comparative ease. On and on she -went, literally crawling and smelling her way -through that forbidding channel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently Captain Restronguet touched Hythe -upon the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look!" said he, at the same time switching -on a supplementary search-light that, instead of -playing in a fore and aft direction, threw its beam -at right angles to the submarine's course. For -less than ten seconds the captain kept the light -switched on, but in that short interval the sub -saw something that made the blood run cold in -his veins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Perched upon a flat rock so insecurely that it -seemed as if the faint "wash" from the "Aphrodite" -would topple it over, was a regularly-shaped -mass literally covered with barnacles and -plentifully festooned with trailing seaweed. But even -these disguises Hythe could penetrate: there was -no mistaking the tapering stern, the horizontal -and vertical rudders, and the twin screws of a -standard type of submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'La Flamme,'" announced Captain Restronguet, -at the same time raising his right hand to -the salute in honour of the brave dead, an example -that Hythe promptly followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little farther and the twin search-lights played -upon a solid barrier of rock, extending from side -to side of the submerged gulley.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Placing the engine-room indicator to half-speed -astern Captain Restronguet waited till the -"Aphrodite's" way was checked; then turning to -Mr. Devoran he nodded his head significantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately the chief officer opened the -valves of the subsidiary ballast tanks and the -"Aphrodite" sank vertically to a depth of -sixty-five feet beneath the surface, and rested firmly -upon the sand on the bed of Machichaco Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub glanced at his watch. Notwithstanding -the fact that he had been wearing it when he -dived overboard to the rescue of the man Gwennap -it had sustained no damage whatsoever from its -immersion. He was surprised to find that it was -nine o'clock. Nearly an hour had elapsed since -the submarine had first entered the tortuous defile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We cannot do more until daylight," announced -Captain Restronguet, as soon as the patent anchors -had obtained a firm hold in the sand. During -the navigation of the "Aphrodite" through the -dangerous channel he had been constrained; his -whole attention had to be concentrated on his -work, but now his usual willingness to impart -information returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The search-lights, now no longer necessary, -were switched off, so that no belated fishing-boat -might have occasion to report the presence of a -mysterious phosphorescence in the depths of the -bay; and having received reassuring reports from -various parts of the vessel the captain intimated -that the somewhat long-delayed dinner would -prove acceptable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I discovered this channel quite by accident," -said the captain, during the progress of the meal. -"We put in here on our way north, since the -nautical directories state that here the currents -run with great velocity. This step was necessary -since our accumulators were rather run down and -I particularly wished to have a good reserve of -power for our run across the bay and up the -English Channel. Of course, in a 'blind alley' -such as we are in now, there are no eddies or -currents to trouble us. I was looking for a good -sheltered berth, for as far as we could see through -the observation plate in the bottom of the vessel -there was nothing but jagged rocks. We were -moving very slowly, at twenty feet below the -surface, when Mylor shouted that we were -passing over a submarine. I at once thought that -we were about to be attacked by the 'Vorwartz,' -but Mylor promptly supplemented his first -assertion by saying that the craft was a wreck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You say it is 'La Flamme,' sir"? asked -Hythe. "How, then, is the fact to be accounted -for that she was run down off Cape Finisterre?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She never was," replied Captain Restronguet -calmly. "That was a statement based upon -suggestions made by the liner's crew. No doubt -they cut something down. The state of her bows -proved that; but it was more likely that of a -derelict or else perhaps an unfortunate fishing-vessel. -Well, we found the channel, and by carefully -feeling our way out, came to the current that -served our purpose admirably."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a tricky piece of navigation," remarked -the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so much as one would think. You -observed the two forward search-lights? Their -beams are not exactly parallel, but slightly -diverging. So long as the water illuminated by them -is unobstructed I know that the 'Aphrodite' is -safe. Directly any dangerous object comes within -the field of light I know that it lies in the vessel's -course, and have to alter helm accordingly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you examine the wrecked submarine?" -asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; a brief external examination, but enough -to satisfy me that it was 'La Flamme,' and also -the manner in which she met her fate. -To-morrow, while the repairs are being undertaken, -I propose to make a fairly lengthy examination, -both external and internal. Perhaps you would -like to accompany me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should, sir, with pleasure," replied Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I warn you that the sight will not be a pleasant -one. In fact, were it not for a definite purpose, -I would hesitate to undertake the interior examination."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have seen a few gruesome things during -the comparatively short time I have been in the -Service, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, then. I mean to write out a report -and forward it to the French Government. -Perhaps you will be so kind as to endorse it with -your signature and rank? I have already -mentioned that I regard myself as a humanitarian. -I hope the report and the suggestions I make -will go a long way towards abolishing submarine -warfare."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Abolish submarine warfare?" exclaimed -Hythe, astonished at the suggestion, that to -him--a naval officer, who had qualified in submarine -work--was utterly absurd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," resumed his host. "With all -due respect to the Geneva Convention its work -is performed in a very slipshod manner. You -are not allowed by international restrictions to -poison wells, or use explosive bullets; yet you -are permitted to employ enormous shells, mines, -torpedoes, submarines, bombs from aircraft and -a host of the most devilish ingenuities that civilized -men can devise for the destruction of their -fellow-beings. Which would you prefer, Mr. Hythe, -to be quickly and painlessly poisoned when -slaking your thirst on the field of battle, or to be -horribly mutilated by fragments of a shell, and -remain, perhaps for years, a misery to yourself -and your fellows?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By eliminating certain means of offence you -reduce the limits of the horrors of war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of the means only, the horrors of war will -never be mitigated until the ban upon explosive -shells, submarine, and aerial offence and defence -is imposed. Thus I maintain that the Geneva -Conference has only taken a middle course. -Better by far to place no limitations and make -war so horrible that no nation will dare draw the -sword; or else restrict the weapons of offence to -solid armour-piercing shells for naval warfare, -small calibre rifle bullets and cold steel. To my -mind submarine warfare, including torpedo work, -is a despicable form of destruction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yet you yourself are bent upon an errand of -destruction by means of your submarine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Precisely. And it is the same in international -warfare, because A builds a submarine, B must -do likewise, in order to fight upon equal terms. -But wait until to-morrow. When you have -explored 'La Flamme' perhaps you may see eye -to eye with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What caused the disaster, sir?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For the present I prefer not to answer that -question," was the reply. "To-morrow I think -I can explain more clearly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After breakfast on the following morning a -strong working-party, under the direction of the -chief officer, prepared to tackle the task of freeing -the propeller. Clad in their diving suits the men -entered the air-lock and thence slipped out into -the sea. Soon the hull resounded to the rasping -of the hack-saws as the men attacked the -hempen rope that was coiled tightly round the -shafting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you ready, Mr. Hythe?" asked the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub assented, and Captain Restronguet -led the way for'ard to the divers' dressing-room. -On the way he stopped, and asked his companion -to accompany him to the after-conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun was now shining brightly, and even -at that depth the luminosity was sufficient to -enable the interior of the conning-tower to be seen -without the aid of artificial light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is now nine o'clock," remarked Captain -Restronguet. "On what quarter ought the sun -to be visible at this hour?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"South-east," replied Hythe promptly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now look at its bearing according to our -standard compass."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, it bears south-west."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly. Now that explains the loss of 'La -Flamme.' Practically the whole of this coast -contains vast quantities of iron ore, and the -deviation of the compass at this particular spot -amounts to as much as ninety degrees. The -north-west coast of Spain is bad enough in this -respect. You may have heard of the loss of the -'Serpent,' several years ago. That was attributed -to magnetic influence of the iron ore upon the -ship's compass. Here the error is still greater. -It is easy to understand that the unfortunate -submarine, getting within the fatal influence of the -magnetic attraction, ran full tilt upon the rocks in -a heavy sea and on a pitch-dark night. But we -will now prepare for our submarine walk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the dressing-room were Kenwyn, Carnon -the quartermaster, and O'Shaunessey, who were -also to form the party. The Irishman was -somewhat doubtfully examining the dress and -helmet served out to him. Anything that was -not "regulation" he regarded with suspicion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Buck up, O'Shaunessey!" said the quartermaster. -"Here's the cap'n; and you're not ready yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, I'm ready," replied the Irishman. "But -can't I have me own dress?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll be sorry for yourself if you do," said -Captain Restronguet who had overheard -O'Shaunessey's remark. "Before you've gone fifty yards -you will feel as if you're squashed between the -jaws of a vice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You see," he added, turning to Hythe, -"the air in a diving-dress fitted with an air-tube -is kept under a fairly good pressure; with ours, -the air supply being self-contained, only a very -slight pressure is maintained. We rely upon -the stiffening bands in the flexible metal fabric -to withstand the exterior pressure of the water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having donned their diving garb, Polglaze -served out to each man a small electric lamp. -Captain Restronguet and Hythe both carried -a steel crowbar, Kenyon a long adjustable -spanner, while Carnon and O'Shaunessey took -axes. The quartermaster was also equipped with -a slate for writing messages, that being the only -form of definite communication under water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the five men entered the air-lock -the water was admitted. When the compartment -was full Captain Restronguet thrust back -a couple of levers and a portion of the exterior -plating of the hull was pushed aside. From the -sill of this aperture to the bed of the sea was -a drop of nearly ten feet. Unhesitatingly the -captain leapt and sank upon a sandy floor, -where he was joined by his companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe found that walking in this form of -dress was far easier than plodding along in the -orthodox diving-suit in use in the British Navy. -The absence of life-line and air-tube, with -their attendant drag upon the diver, was -particularly noticeable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A short halt was made to examine the -progress of the work upon the damaged propeller. -Already the men had made a fair show with the -job, but, as the sub had predicted, every strand -had to be carefully cut through and prised up. -Under the best conditions it would require -another three hours of arduous labour to free -the shafting from the obstruction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that depth the light was strong enough to -see nearly twenty yards ahead, and Hythe was -struck with the peculiar formation of the -submarine gorge. It was as if human hands had -hewn out a deep and narrow passage through -the solid rock, here and there cutting side tunnels -that faded away in the distant gloom. Fantastic -marine growths occurred in patches that had to -be carefully avoided, for some of the tendrils -were armed with crooked spikes, sufficiently strong -and sharp to do untold damage to any diver -who was incautious enough to get into their -toils. At other places fern-like weeds growing -to a height of ten feet made the floor of the bay -resemble a tropical-forest. Sponges grew in -profusion; oyster-shells, a yard in diameter, were -occasionally met with. Once O'Shaunessey's -foot narrowly escaped being seized by the gaping -jaws of one of these bivalves. A second later -and his limb would have been crushed to a pulp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the five advanced crabs large and small -swarmed sideways across their path to seek -shelter amongst the rocks; fish in shoals darted -from the unwonted sight of the diving-dresses, -although a few, bolder or more stupid than -the rest, swam quite close to the submarine -pedestrians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the passage bifurcated, both arms -shooting off at a very narrow angle. Unhesitatingly -Captain Restronguet took the left. All -the same Hythe wondered what would happen -if they lost their way, for there was nothing -whereby he could distinguish one way from -another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stopping at one of the branch passages -Captain Restronguet pointed towards it, then -switching on his lamp began to clear away through the -seaweed that grew to a height of nearly twenty -feet. Hythe followed, tit was like pushing -aside a Japanese curtain, for the flexible tendrils -closed behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The belt of weed was comparatively narrow; -less than five yards brought the men to a close -sandy space. Here the sub stopped. Right -in front of him, and hidden from the natural -light by a thick canopy of weeds, were the jagged, -barnacle-encrusted timbers of a ship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was lying slightly over to starboard, but -the list was enough to cause her double tier of -guns to fall through the rotting planks. Her -bowsprit had been carried away close to the -gammoning; of her masts only two shattered -stumps remained. Waterlogged cordage and -sails trailed dolefully over her sloping deck, while -her figurehead--that of a woman holding a -rod--was just recognizable in its decay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At each step, careful though they were, Hythe -and his companions kicked up a cloud of iron -rust, till the scene of desolation was almost -blotted out. Of the ship's guns those that were -of iron had almost crumbled into flakes of rust, -but the brass cannon were in almost as good -condition as they were when the wreck was a -noble ship. The sub stooped and examined -one of the brass pieces of ordnance. Close to -the touch hole were the letters L.R. and the -date 1692.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A Frenchman: time of Louis XIV, by -Jove!" said the sub to himself. "I wonder -what her name is?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was on the point of walking towards the -stern of the wreck when Captain Restronguet -laid a detaining hand on his shoulder and flashed -his light upon the rust-discoloured sand. Hythe -instantly drew back. Almost under his feet -yawned a hole full of trailing weeds that looked -for all the world like a pit full of loathsome -serpents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently understanding the reason for his -companion's curiosity the captain beckoned to -Carclew to approach. Then taking the quartermaster's -slate he wrote in bold characters "La -Sybille, French treasure-ship, sunk in action, 1695."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="la-flamme"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">"LA FLAMME."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Holding up his hand Captain Restronguet gave -the signal for the party to retrace their footsteps -to the main channel. It was about time, for the -disturbed sediment from the crumbling wreck had -obliterated every object beyond a distance of a yard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The order of the procession was consequently -reversed, Kenwyn leading and the captain bringing -up the rear. Half way through the barrier of -weed Hythe suddenly became aware that the -man immediately in front of him had stopped and -was stepping backwards. The next instant the -sub was knocked sideways by a tremendous -blow. Owing to the resistance of the water his -fall was considerably broken, but he found himself -lying in a veritable net of tendrils, while above him -was some huge moving creature that was lashing -out with almost irresistible force. Prudence -counselled him to lie still, a sense of duty to his -companions urged him to disentangle himself from -the clutch of the weeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He chose the latter course, and contriving to -free himself from the serpent-like tendrils he -regained his feet, this time on the right side of the -barrier of weeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a fearsome sight that met his gaze. -Lying at full length upon the sand, and with his -hands held in front of his helmet to protect the -glass plate, was one of the divers whom the sub -recognized as Kenwyn. Over him, and ready to -spring upon another victim, was an enormous -conger, more than eight feet in length and as -thick round as a man's thigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Standing ready to lunge with his crowbar -was Captain Restronguet, while with axes held -ready in a position of attack were Carnon and -O'Shaunessey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Recovering his steel bar Hythe, though giddy -with the effect of his fall, ranged alongside his -friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eel darted forwards. Captain Restronguet -delivered a thrust and missed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next moment he, too, was capsized while -the conger, darting over his body, retreated to -the shelter of a hole in the rocks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain was on his feet in an instant, -while Kenwyn was assisted to rise. As no -bubbles came from his dress it was evident -that the attack had not seriously injured his -diving-gear. Had the conger used its teeth instead of -his tail the flexible metal fabric would have been -bitten through as easily as if made of paper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kenwyn, however, walked unsteadily. The -attack had not left him uninjured, but by a gesture -he showed that he was quite able to continue the -submarine excursion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once again the march was resumed, but ere -they had gone another five paces O'Shaunessey -happened to turn and look in the direction of the -eel's retreat. He had just time to warn his -comrades, for the conger, viewing the departing -invaders as a sign of defeat, was preparing to -renew the attack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1"><span>Like an arrow the snake-like monster darted -forward! This time Captain Restronguet -succeeded in thrusting his crowbar down the conger's -throat, and by an almost superhuman effort pinned -it to the sandy bed. Right and left the brute -writhed its powerful tail. To withdraw the -crowbar would be imprudent, to keep it there was -obviously beyond the captain's strength in spite -of his muscular powers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marking his opportunity Hythe planted his -crowbar fairly through the eel's back. To any -creature but a member of the fish tribe such a -blow would have proved instantly fatal, but the -conger only fought the more, till O'Shaunessey -and Carnon cut its body into four pieces with -their axes. Even then the severed portions -continued to writhe. But the victory had been won, -and once again Captain Restronguet led the way -towards the lost submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour's steady walking--the pace being -about two miles an hour--brought the explorers to -the ledge on which the ill-fated "La Flamme" -lay. Bending his knees Captain Restronguet -gave a rapid upward spring that took him nearly -ten feet from the level of the channel, and -sufficient for his outstretched hand to obtain a grip -upon the edge of the rocky shelf. The sub, the -quartermaster, O'Shaunessey, and lastly Kenwyn -followed and gained the upper part of the rock, -the only accident being that O'Shaunessey -incautiously grasped the bracket of the sunken -vessel's propeller shafting, with the result that his -bare hands were badly lacerated by the knife-like -edges of the barnacles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To all outward appearance "La Flamme" was -intact, but by removing the coating of molluscs -and seaweed Captain Restronguet was able to -point out a fracture about two feet from the bows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Carclew and the Irishman next attacked the -hatch abaft the conning-tower. Constructed to -resist enormous pressure from without it was -nevertheless comparatively easy to wrench up the -steel covering that was held only in position by a -gun-metal securing-bolt. The hatch was swung -back and the cavity, within which the tragedy of -two years' standing had hitherto been carefully -guarded, lay open to inspection. But somehow -even those strong-minded men--nerved to face -hourly dangers beneath the surface of the fickle -sea--hesitated. They stood around the open -hatchway, looking at the repellent aperture, and -at each other, till overcoming his repugnance the -captain switched on his electric lamp, turned his -face to the rusted steel ladder and descended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although now thoroughly loathing the task he -had taken in hand Hythe felt compelled to follow. -Not so the others: they remained on the slippery, -weed-garbed deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub had steeled himself to see a gruesome -sight, but his anticipations were excelled. In the -pale light of the electric lamps he saw a scene so -ghastly that his cast-iron nerve wellnigh broke -down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Every portion of the metal work of the interior -bore traces of the corrosive action of the sulphuric -acid, which escaping from the batteries had spread -from end to end of the doomed craft. Luckily -for the two adventurers the acid had long since -exhausted its energies, otherwise their metallic -dresses would have been eaten through by the -powerful corrosive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost the first compartment Hythe examined -was the air-lock--that vaunted contrivance by -which it was stoutly asserted that the crew of a -disabled and waterlogged submarine could escape. -Here were the skeletons of two men both -overpowered in the act of attempting to draw the -life-saving helmets over their heads. By the -contortions of their bones it was fairly evident -that they had struggled hard. Of the fifteen -helmets only three had been removed from their -places; twelve of the crew had been unable even -to reach the place where safety had been promised, -but where the promise had utterly failed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lying across the crank case of one of the -motors was another body, blackened by sea -water and petrol. Apparently this was one of -the mechanicians who had by the impact been -thrown across the powerful machinery, for his -vertebra had been completely fractured. Grasped -in the grisly hand was an oil-can. The poor -fellow had literally died at his post. A clock on -the motor-room bulkhead had stopped at a quarter -to five.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Aft, the scene was even more horrible. -Huddled together, some locked in each other's -arms, others still in the act of vainly trying to -raise themselves from their steel tomb, were -nine corpses. Apparently as "La Flamme" -sank she plunged bows foremost. These men -had contrived to make their way aft, where the -imprisoned air, compressed to several atmospheres, -had been sufficient to prolong life for -several minutes--literally periods of physical and -mental torture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet flashed his lamp upon -that awful group, then swiftly turning made his -way down the steeply sloping deck, and gained -the base of the ladder leading to the conning-tower. -Here he waited for the sub to rejoin him, -and again the pair hung back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe was visibly trembling. Within his -diving dress the perspiration poured from him. -This was the sort of danger that he had courted -day after day with comparative equanimity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet flashed his lamp upwards. -The rays revealed a pair of men's sea-boots -jammed against an open steel grating. These -boots were not empty--in them were the bones -of a human leg. The rest of the poor creature lay -huddled against the binnacle. By the tarnished -uniform it was evident that the victim was either -the lieutenant or the sous-lieutenant of the -ill-fated craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Hythe gained the upper platform a crab -glided away from the heap of clothing--then -another, and yet another. Overcoming his -repugnance the sub grasped the end of a gold -chain and pulled a watch from the unfortunate -officer's pocket. It had stopped at seven o'clock. -Allowing that both the motor-room clock and this -timepiece were accurate until stopped by the -water, one hour and three quarters had elapsed -ere the air confined in the conning-tower had -failed to support life. One hour and three -quarters, imprisoned in a steel tomb without the -faintest hope of rescue--this is but one of the -risks men run in the race for sea supremacy!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the upper story of the conning-tower they -found yet another corpse--also an officer. He -was untouched by water, for even after the lapse -of time since the disaster there was still a -considerable amount of air trapped in the steel citadel. -He had found time to write, even in that awful -impenetrable darkness, for across the open chart, -written in lines that frequently overlapped each -other, was the commencement of a fairly coherent -report of the disaster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After that the poor victim had been seized with -a form of frenzy, for he had endeavoured to open -the manhole in the conning-tower--failing that -in his despair had tried to end his misery by -shooting himself with his revolver, for the weapon, -with all chambers empty, lay on the grating -beside him. Even a swift and merciful death had -been denied him, for in the darkness he had been -unable to find the cartridges.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe turned and descended the ladder as fast -as he could. Captain Restronguet took the chart -on which the course and the fragment of the report -had been pencilled out and also the officer's rough -log-book, and followed his companion. But the -captain's investigations were not yet complete.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He made his way for'ard to where the two -bow torpedo tubes were placed. This part of -the submarine was deserted, save for a shoal of -small fish of the sardine tribe. Their mode of -entry was now apparent, for besides the rent in -the plating, gaps the width of a man's finger -were visible in the seams. The huge metal -cylinder, which for dead-weight far exceeded a -vessel of the same dimensions, had been hurled -by the continued power of the twin propellers, -and the irresistible force of the mountainous -waves, at a tremendous pace upon the solid -rocks--and the shock had not been sufficient -to stun the unfortunate victims who formed the crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two explorers having performed their -duty, hastened to the open hatch. There with -a common impulse they both stood stiffly erect -and saluted. It was a tribute from men who -had faced perils under the sea and who yet -survived to those who, similarly situated, had -sealed their devotion to duty with their lives.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Mr. Hythe, what did you think of -that ghastly spectacle?" asked Captain Restronguet -after their return to the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub was deadly pale. Hitherto he had -looked only on the bright side of a submarine -officer's life, now he had seen----</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is simply horrible, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is. And there are persons--experts they -call themselves--who boldly maintain that death -under these circumstances comes swiftly and -painlessly. Would to heaven those men had -been with us, and had seen what we have seen. -Submarine work is a dangerous game."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yet you yourself----" began Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly. I know what you were about to -observe. But my submarine is far in advance -of the comparatively crude contrivances in which -men seek to destroy their enemies. Possibly, -in the interests of humanity, I ought to give my -secret to the world. Has not that sight quenched -all desire on your part to descend in an ordinary -type of submarine again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe rose from his chair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sir," he replied stiffly, yet without any trace -of grandiloquence, "it is my place to obey -orders, and at times to withhold my opinion. -But then I can safely say: so long as duty to -King and Country calls, Britons will never be -found wanting in the hour of peril, be it on, -above, or under the sea."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-visit-to-gibraltar"><span class="large">CHAPTER XV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A VISIT TO GIBRALTAR.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Breakfast on the following morning was a kind -of solemn feast, for although Devoran and -Kenwyn were present, hardly a word was spoken. -The gloom of the previous day's exploration -seemed to penetrate everything, yet the subject -was, by mutual consent, studiously avoided.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The meal was nearly over when Lancarrow, -the wireless man, knocked and entered the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Message just received, sir," he announced -unconcernedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet opened the envelope and -scanned its contents. Although his eyes lightened -with satisfaction he said not a word till the man -had retired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"News of the 'Vorwartz,' gentlemen," he -exclaimed. "She is reported to be operating off -the entrance to Valetta Harbour, Malta. Holed -the torpedo-boat-destroyer 'Tamar,' did -considerable damage to the oil-tank vessel -'Petrolia,' so that the ship had to be beached in Bighi -Bay. After that she slipped off. An -aero-hydroplane followed her for an hour in an -easterly direction. The 'Vorwartz' then dived -much deeper and was lost sight off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is she doing in the Mediterranean, -sir?" asked Devoran. "That doesn't look as -if she's returning to Sumatran waters."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unless she goes through the Suez Canal," -added Kenwyn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She won't try that game," said Captain -Restronguet. "There's not enough water in -the canal. If she does we have been saved an -unpleasant task, for the authorities will blow her -to atoms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now what is to be done, sir?" asked the -chief officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet paused a few moments -before replying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The shafting is now all right, Mr. Devoran?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir, I remained till the work was -completed. That was at half past one in the -morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Excellent!" commented the captain. "There -is now only one course left open to us. We -must proceed to the eastern part of the Mediterranean -and continue our search for this modern -pirate. I'll send a message to the Admiralties -at London, Paris, and Berlin informing them of -my whereabouts and of my intentions. We -may have a chance of sending the relics of 'La -Flamme' ashore at Gibraltar, Mr. Hythe. -Perhaps you would care to hand them over to the -proper authorities?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With pleasure," replied the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is no time to be lost," continued the -captain, rising from his chair. "What is the -weather like, Mr. Devoran?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hazy, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Excellent! We may have a run on the surface; -the extra ten knots may be of extreme importance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must we go astern through this channel?" -asked the sub, as he followed his host to the fore -conning-tower. "There is not enough width to turn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no; we rise vertically to the surface," -replied Captain Restronguet. "Coming here it -was different. I could not depend upon sinking -the 'Aphrodite' immediately over the gulley. -Besides, I had reasons for bringing the craft in -while submerged."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The discharging pumps were soon at work, -and with hardly a jerk the heavy mass of water-tight -metal casing rose majestically from the sandy -bed of Machichaco Bay. When just awash her -fore hatch was opened and the rails and stanchions -shipped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe went on deck. The haze was sufficiently -dense to prevent objects from being seen -at a distance of more than a cable's length ahead. -The cliffs and the lighthouse were invisible. -Although there was hardly any wind and the -"Aphrodite" was lying almost motionless on a -perfectly calm sea, the noise of the sullen rollers -breaking in-shore showed how dangerous this -exposed bay was to any craft that attempted to -send a boat ashore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beyond that ceaseless roar no sound disturbed -the quietude. As far as the crew of the -submarine were concerned they might have been -floating peacefully in the midst of the wide -Atlantic instead of almost within hailing distance of the -Iberian shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The centre scuttle of the "Aphrodite's" for'ard -conning-tower was opened so that the -quartermaster could take verbal directions from his -superior officer. Captain Restronguet stood just -in front of the conning-tower, while two men, -detailed for special duty as look-outs, were -stationed in the bows, clad in oil-skins to protect -them from the spray that was bound to come -inboard as soon as the vessel gathered way. Abaft -the after conning-tower Mr. Devoran had taken -his stand, while right aft were more men whose -duty it was to report the presence of any vessel -that, of swifter speed than the submarine, might -overtake her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These precautions were additional to the use -of the submarine detector that indicated the -approach of any craft at a distance; for when -travelling at high speed the swish of the waves -against her lean bows was apt to be misconstrued -by the men stationed at that electrically recording -device.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Giving a glance at the standard compass to -assure himself that he had made due allowance -for the abnormal deviation Captain Restronguet -gave the order for half speed ahead. Like a -greyhound the "Aphrodite" leapt forward at a -reduced speed of eighteen knots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within ten minutes the belt of haze had been -left astern, and the sun shone brilliantly upon the -clear blue water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe remained on deck some hours till the -rounded point of Cape Ortegal hove in sight. -Here the sea in calm weather is always agitated -by a long heavy swell, while in gales the waves -are dangerously steep. As a precautionary -measure Captain Restronguet ordered the -look-out men to make themselves fast with life-lines -and the open hatches to be battened down. -Although he suggested to the sub the advisability -of going below, the captain, for some reason -that he did not think fit to communicate, remained -on deck. Scorning to make use of oilskins he -stood grasping the handrail surrounding the -conning-tower, and gazed fixedly at the horizon -on the starboard bow. Whatever he expected -to see his hopes in that direction were unfulfilled, -and at five o'clock, after the tumultuous water had -been left astern, he rejoined his guest in the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are so far fortunate in being able to keep -on the surface," he remarked. "We are now -off Cape Finisterre and right in the regular mail -and ordinary trading routes. But up to the time -I left the deck we had not sighted a single sail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Twice during the day the "Aphrodite" had to -dive to avoid being sighted by passing vessels, -for although Captain Restronguet made no secret -of his whereabouts he did not think fit to allow -the submarine to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just before midnight the captain called to -Hythe as the latter was about to turn in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are going to dive to eight fathoms," he -announced. "It is advisable since we are -approaching the Straits of Gibraltar. Perhaps you -would care to have a look on deck before going -to bed?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On gaining the upper platform Hythe found -that the "Aphrodite" was running nearly awash, -with no navigation lights. Even the lamps in -the conning-towers were screened. It was a -pitch-dark night, although the atmosphere was -clear. The water was exceptionally smooth for -the Atlantic seaboard of the coast of Spain and -Portugal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Away on the starboard hand were several -large vessels, each showing their green navigation -lights, denoting that they were bound north. -One, brilliantly illuminated, was evidently a liner -on which the passengers were keeping a late -night, for the distant strains of a string band were -just audible above the subdued noise of her -powerful engines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know this coast, I suppose?" asked -Captain Restronguet. "Do you recognize -yonder light?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub looked intently in the direction -indicated. Through the darkness shone a fixed -white light which increased and diminished in -intensity, attaining its maximum glare every -thirty seconds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Cape Trafalgar," he replied. "And -we are within twelve miles of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Otherwise it would appear to be a flashing -light," added Captain Restronguet. "I see your -knowledge of the various lights is exceptionally -good. Had it been daylight we might have found -time to let you have a sight of some of Nelson's -relics, for we are passing over the scene of that -ever-memorable victory. The bottom of the sea -here is strewn with the remains of the French -and Spanish vessels that were either sunk in -action or foundered in the storm that arose after -the fight was over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have seen enough of naval disasters for the -time being," remarked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will soon get used to sights of that -description," said the captain with a shrug of his -shoulders. "Some day, all being well, I hope -to visit the remains of the Russian vessels sunk -at Tshushima. Not simply for idle curiosity, -but with a definite motive. But it blows cold, -so I think we may as well descend."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Hythe awoke next morning the -"Aphrodite" was at rest. Throwing back the -metal slide over his cabin scuttle he looked out. -The submarine was below the surface and in a -fairly crowded anchorage, for dimly in the sunlit -water he could distinguish more than one -mooring chain and a mushroom anchor deeply -embedded in the ooze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This must be Gib.," he thought, as he -prepared to dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although breakfast was laid, Captain Restronguet -was busy writing as Hythe entered the cabin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Excuse me while I finish," said the former -apologetically. "Here is a copy of this week's -'Gibraltar Herald'; it was published only -yesterday, so it is fairly recent. Perhaps you -might care to look at it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe took the journal wonderingly. How -could it have come into Captain Restronguet's -possession? He sat down and opened the pages. -Most of the news consisted of matter interesting -only to the members of the colony, such as -descriptions of social functions of such minor -importance that the edition of the smallest weekly at -home would scorn to make use of; but about one -half of the back sheet was devoted to general news.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three quarters of a column were occupied by -a more or less accurate account of Karl von -Harburg's doings at Malta. Since Captain -Restronguet had exposed the fellow's identity the -owner of the "Vorwartz" no longer attempted -to screen himself by attributing his illegal acts to -his rival; on the other hand the </span><em class="italics">dénouement</em><span> -seemed to have emboldened him, for hitherto he -had confined his active attentions solely to -German national property. Now he was fast -developing into a pirate, attacking all nations -without any consideration. Yet, curiously -enough, he never attempted to take booty, and -on this account his motives were the subject of -the keenest discussion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Already international squadrons, representing -Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, -Russia, and Greece were co-operating with a view -of exterminating the modern buccaneer, while -from Cape Tarifa to Centa a powerful flotilla of -the latest type of submarines formed a cordon at -the maximum depth attainable with safety beneath -the surface. These in turn were supported by a -number of destroyers and protected cruisers, -while overhead aero-hydroplanes flew by day -and naval airships soared by night, the latter -keeping their searchlights playing vertically -downwards in the hope of locating and annihilating -the vampire of the seas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tension between England and Germany -had, according to the paper, been considerably -relaxed, and both the Atlantic Fleet and the -High Seas Fleet had returned to their respective -ports; but at the same time the British Prime -Minister had spoken strongly in the House, -urging the oft neglected precept that "A nation -armed is a nation at peace."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The only other item of news that interested -Hythe was a report that there had been seismic -disturbances in the Mediterranean, and that Malta -had experienced two severe shocks. The sub -knew Malta well; besides, he had relations living -there, his maternal uncle holding a shore -appointment under the Admiralty. Although the effects -of the tremor were felt at Bizerta, Tripoli, -Syracuse, Messina, Reggio, and even as far -north as Rome, Vesuvius and Etna showed -no signs of increased activity, while Stromboli -had ceased for several days to emit smoke. This -phenomenon had been debated upon by men of -science, but no satisfactory explanation had been -arrived at.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you found anything sufficiently interesting -to make you forget my rudeness, Mr. Hythe?" -asked Captain Restronguet, as he put his writing -materials into his desk and locked it up. "I had -to finish this dispatch, as you so kindly consented -to take it ashore for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have been wondering how you obtained -the paper, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easily done. We arrived in the bay about -four this morning. Carclew immediately left the -'Aphrodite' and walked ashore, landing on the -Neutral Ground about four hundred yards -beyond the Advance Lines. He divested himself -of his diving-dress and hid it, and as soon as the -gun went--the signal for the gates of the fortress -to be opened, as you know--he mingled with the -crowd of locked-out Scorps, Spanish traders and -pedlars, and walked unceremoniously into the -town. Coming back, however, he had a nasty -time, for the sentries had their suspicions, taking -him for a smuggler, and it was as much as he -could do to slip into the water without being seen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How do you propose to set me ashore?" -asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly openly," replied his host calmly. -"I have the Governor's permission to send a -representative ashore. You will land at the steps -on the inner side of the New Mole at ten this -morning. Kenwyn and Gwennap will accompany -you as far as the landing in order to help -you off with your gear. They will then return, -so that no inquisitive individual will have an -opportunity of examining or possibly stealing my -patent helmet. At six p.m. sharp, Kenwyn and -Gwennap will meet you at the same place. By -the by, would you like O'Shaunessey to go with you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub hesitated for a moment before -replying. Captain Restronguet had made no -conditions regarding his trip ashore. He trusted -entirely to the honour of the young officer. -There was nothing to prevent Hythe and -O'Shaunessey from remaining at Gib. if they -felt inclined. The sub knew O'Shaunessey to -be a sharp and diligent man, but unfortunately -he had a great failing. Had it not been for a -few delinquencies in the shape of overstaying his -leave the Irishman might have been a petty -officer by this time. Consequently, since the -man might get into one of the numerous -grog-shops and fail to return to time, Hythe decided -not to take him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, Mr. Hythe," replied Captain -Restronguet in even tones, although the sub -detected a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I quite -understand, and I think your judgment is good in -this respect. Now let us fall to; breakfast will -be getting quite cold, and I do not want my -emissary to start on a journey with discomfort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are we lying now?" asked Hythe, in -the course of the meal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the Commercial Anchorage, on a line -with the Devil's Tower open of the North Front," -replied the captain. "I thought it best to do so, -rather than trespass within the limits of the -Admiralty Anchorage. You will have more than -a mile to walk, but the tides close inshore are -weak, and by keeping close to the Old Mole you -will find little inconvenience.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here are the documents," he continued, as -soon as breakfast was over. "This one, to which -is attached the chart from 'La Flamme,' is for -the French Minister of Marine. It will be safely -forwarded. This is for the Governor; the others -are of a private nature, and will be sent in by -post in the ordinary way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard say you are going ashore, sir," said -O'Shaunessey, who was standing in the diving-gear -compartment. "Wud ye take this letther -for me? Sure, 'tis for me ould mother."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will, O'Shaunessey," replied Hythe. He -almost wavered in his resolution not to take the -A.B. with him; but since the Irishman did not -seem at all anxious to enjoy a spell on land the -sub adhered to his former plans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Guided by a watertight compass held by the -chief officer, Hythe, with his dispatches in a -weighted metal case, set out on his lengthy -submarine walk. Without a hitch the three men -gained the base of the northernmost Mole, and -walking under the keels of several merchant -vessels made fast alongside, they arrived at the -landing indicated by Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Hythe emerged from the water, -greatly to the interest of a swarm of bluejackets -and civilians who had been apprised of the arrival -of the mysterious submarine, Kenwyn and -Gwennap divested him of his diving suit, and, -being unable to speak by reason of their helmets, -raised their right hands in token of farewell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Being ashore seemed quite unfamiliar to the -young officer, although he was well acquainted -with that landing place. Briskly he ran up the -steps, made his way through the admiring and -attentive crowd, and shaped a course for the -Governor's Palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you are returning to the submarine?" -asked the Governor, when the interview was at -an end. "I believe the Admiralty have telegraphed -that you can exercise your discretion in -the matter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," replied Hythe. "I think it necessary -to do so, both from an official and a private sense. -I can assure you, sir, that anything approaching -the craft in mechanism and scientific wonder has -never yet been seen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My Lords are naturally anxious for details," -remarked the Rear Admiral in charge of the -Naval Establishments at Gibraltar, who had -made it a point of being with the Governor on -the occasion of Hythe's visit. "In fact, speaking -in a strictly confidential manner, I may as well tell -you that they would like to open negotiations with -Captain Restronguet for the purchase of the -vessel. Could you approach him on this matter?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid it will be of no use, sir," replied -the sub. "But, of course, I will do my best. -Captain Restronguet is a man of iron resolution, -and he has more than once told me that he has -sworn to sink the 'Aphrodite' rather than hand -her over to the Admiralty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a pity," said the Governor. "Why -is this? He is an Englishman?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, a native of Cornwall; but he is labouring -under the impression that he has been slighted -by the Admiralty. He offered his invention -some years ago and was, he informs me, shabbily -treated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unfortunately that is not the only case," said -the Admiral. "The mistake--for mistake it -undoubtedly is--was possibly the work of some petty -official at Whitehall. I've known plenty of -instances of that description. However, -Mr. Hythe, do your best in that direction, and find -means to communicate Captain Restronguet's -decision as soon as possible. He will not, I hope, -sell the submarine to a foreign power?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir; I think with all his prejudices Captain -Restronguet does not forget he's an Englishman. -Otherwise he would not be so open in explaining -a host of details connected with his vessel to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we must hope for the best," declared -the Governor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And if Captain Restronguet succeeds in -destroying this rascally German's submarine--the -'Vorwartz,' is it not?--we shall have something -to be thankful for."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe made good use of the rest of the time -allowed him ashore. Several of his brother -officers, whom he had known on previous -commissions, soon had him "in tow," but the sub -strenuously declined to go aboard any of the -ships. There might be some mistake, he might -forget how the hours sped, and to miss his -appointment at the New Mole was not to be thought of. -He found an opportunity, however, of replenishing -his scanty stock of clothing, and by means of a -small "tip" enlisted the services of a "Scorp" to -purchase a supplementary kit for O'Shaunessey. -These he had placed in a small tin trunk, the lid -of which was securely soldered down, and engaging -a porter he told the man to follow him to the -landing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now close on the hour fixed for his -return, but a sudden obstacle was thrown in his -way; he had forgotten the Customs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An alert Customs Officer, who was no respecter -of persons even though they were in naval -officer's uniform, peremptorily demanded to see -what the trunk contained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Clothing only," replied Hythe, with considerable -annoyance. "Value Five Pounds; here is -my bill."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must see what's inside, sir," replied the man. -"Please to order your porter to carry this box to -the office. You will also step this way, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, this is all rot!" exclaimed Hythe -indignantly. "I'll pay up, even though it's a -blind rush; but I've an appointment to keep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Customs official was obdurate. The sub -glanced at his watch. It had stopped. He had -forgotten to wind it. By a neighbouring clock it -wanted five minutes to six.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe hesitated no longer. Turning he set -off at full speed towards the Governor's palace, -the Customs man pelting at his heels and -shouting to the bystanders to stop him. The sub -was a good sprinter, even though considerably -out of practice by being cooped up in the limited -quarters of a submarine. Dashing past the -astonished sentry at the entrance to the palace, -before the soldier had time to salute, Hythe -literally thrust his way into the Governor's -presence and hastily told him of his irritating and -serious encounter with the officious Customs man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is undoubtedly within his rights, -Mr. Hythe," replied the Governor. "But, at the -same time, he is over zealous. That will clear -you," and sitting down he wrote out and signed -an order to pass Mr. Arnold Hythe's baggage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One minute to six. With almost indecent -haste the sub once more bade the Governor -farewell and resumed his headlong pace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just outside the Dockyard Gate he overtook -the Customs official, who was puffing and blowing -after his exertions on a fruitless chase.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," exclaimed the man -apologetically, "but you see dooty's dooty. I'll clear -your trunk in a jiffy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bubbling over with impatience Hythe set off -at a rapid rate, with the wellnigh exhausted official -at his heels. A fresh catastrophe confronted him, -for upon arriving at the place where he had left -the porter with his trunk neither was to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's a wrong 'un, sir," exclaimed the Customs -man. "You had better inform the police."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't time," exclaimed Hythe savagely, -and without another word he ran towards the -steps at the New Mole. When he arrived it -was ten minutes past six, and no signs of Kenwyn -and Gwennap were to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's done it!" ejaculated the sub. "And -Captain Restronguet said six o'clock sharp."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="over-a-volcano"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">OVER A VOLCANO.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>If ever a man felt like kicking himself it was -Arnold Hythe at that moment. He had missed -his appointment; and in Captain Restronguet's -eyes he would be regarded as a waster devoid -of any sense of honour or gratitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you seen anything of two divers?" he -asked, addressing the crowd that lingered about -the landing; for, though the time fixed for -his departure had been kept a secret, a curious -throng had loitered there nearly all day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," shouted a dozen voices in chorus, and -amid a babel of vociferations the sub contrived -to gain the information that they had appeared -quite half an hour ago, had waited ten minutes -and had disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you quite sure they went before six?" -asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly sure, sir, it was exactly ten minutes -to six when they went down," replied a sailor -confidently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the thought flashed across his mind, -perhaps Captain Restronguet had purposely -marooned him? An instant later he banished the -suggestion, yet why should Kenwyn and -Gwennap have returned before the appointed time?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe resolved to wait and see if anything -fresh transpired. The crowd increased, several -naval officers and dockyard officials mingling in -the throng. Presently the Admiral came down -and asked if he should order anything to be done -to attract the "Aphrodite's" attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They may come back even yet, sir," replied -the sub. "I'll wait a little longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you hear nothing by seven you may as well -have dinner at Admiralty House, Mr. Hythe," -observed the Admiral.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just at that moment two men in uniform -arrived carrying Hythe's trunk. The thief had -been caught and was under lock and key.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's something to be thankful for," -soliloquized the sub. "To lose one's belongings and -one's ship at one time is a bit too thick."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sudden shout of exclamations from the crowd -caused him to turn and look towards the slide of -the Mole. Like a huge porpoise the twin -conning-towers and flat deck of the "Aphrodite" -appeared upon the surface, the water pouring in -cascades from her smooth substance. As easily -as a ship's pinnace she ran alongside the steps, -her after-hatch was thrown open and Captain -Restronguet appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on, Mr. Hythe!" he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub waited for no second bidding. With -a bound he gained the Upper Platform, and turned -and saluted the astonished Admiral. Having -seen his belongings passed on board he followed -his host below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fifty seconds later the dense crowd of -spectators were gazing dumfounded at the unbroken -wavelets. For the first time had human eyes, -other than those of her crew, seen the redoubtable -"Aphrodite" at close quarters above the surface -of her natural element.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Yes, I was certainly surprised when Kenwyn -returned with the news that you were not at the -rendezvous, Mr. Hythe," said Captain Restronguet. -"Then the thought suddenly struck me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What thought, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might I ask what time you went by?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The local time; my watch had stopped. By -Jove! I see what happened. Gib. time is 21 -minutes 28 seconds slower than Greenwich."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just so. I guessed the mistake arose that -way; so, as a considerable amount of precious -time would be wasted in sending Kenwyn and -Gwennap ashore again, I took the unusual course -of bringing the 'Aphrodite' right alongside the -New Mole. It will give the Scorpions something -to talk about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the naval authorities as well, sir. The -Admiral was there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now we are off as hard as we can pelt for -the Eastern Mediterranean. I mean to keep at -good depth till clear of the patrols of the Straits. -The 'Vorwartz' is reported in the Black Sea, so -I suppose the Russians will get excited. -Anyway, I hope to be able to arrive in the Ægean -Sea and intercept Herr Karl von Harburg as -he returns through the Dardanelles."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Night had fallen ere the "Aphrodite" rounded -Europa Point, and with the favouring east-going -current was well beyond the cruising ground of -the British submarines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two days later she was between Cape Bon on -the Tunisian shore and the western extremity of -Sicily. Captain Restronguet had, in view of -recent developments, decided not to touch at Malta, -but proceed as fast as he could to Grecian waters, -where he hoped to be able to replenish his -accumulators and be in a state of readiness for his -hated rival.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe had retired to his bunk. He had had -a heavy day in the conning-tower, where, in -reply to his host's invitation, he had stood a watch -in order to acquaint himself with the delicate -organization of electrical mechanism that controlled -the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite" had been running on the -surface during the day, but to obviate the risk of -being struck by passing vessels she was -submerged to nine fathoms at sunset.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the sub found himself struggling on -the steeply listing floor of his cabin. The place -was in utter darkness. All around him were -weird noises caused by various articles breaking -adrift, mingled with the shouts of the alarmed -crew, while from without came an awe-inspiring rumble.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Struggling to his feet the sub groped for the -electric light switch. The current was off. More -and more became the list till his feet slipped from -under him, and he fell into the angle formed by -the floor and the fore and aft bulkhead of the -cabin. Above the noise he could distinguish the -captain's voice shouting for the emergency -ballast tanks to be emptied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good heavens! She's been struck. We're -done for this time," exclaimed Hythe, with lively -recollections of the ill-fated "La Flamme" fresh -in his memory. He gained his feet and made -for the door, but ere he could fling it open the -"Aphrodite" spun round as if pivoted amidships. -Full length went the sub once more, his hands -grasping the knob of the door, which had come off -in the strain. The racket of the shifting gear -was redoubled. Every moment Hythe expected -the enormous pressure of water, since he was -fully certain that the vessel was plunging -downwards, would burst in the sides of the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another nerve-racking twist and the -"Aphrodite" began to dip her bows till this time the -sub found his sliding movement checked by the -fore and aft bulkhead. Then, with a rattle and -clank of her complicated machinery, the propellers -began to race, while the vessel danced about -like a gigantic cork. Instead of plunging down -the submarine had been raised to the surface, -and was being tossed about on the crests of an -angry sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After considerable trouble Hythe succeeded in -opening the door. Outside in the alley-way all -was in darkness. He groped his way towards -the fore conning-tower, staggering against the -metal wall with each abnormal heave of the -vessel. Before he had traversed many feet he -came into violent contact with a man whom he -recognized by his voice as the chief officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up, Devoran?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heaven only knows, Mr. Hythe. Until we -get the light switched on it will be difficult to -find out. One thing, we are afloat, and riding -easily."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Much too easily for my liking," remarked -Hythe, although he felt considerably reassured -that the "Aphrodite" had risen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where are you going?" asked Devoran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To the for'ard conning-tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No use," replied the chief officer laconically. -"All principal watertight doors are closed. -Captain's for'ard. Best to go to the after conning-tower -if you want to see anything. I left Kenwyn there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub made for the steel ladder -communicating with Kenwyn's post, and as he did -so he heard Devoran raise the flap of the -hatchway to the motor-room and ask Carclew what in -the name of Pontius Pilate's grandmother was -the matter with the light?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Plug fused, sir. I am replacing it," shouted -Carclew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then for goodness' sake hurry up!" replied -the chief officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe found Kenwyn staring out of the -scuttle at nothing. It was so pitch dark that -without the conning-tower everything seemed -an impenetrable mass of darkness--sea and sky -a chaos of invisibility. All the while the -submarine was pitching and tossing like an empty -barrel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That you, Mr. Hythe," exclaimed the second -officer, unmistakably glad to have some one to -speak to. "Isn't this a set-to? I don't know -what can be happening."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then a brilliant flash of lightning played -upon the turmoil of broken water without. In -the pale-blue glare it seemed as if the surface -of the angry sea was one expanse of tall, steep -waves--an exaggerated tidal race.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, that's better," ejaculated Hythe, as the -hiss of incoming water could be faintly -distinguished above the hammering of the waves -against the "Aphrodite's" sides and upon her -deck. "We're diving once more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At twelve fathoms the motion, though still -erratic, became less marked, and the condition -of things was vastly improved when the electric -light was once more connected up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Every available search-light was switched on, -and as the powerful beams were directed through -the scuttles Hythe and Kenwyn gave a -simultaneous exclamation of surprise. Eddying -through the water as far as the rays of light could -penetrate were columns of smoke mingled with -bubbles full of gaseous vapour. Now and again -dark masses would shoot upwards with the -velocity of a meteor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A submarine eruption, by Jove!" declared -Hythe. "We're over the mouth of a submerged -crater. That accounts for the earthquake shocks -in Malta and elsewhere. Those black objects -we see whizzing by must be lumps of lava."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kenwyn placed his hand upon the side of the -conning-tower. The metal felt quite warm to -his touch. The thermometer registered -eighty-five degrees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll be boiled alive if this lasts," he -exclaimed. "The sea must be quite hot. -Ah! that's better," he added, as the propellers began to -revolve. "We ought to get out of this natural -saucepan as soon as possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Captain Restronguet's voice was -heard at the telephone inquiring if Mr. Hythe -were in the conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is, sir," replied Kenwyn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ask him to step this way. The watertight -doors are now open."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you noticed the sudden rise of -temperature, Mr. Hythe?" asked the captain when -the sub reached the fore conning-tower. "You -have? I thought you would. We've had a -most unusual experience; we have passed almost -over the mouth of a submarine volcano at the -moment of an eruption. The 'Aphrodite' was -almost drawn into the vortex caused by the rush -of water to fill the cavity formed by the expelled -lava from the crater."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder if another island has been created, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If there has been the 'Aphrodite' has -narrowly escaped being left high and dry upon -it, Mr. Hythe. It was in the last century that -an island suddenly appeared almost in this -latitude and longitude. The British, I believe, -claimed it and so did the Italians; but before -the question of ownership was decided the island -settled the matter by disappearing. If----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look ahead, sir!" exclaimed the quartermaster -in horrified tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The water was now slightly less smoke-laden, -and the two for'ard search-lights made a -tolerable clear path for nearly a hundred yards ahead. -Into that double ray of light came the hull of -a sinking vessel. It was sinking stern foremost -with a slight list to starboard. Hythe recognized -the type of craft, a Sicilian fishing-boat. Her -mast had snapped off about three feet above the -deck, while her lateen sail, extended by the -upward tendency of the wooden yard was almost -as rigid as a sheet of metal. Lashed to the -tiller was the helmsman--a dark-skinned, -curly-haired Italian. The sub could even distinguish -his gold ear-rings. The poor fellow was still -struggling desperately yet aimlessly, for he made -no effort to cast off the rope that bound him to -his post of duty. His hands clutched wildly at -the yielding water. Amidships were two other -men, similarly secured, but they were evidently -already drowned since they were making no -attempt to save themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But for a brief instant did the distressing -vision last, for with a quick movement the -quartermaster placed the helm hard over, the -"Aphrodite" swerved, and the parallel beams -shone upon a waste of unbroken water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet muttered something under -his breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can nothing be done to save them?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing," he replied deliberately. "Nothing. -Had there been a ghost of a chance we would -have taken the risk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For several moments the occupants of the -conning-tower stood in silence, gazing fixedly -at the chaos of water before their eyes. By -this time the "Aphrodite" had passed the -influence of the eruption, for she no longer rolled -and plunged on her submarine course.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The danger is now over, Mr. Hythe," said -Captain Restronguet at length. "Perhaps you -would care to resume your bed? I am afraid -that everything is in a fearful mess 'tween decks, -though."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is lucky for us it is no worse, sir. For the -moment I----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A dull thud upon the deck of the submarine -caused the sub's remarks to remain incompleted. -The shock literally caused the "Aphrodite" to reel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bring her up, sir, bring her up!" exclaimed -Devoran's voice at the telephone. Captain -Restronguet did not wait for an explanation. -Ordering the quartermaster to trim the horizontal -rudders he himself pressed the lever controlling -the emergency ballast tanks. Up rose the -submarine, though not with her accustomed rapidity, -and soon she was pounding sluggishly in the still -agitated sea that swept her fore and aft and -washed over on all sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A craft of sorts has foundered right on top -of us, sir," continued the chief officer. "There -are men still alive in her--or, at least, I fancy so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet and Hythe waited to -hear no more. Leaving the conning-tower in -charge of the quartermaster they rushed off to -where Devoran was stationed. The fore-scuttle -of the rearward conning-tower was obstructed -by the bulky quivering hull of a large -fishing-vessel. She was lying on her port bilges, her -keel being wedged in between the deck and the -base of the conning-tower, but so insecure was -her balance that every movement of the "Aphrodite" -in the furious sea threatened to slide her -once more into the depths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are the men still there?" asked Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They were, sir, when she settled on our deck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sound of the concussion had brought -the rest of the crew aft, and in a crowd they -stood at the foot of the steps leading to the -tower. The captain leant over the circular -aperture and hailed them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Men," said he, "who will take the risk and -venture outside?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A dozen voices replied in the affirmative, even -that of Gwennap, the non-swimmer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You, Polglaze, and you, Lancarrow. A -couple of life-lines there, and two men to tend -them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly Polglaze and Lancarrow sprang up -the ladder and entered the conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a boat or small craft lying across our -deck," explained Captain Restronguet. "I -believe there are some of her crew still aboard. -I want you to investigate, and should there be -any men bring them back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deftly the two members of the "Aphrodite's" -crew secured the life-lines round their waists. -Devoran unlocked the lid of the aperture in the -conning-tower. As the hatch opened a wave -burst through, flooding the floor to a depth of -two inches--the height of the coaming round the -trap-door leading to the Number Two Platform. -Before a second wave had time to add to the -mischief already Polglaze and Lancarrow were -battling their way up the shelving, slippery sides -of the stranded vessel. To gain her deck there -were no other means, for her keel extended far -beyond the side of the submarine. Twice -Lancarrow slipped, but aided by his companion, -who was already astride the fishing-boat's shattered -bulwarks he succeeded in scaling the wall of wood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then a heavy sea came inboard. The -wrecked craft rocked, seemed on the point of -lurching once more into the depths, when a -correcting heel of the "Aphrodite" saved the -situation and the lives of the two heroes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Peering through the almost closed hatch -Devoran and Hythe saw Polglaze slide down -the boat's hull, grasping what looked like a -bundle of clothing in his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep a strain on the life-line," ordered the -chief officer. "Smartly now--haul away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another sea flooded the deck and swirled past -the base of the conning-tower. The strain on -Polglaze's life-line was enormous, but fortunately -the rope was a sound one. As the smother of -foam subsided Polglaze's face appeared at the -almost closed hatchway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here you are, sir," he exclaimed breathlessly. -Hythe and the first officer instantly opened the -lid, and the bundle--the body of a boy about ten -years of age--was thrust into their arms. Ere -another wave hurled itself upon the rescuer -Polglaze was safe within the conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now Lancarrow's burly form appeared -sitting astride the fishing-craft's bulwarks. He -evidently had a weightier burden, for in spite of -his efforts the powerful Cornishman could not at -first raise it clear of the sides. Thrice he essayed -the task and the third time was successful. His -burden was the </span><em class="italics">padrone</em><span> or master of the wrecked -craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then a formidable sea, higher than the -rest, came hissing and foaming down upon the -submarine. Lancarrow with his back turned to -it was unaware of the danger, but both Hythe -and Devoran saw it and shouted a warning. -Their voices were drowned in the howling and -shrieking of the gale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a smother of hissing foam the wave -burst. Lancarrow, still grasping his burden, was -hurled from the bulwarks and thrown upon the -"Aphrodite's" deck. The same wave sent the -fishing-boat back into the depths, thus depriving -Lancarrow of the slight shelter hitherto afforded by -the hull, and hurled him across the slippery deck. -Fortunately he was not stunned by the impact -and did not relinquish his hold of the man he -had rescued, while the life-line saved both from -being washed overboard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Realizing the danger Hythe fastened round -his own waist the rope that Polglaze had cast off, -and bidding Kenwyn and Devoran to open the -hatch, he dashed to the aid of the rescuer and -rescued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another wave flung him back just as he was -on the point of gripping Lancarrow round the -chest. The rush of water swept all three against -the conning-tower. The slack of the life-lines -were hauled in, and the receding water left them -close to the hatchway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've got him," spluttered the sub, as he laid -hold of the unconscious Italian. "You look after -yourself, Lancarrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a heave Hythe lifted the </span><em class="italics">padrone</em><span> within -reach of those within the conning-tower, the -Cornishman followed, and by a display of -remarkable yet undignified agility the sub succeeded -in gaining safety ere a tremendous breaker hurled -itself in vain against the massive metal plating.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite" was quickly submerged to -a depth of nine fathoms and driven ahead at a -modest seven knots, while steps were taken to -restore the rescued man and boy to life. It did -not take long for the latter to open his eyes, but -in the case of the old man three hours of -unremitting toil failed to give any sign of success. -More than once Hythe shook his head doubtfully, -but Captain Restronguet had no intention -of admitting defeat. As fast as one of the -operators showed signs of fatigue another took -his place in their efforts to restore the action of -breathing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After exactly three hours and ten minutes' -steady work the old Italian showed signs of -respiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've managed it," exclaimed Kenwyn -joyfully, in the tone of a man who has fought a -hard struggle and has won the victory.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Avast there!" ordered the captain to Gwennap -who was still pressing and relaxing the -pressure on the patient's body. "Watch him -carefully."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in less than a minute the natural breathing -ceased, and the efforts to restore respiration had -to be renewed. It was not until half an hour -later that the </span><em class="italics">padrone</em><span> was able to be put to bed -and allowed to sleep, Kenwyn and Hythe -volunteering to stand by and keep a watch over -the patient.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now daylight. The fury of the waves -had abated, and only a long sullen roll served as -a reminder of the terrific agitation of the sea a -few hours previously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet, therefore, decided to -bring the "Aphrodite" to the surface, so that the -loss of time during the period when the submarine -was in the zone of the volcanic disturbance could -be made good.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The deck looks different to me, sir," remarked -the quartermaster when Captain Restronguet -entered the conning-tower. "I've noticed it -ever since it grew light."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How do you mean different?" asked the -captain going towards one of the scuttles. A -moment later he shouted to the chief officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry up and open the fore-hatch, Mr. Devoran, -if you please. We're in for a run of -bad luck, it seems."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Well might Captain Restronguet exclaim thus, -for instead of the protective garb of light -absorbing metal the submarine from stem to stern and -from the top of the conning-tower to the keel was -as black as a lump of coal.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-rescued-italians"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE RESCUED ITALIANS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As soon as the fore-hatch cover had been -unshipped Captain Restronguet, accompanied by -Devoran and Kenwyn, hastened on deck. Hythe, -hearing the captain's exclamation, hurried after him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sky was now perfectly clear, the motion -of the sea had almost subsided. But instead of -the stinging, ozone-laden breeze a faint odour -resembling that of rotten eggs seemed to pervade -the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm," ejaculated Captain Restronguet. "In -spite of my faith in the high qualities of restronium -the metal has played me false!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How so, sir?" asked the chief officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is not proof against the action of sulphur. -Even now the air reeks of sulphur, and it was a -sea highly charged with sulphur that the -'Aphrodite' passed through when she was in the -immediate vicinity of the submarine volcano. Thus -the silver in the alloy has been affected, and in -place of a light-absorbing metal we have a -dead-black surface."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a serious look-out, sir," observed the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Serious. Serious isn't the word for it. We -have lost a great factor in our means of offence -and defence. We are no longer practically invisible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can the defect be remedied?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only by subjecting the plating to a fresh -treatment, and that can only be done at our base -in Sumatra. But be that as it may I mean to -continue my search for the 'Vorwartz'. Possibly -the margin of superiority lies with her, but, -without boasting, I venture to assert that John -Restronguet will prove a match for Karl von -Harburg. I hope the wireless is intact, Kenwyn?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is, sir," replied the second officer. "We -have just tapped a message from the P. & O. liner, -'Coghlania,' seventy miles south of Brindisi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anything of importance?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir; merely on a matter of ordinary routine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, Mr. Kenwyn. By the by, you -might let me know the state of your accumulators. -Have we sufficient power to take us to the Ægean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll ascertain, sir," replied the second officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before noon the man and boy rescued from the -fishing-boat had recovered sufficiently to sit up. -Their story was a thrilling one. Hythe's -knowledge of Italian enabled him to follow the patois -without much difficulty. They had, in company -with seven other craft, put out of Porto -Empedocle, on the south coast of Sicily. It was a fine -night with a light off-shore breeze, the weather -being fair. Thus tempted they ventured farther -from land than they were accustomed to. Shortly -after midnight a strange phenomenon was -observed. The stars were shining through a -blood-red haze, while a strong sulphurous odour was -noticed. The superstitious fishermen, frightened -more by omens than by bad weather, prepared -to return homewards, but the wind died -completely away. At two in the morning a strong -nor'easterly breeze sprang up, which soon -developed into a cyclonic gale. Hastily reducing -their canvas the fishing fleet drove at the mercy -of wind and wave, till after ten minutes of great -peril they found themselves once more becalmed -in an agitated sea. Once more sail was hoisted, -in anticipation of a favouring breeze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the water seemed to be rent in twain. -A deep trough appeared less than a hundred -yards from the sternmost boat, and horror-stricken -the terrified Italians found that their frail vessels -were being sucked into the abyss. Then the -cavity in the sea closed and instead a column of -water, stones, mud, steam, and smoke was thrown -up with tremendous force. The starlight gave -place to inky blackness, and the next thing the -</span><em class="italics">padrone</em><span> of the "Favarganna"--that being the -name of the craft belonging to the rescued -man--realized that the doomed vessel was on her -beam ends. She righted, though half filled with -water. The old man had barely time to lash his -grandson and himself to the rudder head, ere a -huge wave swept the boat from stem to stern -and down in the depths she plunged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor was old Beppo's awe any the less when -he heard from Hythe of the manner of his almost -miraculous escape. Devoutly crossing himself -the Italian burst into a torrent of thanks to his -preservers, and finished up by asking where they -thought of landing him?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had thought of that," said Captain Restronguet -when the sub interpreted the </span><em class="italics">padrone's</em><span> request. -"Since there is now no real necessity -for concealment, I think we might hail the first -vessel we come across that is proceeding to -Messina--if Messina still stands after the eruption."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An opportunity presented itself late in the -afternoon. The "Aphrodite" was about two -hundred miles S.S.E. of Cape Passaro, and -running on the surface, when a tramp steamer hove -in sight steering N.W. "We'll stop that fellow, -Devoran," exclaimed the captain. "What does -she look like?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot make out, sir, she flies no ensign," -replied the chief officer, after a lengthy survey -through his telescope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still unperceived by the oncoming vessel the -"Aphrodite" stood out in order to intercept her. -At a request from Captain Restronguet two of -the seamen shipped a light mast abaft the -fore-conning-tower, and on this was hoisted the -International Code signal--flags indicating "I wish -to communicate--heave to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the signal was observed the tramp's -helm was ported as if she meditated flight, but -ordering full speed ahead Captain Restronguet -soon made it evident that the "Aphrodite" could -go two knots to the steamer's one. The tramp's -engines were set at half-speed astern and -simultaneously the affirmative pendant fluttered from -her stumpy foremast, while the Greek mercantile -flag was hoisted on her ensign-staff.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-75"> -<span id="captain-restronguet-soon-made-it-evident-that-the-aphrodite-could-go-two-knots-to-the-steamer-s-one"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET SOON MADE IT EVIDENT THAT THE APHRODITE. COULD GO TWO KNOTS TO THE STEAMER'S ONE."" src="images/img-222.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET SOON MADE IT EVIDENT THAT THE APHRODITE. COULD GO TWO KNOTS TO THE STEAMER'S ONE."</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Eleusis' of the Piraeus," announced -Captain Restronguet, who was able to decipher -with ease the modern Greek characters on her stern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gracefully the "Aphrodite" was brought to a -stand-still within fifty yards of the Greek tramp, -over whose red-leaded bulwarks appeared the -heads of about twenty nondescripts who formed -her crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Eleusis' ahoy!" hailed Captain Restronguet -in stentorian tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What ship's dat?" asked the Grecian master, -who spoke English by reason of several years' -service in the British Mercantile Marine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Submarine 'Aphrodite,'" replied her captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently the fame of Captain Restronguet -had already reached the ears of the master of the -"Eleusis," for he gave a dramatic gesture of surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What want, eh? Me peaceful."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So are we," rejoined Captain Restronguet. -"We have just picked up a man and a boy from -an Italian fishing-boat. Where are you bound?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Messina, Napoli an' Civita Vecchia, sar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you take these two men as far as Messina?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Greek hesitated. His natural cupidity, -now that the submarine had shown no hostile -intentions, returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can dey pay passage-monnaire?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Passage-money, you white-livered swab!" -roared Captain Restronguet. "Is that the way -you would treat poor shipwrecked mariners? -Send a boat instantly, and take these people to -Messina. If I fail to hear of their safe arrival from -the Consul of that port I will take good care to -obtain satisfaction from you on your homeward -voyage. Do you understand?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yas, captain," replied the fellow, thoroughly -cowed. "Me send boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If that Greek scoundrel had not been so jolly -mean I would have paid him well for his -assistance," remarked Captain Restronguet to the -sub. "As it is, not a penny will he get from me. -Excuse me a few minutes, Mr. Hythe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying the captain went below; but hardly -had his head and shoulders disappeared down the -hatchway when he reappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Would you mind coming with me, Mr. Hythe?" -he asked. "I am about to give that -poor fisherman a small present to set him up -after his severe loss. I prefer to perform little -acts of this nature in private, but since I am -unable to speak a word of their lingo I realize I -must enlist your services. But, please, no -mention of this to anyone on board."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon entering the cabin in which old Beppo -and his grandson were, Captain Restronguet -produced a leather pouch and took from it thirty -English sovereigns. These he gave to the -</span><em class="italics">padrone</em><span> and bestowed another gold coin upon the -lad, whereupon the rescued Italians' thanks were -so profuse and pantomimic that their benefactor -asked the sub to tell them peremptorily to "shut up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And let them know that the British Consul -at Messina will arrange for them to have the gold -changed into the national currency," he added. -"Here is a note explaining that this man came -by the money honestly. I think His Britannic -Majesty's Consul will recognize that the signature -is genuine. Also tell Beppo that he is on no -account to pay the Greek skipper anything for -his passage beyond a fair price for all meals -supplied."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying Captain Restronguet strode out of -the cabin leaving the sub to explain matters to -the bewildered </span><em class="italics">padrone</em><span>, to whom the gold was a -sum greater than he could hope to amass in ten -years' hard toil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boat alongside, sir," announced Polglaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Followed by Beppo and his grandson, who, -radiant with pleasure, had now almost forgotten -the perils they had undergone, Hythe went on -deck. Here were gathered almost every one of -the officers and crew of the submarine, while in -a gig made fast on the "Aphrodite's" starboard -quarter were four disreputable-looking Greek -seamen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite's" men gave the departing -Italians a rousing cheer, then as soon as the boat -returned to the "Eleusis," Captain Restronguet -gave orders for general quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere the Greek vessel's propeller began to -revolve the submarine disappeared beneath the -surface, only to reappear on the port side of the -tramp. Then, hoisting and dipping Captain -Restronguet's green and white ensign, a -compliment that the skipper of the "Eleusis" -grudgingly returned, the "Aphrodite" resumed her -voyage on her quest of the desperado, Karl -von Harburg.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-rivals-pass-through-the-suez-canal"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE RIVALS PASS THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Four days later, with her accumulators charged -to their fullest capacity, the "Aphrodite" arose -from her anchorage in the Dardanelles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During that period, although wireless messages -were being received with almost monotonous -regularity, no definite news had come to hand -with reference to the movements of the "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True, the captain of the Russian battleship, -"Imperator Pavel," sent a wireless message to -Sevastopol, which was in turn transmitted to -St. Petersburg and thence to the world in -general, to the effect that at eight a.m. on the -morning of the 6th he had sighted a submarine -eighty miles S.S.W. of that Crimean port. Having -orders to sink the "Vorwartz" without warning, -the Russian officer caused a heavy fire to be -opened upon the submarine with the "Imperator -Pavel's" twelve and three-pounder quick-firers. -Every one of these guns that could be brought -to bear--eighteen out of forty--joined in the -racket, and confident of having destroyed the -modern buccaneer, the Russian battleship -returned to Sevastopol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet received this intelligence -with mixed feelings. He had his doubts. He -knew that the rapid firing of the Russian fleet -was notoriously ill-aimed and inaccurate; he -knew also that with a battleship in the vicinity -Karl von Harburg would hesitate to bring his -craft to the surface. If, however, the news was -correct he was saved a lot of trouble, and was -now at liberty to return to his base in the Dutch -East Indies. Nevertheless he regretted, in no -small measure, the fact that he had not been -able to achieve the distinction of sinking the -"Vorwartz" under conditions favourable to the -lives of her crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour or so later the stalwart Cornishman -executed a dance in his cabin, much to the -astonishment of Hythe and Kenwyn who happened -to be present.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The report of the captain of the "Imperator -Pavel" was replied to by a demand from the -Bulgarian Government to know why the Russians -had fired upon one of their vessels. It appeared -that a submarine had been ordered and built at -Ansaldo's Works at Sestri, Italy, for the new -Bulgarian Navy, and having finished her -acceptance trials was returning to Varna. She was -running on the surface and made no attempt to -alter her course, or to act in any way that might -be regarded as suspicious; but when passing the -"Imperator Pavel" at a distance of two miles, -the Russians greeted her with a sudden and -totally unexpected volley of quick-firing shells.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bulgarian submarine quickly dived. According -to the estimate of the Italian contractors' -representative who was on board, not less than -one hundred and twenty shells were fired, of -which not one did the slightest damage beyond -cutting away the ensign-staff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Those Bulgarians will make a fine business -of this, Hythe!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet. -"With Russia on bad terms with Austria and -Germany the Balkan States can pull the Bear's -tail as much as they like. And trust any of the -Balkan States for that; they would draw blood -out of a stone if they could. But some day the -Powers will settle down harmoniously, and the -successors to the Turkish Empire in Europe will -have to knuckle under somewhat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't seem very partial to the Balkan -States, sir," remarked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Partial? By Jove, I wish I could be! We -had a very good specimen the other day in the -person of that rascally skipper of the Greek -tramp. The stalwarts of ancient Greece would -turn in their graves could they but realize to -what depths their so-called descendants have -fallen. Well, Kenwyn, what is it now? Another -purposeless message?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think not, sir," replied the second officer, -handing his chief the latest "wireless" received -on board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This time, instead of executing a dance, -Captain Restronguet very nearly lost his temper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That rogue von Harburg has done me very -neatly this time, Hythe!" he exclaimed. "He -never was in the Black Sea, that's my belief. -Here's a message announcing that the -'Vorwartz' has passed through the Suez Canal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Surely that's impossible!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, there's the message. It is from -an exceptionally trustworthy agent. I say, -Mr. Kenwyn, just reply, will you? And ask to be -kept in touch with events."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," replied the second officer, -withdrawing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am anxious to know how a submarine -could pass through the Canal without being -detected and stopped," remarked the sub, who -entertained grave doubts as to the authenticity -of the wireless message, especially after the -"Imperator Pavel" affair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So am I, Mr. Hythe," rejoined Captain -Restronguet, who had now recovered his -customary coolness of mind. "So am I, since -where the 'Vorwartz' can go the 'Aphrodite -can go also."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean to traverse the Suez Canal?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By fair means, or failing that by foul. -Otherwise it would mean that we have to -circumnavigate the African Continent, and in the -time we were so occupied what would Karl von -Harburg be doing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within twenty minutes of the receipt of the -momentous news the "Aphrodite" was abreast -of the classic Isle of Tenedos, bound for Port -Said. All the while she had remained in the -Dardanelles, although within a few miles of the -seaport of Gallipoli, she had refrained from giving -any signs of her presence. But at the moment -of departure Captain Restronguet could not -resist leaving his card in the shape of one of his -green and white buoys on which were painted -his customary compliments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the run across from Gallipoli to Port -Said a complete text of Karl von Harburg's -feat, as reported in the </span><em class="italics">Egyptian Monitor</em><span>, was -transmitted by Captain Restronguet's agent for -the information of his employer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was indeed a daring coup on the part of the -German renegade.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early one morning the "Vorwartz," running -light, brought up between the breakwaters that, -extending nearly two miles from shore, mark the -Mediterranean entrance to the Canal. Here, -landing a party of armed men, he took possession -of the two lighthouses, and terrified the -lightkeepers into submission. He compelled them -to ascertain by telegraph what vessels had entered -the canal during the previous twenty-four hours -and what were expected. Finding that there -were no armed ships between Port Said and -Suez, and none within easy steaming -distance of the latter port, he resolved upon the -desperate enterprise of passing through at full -speed. To keep submerged would mean loss of -time and possibilities of running aground in the -Bitter Lakes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, almost before the Canal authorities at -Port Said recovered from their astonishment that a -strangely-constructed vessel should have passed -into the Canal at several knots above the -regulation speed and without paying the customary -dues, the "Vorwartz" was well on her way to -Ismalia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the Little Bitter Lake her luck deserted -her, for in attempting to pass a lumbering Dutch -tramp steamer, the "Vorwartz" struck upon the -sand on the west side of the Canal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the telegraph had not been idle. -It was rightly conjectured that the mysterious -craft was that of the modern buccaneer, and a -battery of Egyptian artillery had been ordered -from Cairo. The artillerymen were sent by -train, the route being so roundabout that several -hours elapsed before the men and guns detrained -at the nearest station, where they were separated -by a fresh water canal and a stretch of desert from -the spot where the "Vorwartz" had grounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fortunate for the 'Gippy artillery that -Karl von Harburg did not possess the same -potential means of offence as did the captain of the -"Aphrodite," otherwise the charged shells in the -limbers might have exploded with disastrous -results. Eventually, after great exertion, the blacks -got their guns into position and prepared to hull -the helpless submarine. Just then a heavy -sandstorm swept down. The breech-blocks of the -quick-firers had to be promptly covered up to -prevent the ill-effects of the sand upon the -delicate mechanism. When the storm ceased the -"Vorwartz" was once more afloat and hidden -by the sand hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only one course remained for the British -officer in charge of the Artillery to take. That -was to regain the railway and entrain for Suez, -where another chance of cutting off the -submarine's retreat was left. But once again the -troops were foiled, for before they reached Suez, -the "Vorwartz" had passed Port Ibrahim, the -Red Sea entrance to the Canal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now was Karl von Harburg's opportunity to -enrich himself with the plunder from helpless -liners and merchantmen. The Red Sea was -practically denuded of men-of-war. A pair of -obsolete gunboats lay off Suakin. They were not -capable of doing more than twelve knots, and -could be regarded with contempt. A British -third-class cruiser, one of the units of the East -Indies squadron, was stationed at Aden, while the -remainder of the squadron was at Bombay, with the -exception of a second-class cruiser that could not -well be withdrawn from the Persian Gulf, without -the risk of allowing dangerous cargoes of rifles -to be "run" by the Arab dhows that were ever -awaiting their opportunity for the hazardous yet -profitable business.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon the arrival of the "Aphrodite" at Port -Said, Captain Restronguet was literally received -with open arms by the harassed and distracted -Canal officials. The presence of the "Vorwartz" -in the Red Sea meant a far greater loss to them -in due and tolls than while she was in the -Levant, and even then there had been an appreciable -falling off in the receipts. Without the faintest -delay Captain Restronguet received permission -to take his wonderful submarine through the -hundred miles of artificial waterway, special -facilities being granted so that no undue delay -would be experienced. It was generally -recognized that if anyone had the honour and -distinction of ridding the seas of a danger and a pest -that man was Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite" made the journey on the -surface and by night. She was twelve hours -behind her rival. Fortunately it was bright -moonlight, and aided by the powerful search-light -on board and the electric arc lamps that had -recently been placed on the banks of the canal, -the passage was performed most expeditiously. -At every town and village crowds assembled to -cheer the modern magician. At Ismalia the -Khedive's band, sent specially from the palace -at Cairo, serenaded the "Aphrodite"; the -shipping at Port Ibrahim hailed her approach with a -deafening salute upon their syrens; and just as -dawn was breaking the submarine, having -accomplished the trip in less than seven hours, -slipped gracefully under the waters of the Gulf -of Suez.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet's spirits rose. He was -flattered with the reception accorded him by the -Canal authorities. He realized that, instead of -being regarded with suspicion, the world was -beginning to appreciate his services to mankind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll have him right enough," he remarked -confidentially to Devoran. "There's a faint -tremor noticeable on the detector that cannot -mean anything but the presence of the 'Vorwartz.' I -have been officially informed that no Government -submarine is within a thousand miles of us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How far do you think the vessel is, sir?" -asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The detector is sensitive to anything of that -nature within a hundred and twenty miles, but, -of course, the actual position of the chase cannot -be fixed with any degree of accuracy at that -distance. But as soon as we approach within twenty -miles of von Harburg's counterfeit presentment of -my submarine, the position of the 'Vorwartz' -will be accurately recorded on the chart controlled -by the electric detector."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During lunch the wireless room reported that -a vessel was sending out calls for urgent aid, and -in response to a request for further details came -the startling news that the Dutch liner, "Noord -Brabant," had been forcibly boarded by the crew -of the "Vorwartz" fifteen miles due east of Wadi -Jemel. Several of the Dutchmen had been -wounded when attempting to resist; the -strong-room had been forced, and nearly ten thousand -pounds worth of gold had been removed. Not -satisfied with this, Karl von Harburg discharged -a torpedo at the ill-fated "Noord Brabant," -which, exploding under her starboard quarter, -completely flooded the after compartments. -Leaking badly, for the shock had strained the -water-tight bulkheads, the liner headed slowly for Sherm -Sheikh, an inlet in the mainland, where her -captain hoped to run her aground on the mud and -sand that form the bottom of the cove.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here we are," exclaimed Captain Restronguet, -running his finger over the chart of the Red Sea. -"Ninety miles from Wadi Jemel; three hours -run at our maximum speed. Keep her going for -all she's worth, Kenwyn. I'll be with you in the -conning-tower in less than ten minutes. Let the -'Noord Brabant' know we're on our way, and -keep me informed of how she's progressing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the "Aphrodite" tore on her errand of -mercy, Carclew was keeping vigilant watch upon -the electric detector; but, to the disgust of all on -board, instead of the "Vorwartz" making her -presence felt more strongly the sensitive current -grew more and more feeble. Was it possible, -then, that the "Vorwartz" was able to attain -a much greater speed than her rival, and in -consequence slipping farther and farther from the -doggedly-pursuing avenger?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as Captain Restronguet, accompanied by -his guest, was about to proceed to the conning-tower, -a final message came from the ill-fated -"Noord Brabant"--"Sinking; are taking to the boats."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the "Aphrodite" was not the only vessel -hurrying to the rescue. The P. & O. Liner, -"Persia," a magnificent internal-combustion -propelled ship of 40,000 tons, that had been built to -"knock spots off" the largest North German -Lloyd boat on the Australian route, was returning -on her maiden voyage. Warnings of the -presence of the "Vorwartz" had been given her. -Her cargo was a precious one; moreover she -carried His Majesty's mails; but at the urgent -call of distress all other considerations were set -aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officers of the "Persia" knew the risks they -were running. It was recognized that Karl von -Harburg would not attempt to attack or intercept -the liner unless the "Vorwartz" were submerged, -consequently the speed of the submarine would -then be considerably lower than that of the liner. -The "Persia" being a subsidized vessel under -the recent Admiralty regulations, had a large -percentage of Royal Naval Reserve officers and -men in her crew; she was armed with light, -quick-firing guns, and, in fact, was a powerful -"protected" cruiser.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Owing to the danger the captain and the first -officer were both on the "Persia's" bridge. -Elaborate precautions had been taken to keep -the news from the passengers, but, as is frequently -the case, the intelligence was soon common -property. That night no one went to bed; since it -was within the bounds of possibility that in the -event of being torpedoed by the ruthless -"Vorwartz" it would be necessary to take to the boats. -All lights were carefully screened; yet in spite of -these preparations the "Persia" had the narrowest -escape in her career.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unseen and unheard by the officers of the -watch, a torpedo discharged from the lurking -"Vorwartz" glided within ten feet of her rudder. -Just at daybreak the "Aphrodite" sighted the -boats of the ill-fated "Noord Brabant." Towed -by two motor pinnaces the life-boats, crowded with -passengers, were slowly making their way northward. -The "Aphrodite" had arrived in the -very nick of time, for the sudden change from -intense darkness to daybreak revealed the fact -that three suspicious-looking Arab dhows were -making ready to pounce down upon the unarmed -boats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Red Sea pirates, by Jove!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly looks like it, sir," replied the sub. -"It's a curious fact, but our cruisers systematically -search every little harbour on the Arabian coast -and find nothing beyond a few dhows owned by -Arab traders whose papers are quite in order. -But once let a vessel go ashore or get into -difficulties, armed dhows, manned by cut-throat -Arabs, gather round like flies about a honey-pot. -Goodness only knows where they come from."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell you where they'll go to if they don't -pretty soon sheer off," rejoined Captain -Restronguet grimly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you standing in pursuit, sir?" asked Devoran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Impossible under present circumstances, -Mr. Devoran. Look, those motor-boats cannot make -headway against wind and sea. They have too -much to tow. Another hour will see the whole -swarm of boats smashed to firewood unless we -do something."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Noord Brabant's" boats were indeed -in a perilous position. Those provided with -oars were two overcrowded to allow the rowers -to materially assist; waves were repeatedly -breaking over the deeply laden boats, and every -available article that could be used as a baler was -pressed into use. All the while the flotilla was -slowly drifting shorewards, the rearmost boats -being almost inside the broad expanse of broken -water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bringing the "Aphrodite" head to wind Captain -Restronguet ordered a heavy grass warp to be -veered out by means of a barrel. This one of -the motor launches secured and made fast, while -the second slipped half of the boats and -transferred them to the care of the first towing craft. -With a reduced number of boats in tow the -second pinnace was then able to make headway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easy ahead!" ordered the "Aphrodite's" -captain, and with a long string of boats straining -at the hawser the submarine, still on the surface, -forged ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Steady, sir," ejaculated Kenwyn. "We're -pulling them under."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Such was the case. The speed of the "Aphrodite" -was sufficient to cause sheets of solid water -to fly over the bows of the Dutch boats. To -reduce speed was impossible, since that would -have meant a backward movement on to a lee shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have we any oil to spare on board?" asked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We might manage a barrel of lubricating oil," -answered Captain Restronguet. "A good idea -of yours, Mr. Hythe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To attempt to hoist a heavy barrel of oil with -the "Aphrodite" rolling like a barge would be -hazardous both to the barrel and the men engaged -in sending it up the hatchway. Accordingly the -barrel was tapped and the centrifugal pump, -worked by one of the auxiliary motors, threw the -heavy oil over the side. Soon, instead of a -turmoil of white crested wind-swept waves a broad -belt of sluggishly heaving water trailed in the -wake of the "Aphrodite," and through this patch -of comparatively calm sea the boats of the "Noord -Brabant" were towed in safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Long before the barrel of oil was exhausted -the flotilla was clear of the broken water close -to the land, and the risk of being swamped was -reduced to a minimum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now what's to be done," asked Kenwyn of -Hythe, as the two stood on the wake of the after -conning-tower watching the procession of boats. -"We must return to Port Ibrahim with this little -mob, I suppose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If we do we'll have our work cut out," replied -the sub. "As soon as we make for that port -the wind will be broadside on, and the boats will -again be in danger of swamping. All the oil we -have on board would not save them, since it would -drift to lee'ard. No, the only way I can suggest--and -Captain Restronguet is apparently of the -same opinion--is that we plug head to wind until -some vessel comes along and picks up the survivors."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the "Aphrodite's" wireless picked up -a general message sent out by the "Persia" to -the effect that she was going at full speed to the -scene of the disaster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet's face lighted up when -he heard the good news.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall now have a free hand," he remarked. -"But at the same time it is a mystery to me how -our detector has failed to record the presence of -the 'Vorwartz.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps she has cleared off due south, while -we are heading due west," suggested the chief -officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is the only explanation, Mr. Devoran. -It is five hours since the apparatus, sensitive -enough in all purpose, has recorded any -movement. Well, Carnon?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Persia' in sight, sir," replied the quartermaster, -who had taken up his position, telescope -in hand, on top of the fore conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Capital!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet. -"She'll be close alongside within half an hour. -Pass the word to the leading boat, Mr. Devoran, -and tell them to stand by ready to cast off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rapidly the "Persia" approached, then, laying-to -to windward of the string of boats, waited -for them to be towed under her lee. Boat after -boat discharged its band of passengers, the empty -craft being turned adrift, and within half an hour -of the liner's arrival five hundred Dutchmen had -found shelter under the Blue Ensign.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Great though the attention was towards the -rescued men the chief object of interest to the -British passengers and crew of the "Persia" was -the strangely unfamiliar outline of the -"Aphrodite." Much had been heard of the mysterious -submarine, the avowed rival of the piratical -"Vorwartz," and now the liner's people had a -unique opportunity of viewing her at close quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the work of transferring the rescued -Dutchmen was completed Captain Restronguet -took off his cap and saluted the captain of the -huge liner. Simultaneously a tremendous burst -of cheering came from throats of hundreds; and -with the echoes of the prolonged chorus of -welcome and approbation ringing in their ears, the -crew of the "Aphrodite" quietly yet majestically -disappeared beneath the waves.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="struck-by-lightning"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"It's a jolly fortunate thing that we fell in with -the 'Persia,'" remarked Kenwyn, within two -hours of parting company with the liner. -"Otherwise it would have been a serious matter with -those Dutchmen in the boats."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right," assented Devoran. "It is -going to be dirty weather. The glass is falling -rapidly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will soon be over," observed Hythe. -"'Long foretold, long last; short notice, soon -past.' That's how the rhyme goes, doesn't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a brute of a business while it lasts," -added the second officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three officers were standing on the after -deck of the "Aphrodite." The submarine had -again risen to the surface and was plugging away -in a southerly direction on her vague quest for -the unbeatable "Vorwartz." Captain Restronguet -remained below, absorbed in some abstruse problem.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sea was smooth, but dark clouds, edged -with bright, copper-tinted hues, were rapidly -banking up against the westerly breeze, while -the rumble of distant thunder was heard at -frequent intervals. Even though it was close on -midday the sun's light was greatly obscured; -while, on the other hand, the far away Sudan -coast stood up clearly under the effect of -atmospheric refraction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was every indication of a sharp yet -severe storm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you going to submerge her, Devoran?" -asked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not on my own responsibility," replied the -chief officer. "Until the captain gives the -order--ah, here he is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot understand how the detector is -acting," said Captain Restronguet, as he gained -the group of officers. "I have most carefully -tested the currents and examined the platinum -contact breakers. The instrument seems in order, -yet it records nothing of the presence of the -'Vorwartz.' It is inexplicable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Vorwartz' is doubtless beyond the field -of electrical action, sir," remarked Kenwyn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I have been told before," replied Captain -Restronguet with asperity. "All the same that -theory will not hold good. We ought to have -had an intimation of that craft's presence when -she torpedoed the 'Noord Brabant.' How can -you explain that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you think, sir, we ought to submerge -the ship?" asked Devoran, anxious to change the -subject. "The glass is falling----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is plenty of time," declared the -captain, who was evidently not in his usual -easy-going humour. "It certainly looks threatening, -but at this moment the sea is as calm as glass. -Look at those sharks, Devoran. Vicious looking -brutes, aren't they? Suppose we give the men -an opportunity at rifle practice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain strolled off to watch the antics of -the tigers of the deep, for four ferocious-looking -sharks had been persistently following the -"Aphrodite" as if anticipating a catastrophe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief officer, although he would much -rather have preferred to make all snug and dive -to a depth of seven or eight fathoms, was not a -man to quibble. He made his way to the hatch-way, -to call up the small-arms party. Kenwyn -stood a few paces from his superior, while Hythe, -unwilling to say anything that might lead to his -being snubbed, remained by the after conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the semi-gloom was rent by a vivid -flash of lightning, that played upon the metal -deck and upon the placid surface of the ominous -sea. A deafening peal of thunder succeeded the -flash. For a moment the sub was dazzled by the -glare. When he looked aft, Kenwyn was lying -on the deck, a portion of the stanchions and rails -were shattered, and Captain Restronguet nowhere -to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Raising a shout of "Man Overboard!" Hythe -took a running dive and plunged into the sea. -He struck the water heavily, for the "Aphrodite" -was moving at a good speed. He might very -well have broken his back but for the velocity -with which he executed his dive. Not till he -rose to the surface did he give one thought to -the dreaded sharks: it was then too late to count -the risk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately the monsters, frightened by the -flash of lightning, had for the time being -disappeared. Hythe struck out to the spot where the -bubbles indicated the captain's position, for, -winded by the shock, the unfortunate man was -sinking never to rise again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Guided by the bubbles the sub dived. Eight -powerful strokes he made ere he perceived -Captain Restronguet's form slowly settling -towards the bottom of the sea. Four more and his -left hand grasped the unconscious man by his -collar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Striking out with his right, and his unimpeded -legs, Hythe rose towards the surface. He had -been almost winded by his plunge overboard, -and had had no opportunity to recover his breath. -His lungs felt as if they were on the point of -bursting; his temples throbbed. It seemed ages -before his head appeared above the surface, -and he was able to take a deep draught of the -sultry air. Turning on his back he kept himself -afloat, at the same time supporting the unconscious -captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite" had already lost way and -was going astern; in a few minutes a dark, -triangular object cleaving the leaden-coloured water -attracted the sub's attention. His whole senses -momentarily deserted him. He realized that a -shark was approaching.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His first instinct was to abandon the -unconscious man and strike out madly towards the -submarine; but in a moment the temptation -passed. Lashing out with his legs Hythe -churned up a column of water. The shark -stopped, wheeled and retreated a few yards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another of these dreaded fish came up, and -the pair, regaining confidence, began to approach, -swarming towards the two men in ever-narrowing circles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe could hear the monsters snapping their -triple lines of teeth in anticipation of a meal. -He kicked the more, shouting at the top of his -voice in the hope that the sharks would delay -close investigation until it was too late for them -to consummate their intentions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub had heard tales of how native divers -in the Pacific, knife in hand, boldly attacked the -tigers of the deep. The recollection gave him -but cold comfort. True he had a knife, but he -lacked the marvellous aquatic agility of the -Japanese and South Sea Islanders. Moreover, -directly he released his hold his unfortunate -captain would sink. He vaguely argued that -it was but another instance of where theory -does not always go hand in hand with practice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a sudden rush one of the sharks dashed -straight towards the horrified man. The brute -turned on its back in order to deliver a terrific -bite. Then, apparently seized with a sudden -panic, it brought its huge jaws together with a -sickening snap and darted off. It was a narrow -shave; so narrow that on turning the shark had -rasped Hythe's hand with his rough skin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finding that nothing happened to hurt it, the -shark returned to the charge; as it turned on its -back the sub could see right into his capacious -mouth. He gazed horror-stricken, too terrified -even to kick out or utter a sound. Even as he -looked the brute's head was literally shattered, -dyeing the water with blood, while the sharp -report of a rifle rang in Hythe's ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The coils of a rope hurtling through the air -fell within his reach. He grasped the means of -safety, yet was too exhausted to do more. -Another shot, and yet another, rang out; then -O'Shaunessey, leaping overboard with a bowline, -passed the loop over his officer's shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, sorr," exclaimed the Irishman -cheerily. "Do you let go. I'll see to the -cap'n, sure I will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pale and breathless Hythe was hauled upon -the deck of the "Aphrodite." Captain Restronguet -was also drawn into safety, and O'Shaunessey, -without any attempt at haste, swarmed -up the rope hand over hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Devoran and Kenwyn, handing their still -smoking rifles to a seaman, hastened to where -Captain Restronguet was lying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is he dead?" asked the second officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid so," replied Devoran gravely, -then as the first blast of the approaching storm -thrashed the hitherto placid water into sheets of -foam he added:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take them below. Secure the hatches. -All ready, Mr. Kenwyn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gliding serenely deep beneath the surface the -"Aphrodite" pursued her way, regardless of the -storm that was now raging fiercely overhead. -Flash after flash of vivid lightning played upon -the angry water, the glare being plainly visible -through the glass scuttles of the conning-towers, -while the deep roar of the thunder literally -shook the heavy metal structure of the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gathered around the still unconscious form of -the captain were Hythe, Devoran, Polglaze, and -Mylor the second quartermaster, while without -the cabin, anxiously awaiting the latest news of -their leader, were all the crew who were not -actually on duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kenwyn was at his post in the after conning-tower, -Lancarrow in the fore conning-tower was -entrusted with keeping the "Aphrodite" on her -course, while Carclew was stationed at the -electric detector in order to catch the first -intimation of the return of the "Vorwartz" to within -the range of that instrument's action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Captain Restronguet had been -undressed the effect of the lightning stroke was -apparent. From the nape of his neck to the -lower rib was tattooed the image of part of the -chain rails and the head of the stanchion. -Whether the damage was merely superficial or -whether the spine had been affected was still a -matter of conjecture. His face was pale and -pinched, his wide-open eyes dull, his pulse almost -imperceptible. Only by holding a glass close to -his mouth was Devoran able to pronounce that his -chief was still alive, for there was absolutely no -signs of respiration and circulation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By careful treatment, and by giving the patient -small doses of stimulants, the anxious men -succeeded in bringing back the colour to Captain -Restronguet's wan cheeks. The pupils of his -eyes began to dilate, but although he looked at -those who stood around him he gave no signs of -recognition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You did not rescue a dead man, Hythe," -remarked Devoran in a low tone. "But I'm -afraid his brain is affected."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is too early to form a definite opinion," -replied the sub, anxious to put a bold face upon -the matter, although in his mind he had his doubts. -"I remember on the old 'Velox,' we had a signal-man -struck by lightning. He was unconscious -for nearly three days; yet he recovered, and -was passed for duty after a week in the sick bay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that's all very well," rejoined the chief -officer, "but----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A violent ringing of the bell of the "steering -sentry" interrupted Devoran's remark. Both -men crossed the cabin and consulted the tell-tale -compass. The "Aphrodite" was fifteen degrees -off her course, and the "steering sentry," an -automatic instrument that gives a warning in -the captain's cabin when the vessel deviates from -the course set, was ringing incessantly, showing -that the error in direction was a grave one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you up to, Lancarrow?" asked -Devoran through the telephone communicating -with the fore conning-tower. "Anything in the way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief officer hailed again. Still an -ominous silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up now, I wonder," he muttered as -he hastened towards the conning-tower. To -his surprise he found Lancarrow huddled up on -the floor, with his hands tightly clenched. Left -to herself the "Aphrodite" was gradually -describing a wide circle to starboard, and only the -action of the automatic alarm had called attention -to the fact.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Steadying the submarine on her course, -Devoran shouted for a couple of hands to carry -the unfortunate helmsman below. This done he -told Carnon to take charge of the helm, while -he made a tour of the vessel to make sure that -all was in order. Devoran realized that he was -now in command and that the responsibility was -great. The mysterious striking down of the -former steersman, whether by violence or by -natural causes, could not be at present explained; -but since a similar thing might happen to others -who were on duty he felt it necessary that he -should visit all the men at their stations and -make sure that everything was in order.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Carclew was still at the detector. He had -nothing to report. The instrument was as silent -as the Sphinx. Kenwyn in charge of the -horizontal rudders and the trimming tanks was -attending strictly to his duty. He had been -unaware of the affair in the other conning-tower, -and since it was not his business to consult the -compass and not knowing what course had been -given to the helmsman, he had not remarked -the erratic steering of the vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think the lightning struck -Lancarrow down?" asked Kenwyn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bless my soul, I hope not!" ejaculated the -first officer. "One affair of this sort is quite -enough. Why did you ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The flashes have been terrific. They -seemed to play upon the deck, even though we -are nine fathoms down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Had Lancarrow been touched by the electric -fluid it is reasonable to suppose that the electrical -steering gear would be affected. As a matter -of fact it isn't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give it up, then," rejoined the second officer. -"But how is Captain Restronguet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Coming round, thank Heaven. But it's -the after effects I am anxious about. By Jove! -That's a flash."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was indeed a vivid fork of dazzling blue -light that seemed to corkscrew along the deck -of the vessel and dart up over the for'ard -conning-tower, till the submerged craft looked as -if she were surrounded by a supernatural light. -The phenomenon lasted only an instant, but that -instant was enough for the chief officer to -realize the "Aphrodite's" peril.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-76"> -<span id="beating-down-and-ready-to-ram-the-aphrodite-was-another-submarine"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""BEATING DOWN, AND READY TO RAM THE APHRODITE, WAS ANOTHER SUBMARINE!"" src="images/img-252.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"BEATING DOWN, AND READY TO RAM THE APHRODITE, WAS ANOTHER SUBMARINE!"</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beating down, and ready to ram the "Aphrodite" -amidships, was another submarine! But -its similarity to the former Devoran had no -doubt as to what it was. It was the "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hard a-port!" he shouted through the -telephone to the helmsman. At the same -moment Kenwyn elevated the horizontal -rudders in a vain endeavour to make the -"Aphrodite" dive under the on-coming attacker. It -was too late. With a rending crash the -knife-like bows of the "Vorwartz" crashed into the -'midships compartment of her hitherto unsuspecting rival.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="rammed-amidships"><span class="large">CHAPTER XX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">RAMMED AMIDSHIPS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the captain's cabin Hythe heard Devoran -shouting for the helm to be put hard a-port. -He felt the vessel begin to slew round, then a -crash that shook the "Aphrodite" from stem -to stern, sent him and the other occupants -of the cabin reeling against the starboard side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Simultaneously the watertight doors in the -two principal transverse bulkheads were -hermetically sealed, save a small emergency exit from -Number Three Platform to the fore compartment. -Through these those of the crew who were -in the holed division made their hasty escape. -They were not a moment too soon, for, although -the "Vorwartz" made no attempt to back out, -the fracture was ragged enough for the water -under great pressure to pour in cascades into -the midships compartment of the ill-starred -submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the men were safely in the fore -part of the vessel Devoran gave orders for the -remaining watertight doors to be closed. He -knew that, although the danger was great, there -still remained a chance of saving at least -two-thirds of the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If only I had been in the fore conning-tower," -he thought, "I would have given that -'Vorwartz' something to remember us by. -I'll try it, though."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And calling up Carnon, who was the senior -hand in the now isolated fore part, he ordered -him to stand by with electrical destructors, -whereby a potential charge of electric fluid could be -directed upon the "Vorwartz" as soon as she -had backed a certain distance from the vessel -she had rammed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In answer Carnon replied: "I've tried the -gadget, sir, and there's no current on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For goodness' sake try the supplementary -current!" exclaimed the chief officer anxiously, -but the result was the same. The apparatus by -which the powerful means of offence was -controlled was out of order. Either the lightning -or the shock of the impact of the "Vorwartz's" -stem had thrown the delicate mechanism out of -gear. Nor could the torpedoes be used, for the -tubes, having an arc of only four degrees on -either side of the bows, could not be brought to -bear upon the rival submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This time Karl von Harburg had scored -heavily, and stood every chance of getting clear -without the "Aphrodite" being able to revenge -herself upon the submarine that had caught her -napping.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the crew of the "Aphrodite," after -the first shock, had taken up their stations with -consummate coolness. Every man knew that -the damage was great, and that the "Vorwartz" -was the cause of it. One chance yet remained -for them to revenge themselves upon Karl von -Harburg. Directly the "Vorwartz" backed out -of the rent in her rival's side, the "Aphrodite" -might be able to turn sufficiently to discharge a -torpedo. At the same time steps must be taken -to prevent the stricken craft from sinking into -depth where the pressure of the water would -literally crush their as yet undamaged sections -of the submarine like an egg-shell under a -hundred-ton hammer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the water in the midship section -rose to the level of the centre platform Devoran -gave orders for the detachable keel of that -compartment to be dropped. Kenwyn touched the -emergency switch, and the massive dead weight -fell. Relieved of this mass of iron the "Aphrodite" -lurched in an effort to rise to the surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sudden strain wrenched her free of the -bows of the "Vorwartz." Instantly the water, -pouring through the greatly enlarged aperture, -filled the whole of the centre compartment, and -before the submarine had a chance to turn and -let fly a torpedo at her antagonist, the -"Aphrodite" sank slowly and surely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This, although serious, was a point in her -favour, for Karl von Harburg, observing with -savage glee the havoc he had wrought, concluded -that his rival's craft was sinking for the last time -to the bottom of the Red Sea. Accordingly, -satisfied that he was now free to pursue his -piratical acts, since the "Aphrodite" was the -only submarine he feared, he backed astern, rose -to the surface, and proceeded in a southerly -direction towards the Straits of Bab-el-Mandeb. -Hardly a word was spoken as the "Aphrodite" -sank. Devoran, his eyes fixed upon the depth -gauge, was waiting his time. He, too, realized -that should the submarine rise to the surface it -would merely be giving her antagonist a unique -opportunity of holing another of the sections that -as yet remained intact. On the other hand, he -had to guard against the danger of descending too far.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thirty fathoms; the "Aphrodite" was now in -total darkness as far as the water was concerned. -Within the electric lamps still burned brightly, -save for a few that had been shattered at the -moment of impact.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easy ahead!" he ordered, and as the partially -flooded vessel forged slowly and laboriously -ahead, the chief officer trimmed the horizontal -rudders so that the resistance at a certain angle -just corrected the tendency of the whole vessel to sink.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Devoran set a course due east, hoping to fetch -the shallower water on the African shore. Twenty -minutes later he ventured to switch on the parallel -bow searchlights. Even these powerful rays -failed to reveal anything more than fifty miles -away. Huge fish, that are rarely seen in shallow -water, flitted past the thick scuttles. They made -no attempt to dart out of the way of the -submarine; they were blind, since the gift of sight -at these depths is useless to them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's standing the strain all right," remarked -the chief officer to Hythe in quite a cheerful tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub nodded appreciatively. Under similar -conditions on board a British submarine the state -of affairs would be hopeless. With a rent -amidships, extending from the upper platform to the -bilges she would have sunk instantly, and given -her crew no possible chance of escape; but here -was the "Aphrodite" still under control and with -the odds greatly in her favour. Next to Captain -Restronguet, Devoran was the most capable man -in whom to trust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bottom shoaling!" exclaimed the sub, as the -head searchlights glimmered upon an expanse of -ooze, so shapeless and ill-defined that it required -a practised hand to distinguish it from the deep sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief officer instantly adjusted the planes, -and the submarine, though lacking her usual -sensitiveness to the action of the horizontal -rudders, rose steadily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At twenty fathoms the bottom ceased to shoal, -and in place of the slimy mud appeared fantastic -formation of coral; a sure sign that shallower -water was not far off. Again the "Aphrodite" -was brought nearer the surface, till the welcome -sunlight could be faintly noticed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ten fathoms," announced Devoran. "This -is our limit. We must carry on till we ground. -Look! what a rent, by Jove!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He pointed out of the scuttle, and Hythe -following his gaze saw the fracture that the -"Vorwartz" bow had caused. Her comparatively -straight stem had cut nearly five feet into the -upper platform of the "Aphrodite" in addition to -making a vertical gash nearly fifteen feet in length -in the stricken vessel's side. As a result the whole -of the centre compartment had become a dead -weight, and the buoyancy of the submarine being -imparted only by the fore and aft compartments -the tendency of the whole vessel was to sag -amidships. Already the upper platform was -curving ominously. It would not take much -more strain to buckle the "Aphrodite." Although -her steel plating was badly cracked and jagged, -the restronium sheathing was severed as evenly -as if made of wax. This, no doubt, accounted -for the fact that the inrush of water at the moment -of impact was comparatively slight, and in -consequence the men stationed in the midship -compartment were able to make good their retreat -long before the water completely filled the space -between the two principal transverse bulkheads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let her down gently, Carnon!" ordered -Devoran, as the "Aphrodite" passed the broad -belt of coral and a clear sandy bottom was visible -on all sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The quartermaster in the fore conning-tower -knew his business thoroughly, and with hardly -a bump the submarine settled on the bed of the -Red Sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready to let go?" asked the chief officer, -and from the for'ard compartment came the alert -reply that everything was in order.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is almost like abandoning one's ship," -remarked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hardly so bad as that," replied Devoran. -"But all the same we are shedding a large portion -of her. Would you mind standing by that lever, -and when I give the word push it hard down. -No, not just yet. We will wait and watch the -fore part shake itself clear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was indeed a strange sight. At one -moment Hythe saw the slightly buckling deck and -the fore conning-tower, the upper platform, -except for the fracture caused by the collision, -being all in one piece. The next instant the whole -of the bow compartment, including the -conning-tower, gave a sudden bound and darted upwards -towards the surface. Hythe could see the -bulkhead with its watertight doors securely fastened, -and the bright copper electrical contacts with -their surrounding belt of insulated material. It -reminded him of a salmon cut clean in halves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Already the ballast tanks of the freed section -were being filled, till, the upward motion checked, -the structure slowly sank and settled once more -in the bottom of the sea a few yards to the left -of the remaining portion of the submarine. There, -cut off from all communication with the still -intact after part, the compartment had to remain, -till, worm-like, the third section was detached -from the damaged portion and united to form a -smaller yet still efficient submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kenwyn had meanwhile opened the scuttle in -the bottom plates of the vessel in order to guide -her on her descent. Since the after portion alone -possessed propelling machinery it was necessary -that the fore part should be disconnected first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down with it!" exclaimed Devoran, at the -same time operating a switch. Hythe instantly -depressed the lever as he had been instructed. -The motion following the action was similar to -that experienced in the sudden rising of a lift.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The damaged midship section had been abandoned -to its ocean grave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Directly the sub liberated the after portion of -the vessel the hiss of the inrushing water could -be heard, and, as in the case of the fore part, the -surface was still several fathoms off when the -upward tendency was checked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At a few feet from the bottom Kenwyn -announced that the required depth was reached, -and the chief officer gave the order for "Half -speed ahead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The best engine-driver in the kingdom could -not have brought his locomotive up to a train -of waiting carriages easier than Devoran -manoeuvred the after part of the "Aphrodite" -up to the fore compartment. There was no -perceptible shock, in fact nothing to indicate the fact -that the union had been accomplished except that -telephonic communication was automatically -reestablished in all parts of the reduced "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into the air locks next to each exterior -bulkhead divers were quickly sent. As soon as the -water was admitted into these spaces new locking -bolts were passed through and secured, and -within twenty minutes of being placed in position -the two parts of the submarine were made one. -But instead of her two hundred feet from stem -to stern the new "Aphrodite" was reduced by -about one third. Nearly seventy feet of valuable -length had been sacrificed; but, as Devoran -remarked, "It might have been worse."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is true," agreed Hythe. "But what -will Captain Restronguet say?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="captain-restronguet-learns-the-news"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET LEARNS THE NEWS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For three whole days the "Aphrodite" lay on -the floor of the Red Sea. Captain Restronguet -was making steady progress towards recovery, -but the news of the disaster had been studiously -kept from him. All on board knew that sooner -or later their leader must learn of the catastrophe; -but every one was in favour of deferring the evil -day, fearing what the consequences would be in -the case of a highly strung man who was still -suffering from a severe physical and mental shock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But until Captain Restronguet did know -Devoran stoutly refused to take any action in the -navigation of the vessel. Nor would he open up -wireless communication. It was desirable, nay -imperative, that Karl von Harburg should think -that his coup had been entirely successful, and on -that account the danger of unauthorized news -leaking out had to be strongly guarded against.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In her present state the "Aphrodite" was no -better than her rival. Her state of partial -invisibility was no more, her electrical detector, whereby -the position of the "Vorwartz" could be -determined was no longer in working order. It was -mainly responsible for the dramatic appearance of -the craft under Karl von Harburg's command. -Her chief means of offence--the discharge of an -electrical current that would detonate any -explosives within a three-mile limit--had mysteriously -failed; and only upon her powerful six-inch -torpedoes could she implicitly rely. Nevertheless, -all on board, from the chief officer downwards, -had no doubts as to the issue of the -struggle, even though so far things had gone in -favour of the "Vorwartz." Herr Karl von -Harburg's submarine must be destroyed; her -power must be completely shattered; but until -Captain Restronguet was in a position to once -more take charge of affairs, Devoran advocated -a campaign of non-activity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curiously enough no reason could be given for -Lancarrow's sudden illness in the conning-tower. -He had completely recovered before the rejoining -operations of the fore and aft sections were -completed, but could give no account of what had -happened. He did not remember falling: for -he stated that he glanced at the clock less than -half a minute before the "sentry" began to ring, -and up to the last moment his recollections were -perfectly clear; he did not notice any particularly -brilliant flashes of lightning about that time. -He knew nothing till he returned to consciousness -and found himself in a bunk in the fore part of -the submarine, whither his companions had -carried him when the men's quarters were flooded -after the collision.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the other hand Captain Restronguet was -aware that he had been struck by lightning, -although he had no recollection of falling into -the sea. The story of how he had been rescued -at the risk of the sub's life had been told him, -and his gratitude was expressed by grasping his -rescuer's hand. Not a word was exchanged -between them on the subject, but the action was -worth volumes of words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How are we progressing, Devoran?" asked -the captain, on the morning of the fourth day of -the submarine's sojourn on the bottom of the -Red Sea. "Any indication of the presence of -the 'Vorwartz,' eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Devoran hesitated. It would be a nasty shock -to have to confess that the progress was nil and -that the presence of the rival submarine had been -very pronounced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet looked up sharply. He -saw the chief officer and the sub exchange -significant looks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have a pleasant surprise for me, then?" -he continued. "I'll get up and find out for -myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir----" began Devoran. The captain -stopped him by an emphatic gesture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe never felt more uncomfortable. He -would right willingly have given a month's pay -to be out of the business.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Drawing a great-coat over his sleeping-suit -Captain Restronguet walked out of the cabin. -Hythe and Devoran looked at each other and by -a common impulse followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the end of the alley-way terminating at the -watertight transverse bulkhead Captain Restronguet -stopped as if he were about to ascend to -the after conning-tower; but changing his mind -he opened the watertight door. One glance was -sufficient. Instead of the midship compartment -he was looking down the passage of the fore part -of the ship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Devoran, we've had a mishap, I see," -he remarked in a casual tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir; a very unfortunate----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But at the same time unavoidable accident, -Devoran. Of that I feel sure. No, no, there is -no need to apologize. If ever a man would do -his best to save the situation, that man is my -chief officer. But how did it occur?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few words Devoran told the story--a -plain unvarnished statement of actual facts, -while Hythe stood mutely by, marvelling at -the captain's calmness at the news.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not surprised, Devoran," continued -Captain Restronguet. "Not in the least. I had -a presentiment that Karl von Harburg would -score at one time. Besides, have I not prepared -for such a contingency by providing three distinct -compartments to the 'Aphrodite'? But after -von Harburg's success my counter-stroke will -hit the harder. I know it, Devoran. I feel -certain that we shall score in the long run. Were -any men lost or injured in the collision?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God for that!" ejaculated Captain -Restronguet fervently. "And are all the electric -circuits working properly?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir. The detector is entirely out of gear, -and so is the offensive apparatus."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm, unfortunate, but we will set that right. -And the wireless?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have not used or tried it, sir. Until you -were fit to command I preferred to remain here -and make no communication whatsoever."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An excellent policy, Devoran. Unfortunately -we must resume our wireless communications -otherwise we are in the dark as to the -movements of the 'Vorwartz.' But our Highgate -operator is to be implicitly trusted, and if -all messages are sent in code it matters little -whether they are picked up by other ships or -stations. Get Kenwyn to send a message -asking whether any news of von Harburg has -been received, and let me know directly you -have a reply. I am going to my cabin now. -I want to be alone. But do not feel anxious on -my account. I shall be perfectly fit for duty in a -very short space of time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't he take the news calmly?" remarked -Hythe after Captain Restronguet had gone back -to his cabin. "It was enough to drive a fellow -off his head."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's his way," said Devoran slowly. "It is -his way. Reverses that are seemingly -overwhelming and would be so to almost every one -else, only spur him to renewed activities. Believe -me the fun is now about to commence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within an hour and twenty minutes of the -despatch of the wireless message to London a -reply was received that threw considerable light -upon the movements of the modern buccaneer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Karl von Harburg had caused a report to be -sent to the news agencies to the effect that he -had destroyed the only submarine that stood -between him and his definite aim, and now he -was at liberty to do what damage he wished to -the naval and mercantile fleets of the world, -irrespective of nationality or any other -consideration. With this object in view he had sunk a -French liner off Cape Guadafui, after ransacking -her strong rooms. He had even been -compelled to substitute gold ingots for the common -metal ballast of his craft. Silver he would hardly -look at.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This ultimatum was received with amazement -and in dismay shipping circles. It seemed in -vain to appeal for armed warships to destroy the -"Vorwartz," since she could keep below the -surface for days at a stretch, and could descend -deeper than any submarine with the exception -of the "Aphrodite." And Karl von Harburg -believed that his rival was no longer in existence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no doubt that Karl von Harburg -was a madman. However successful his raids on -shipping might be, however great his hoards of -ill-gotten gold, he would never be able to make -use of his wealth. He was a world-wide pariah. -No civilized country would give him refuge. -Even his base in the Island of Sumatra was -closed against him, for the Dutch officials, -aroused out of their customary lethargy, had -seized his concession and had taken strong -measures to prevent his return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, with a crew composed of renegade -Germans, Dutchmen, Malays and Chinese, -he was compelled to keep to the limits of his -submarine until his career of wanton destruction -was brought to a close either by an act of God -or the missiles of one of the avenging craft that -were ever on the look-out to rid the seas of a -scourge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime Karl von Harburg was directing -his attention to the Somali and Zanzibar coasts. -Here he could, with little risk, replenish his -stock of provisions, while he was within easy -distance of the recognized tracks of vessels -trading on the East coast of Africa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So our sphere of operations is pretty well -defined," remarked Captain Restronguet when -the message was brought him. "It is not -altogether to my liking, for I have some unpleasant -recollections of the Somali coast. Not quite so -bad as the West Coast, of course, but quite -bad enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have already visited this coast in the -'Aphrodite'?" asked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; it was in a tramp steamer. We were -trading, and instead of getting a profit for the -owners we lost half our crew by fever and the -bulk of our cargo was seized by the Arabs. That -was some years ago. The fever is still there, -and no doubt the predatory instincts of the -Swahilis and Somalis are as strong as ever. But -in a submarine things may be very different."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the quest was resumed, the -"Aphrodite" keeping on the surface except when a -passing vessel was sighted. As secrecy was an -essential point Captain Restronguet took no -risks, and the submarine was submerged several -times during each day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early opportunity was taken to thoroughly -overhaul the detector, and on taking the sensitive -gear to pieces the fault was discovered. It was -caused by a thin strand of the insulated copper -wire protruding from the amalgam covering and -thus setting up a short circuit. In a way that -was a matter for congratulation, as it showed that -the defect was no way due to magnetic -disturbances caused by the heavy thunderstorm, as -Captain Restronguet fully expected it to be.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the other hand the apparatus controlling -the potential current of electricity that could -instantaneously destroy a hostile vessel by -detonating her powder was for the time being -beyond remedy. This was a grave business, -but the belt of electric fluid that rendered the -"Aphrodite" immune from torpedo attack was -still in an efficient state. Had the current been -in action when the "Vorwartz" rammed her -rival the effect would have been fatal to the -former, since, herself a huge torpedo, the -submarine would have spontaneously exploded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shortly after rounding Cape Guadafui the -"Aphrodite" once more came in touch with the -"Vorwartz," the detector indicating that the -latter was within eighty miles. Two hours later -Kenwyn, who was keeping watch on deck, -reported that he heard the distinct sound of small -arms firing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet, Devoran, Hythe, and -several of the crew were on deck as soon as they -heard the news. The sound was apparently -coming from a place about twenty miles to the west.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's nothing to do with the 'Vorwartz,' -sir," suggested the chief officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not so sure about that," replied the -captain. "It may have some connexion with -that scoundrel Marburg's villainies. We will -run in and see what is amiss."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Submerged, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; on the surface. Time and speed are -to be considered."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the "Aphrodite" came in sight of the coast--a -low-lying expanse of sand dunes fringed with -a belt of milk-white surf--the hull of a large -vessel could be distinguished. Ere long those -on the submarine made out that the ship was -aground and was heeling at a dangerous angle. -She was funnelless, being driven by internal -combustion engines. Her masts were still -standing, though threatening to go by the board as -each sullen roller thrashed against her lofty -sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hoisted half way to her mainmast head was -the Red Ensign--upside down--as a signal of -distress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely two hundred yards to starboard of the -stranded vessel was a break in the line of surf -and a corresponding break in the coast-line, -where either a river gained the sea or the sea -formed a narrow inlet. Drawn up on shore at -the point formed by the entrance to the creek -were three ship's boats, while a quantity of boxes -and casks, apparently thrown overboard from -the wrecked vessel, fringed the beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On a sandy hillock, standing well apart from -the rest of the dunes and within fifty yards of the -inlet, were several men in European clothes, who, -kneeling behind a shallow embankment of sand, -were firing at a foe invisible to the crew of the -"Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three or four had been hit, for they were -lying on the sand to the rear of the defences, -while, judging by the smoke and the louder -reports, the crew of the stranded vessel were -being attacked by a far more numerous body of -men armed with rifles firing black powder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Arabs!" exclaimed Devoran laconically, -without removing his binoculars from his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or Somalis," added Captain Restronguet. -"Clearly we are in the nick of time, for as soon -as it gets dark those fellows will rush the seamen -and massacre every man-jack of them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe could not help wondering how the crew -of the submarine could render any effective -assistance. The canvas boat had been lost in the -encounter with the "Vorwartz," since it was -stowed under the midship hatchway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet touched him on the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Hythe, you have had experience with -landing parties. I have had none. Will you, -then, take charge of our automatic quick-firer? -I am sending it ashore with nine men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," replied the sub unhesitatingly, -although he was still at sea as to how the -men could be landed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blow all the ballast tanks!" ordered the -Captain. "A leadsman for'ard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the sub realized the plan of action. -Captain Restronguet was going to take the -"Aphrodite" across the bar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With no more ballast than the two sections of -iron bolted to her keel for use in emergencies, -the "Aphrodite" drew but five feet for'ard and -seven aft. The first soundings gave four fathoms: -soon the depth decreased to three.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet unhesitatingly Captain Restronguet held -the "Aphrodite" on her course, heading towards -the smooth patch in the line of breakers that -marked the entrance to the creek.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the submarine gave a jerk that -almost capsized every man on deck. She had -stuck right in the centre of the bar, with threatening -breakers only a few yards off on either hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Simultaneously came a hail of bullets from the -opposite bank to which the crew of the tramp -steamer were holding. A strong body of Somalis, -seeing the helpless state of the "Aphrodite," had -commenced to direct a heavy fire upon the -stranded submarine.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="beset-by-somalis"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">BESET BY SOMALIS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Take cover!" ordered Captain Restronguet -calmly. "Down below, every man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The order was promptly obeyed, for several -of the leaden messengers were flying perilously -close, some impingeing upon the metal sides and -conning-towers, that offered a huge target.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is as well we afford those rascals something -to fire at," he continued, as he entered the fore -conning-tower and closed the scuttles on the -starboard side. "Otherwise they would be firing -into the rear of the position on shore. Serve out -the rifles, Mr. Devoran. We must drive them -off before we can attempt to land."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying the captain ordered full speed astern. -For quite five minutes the twin screws ran at -their greatest rate, causing the hull to vibrate -and the sea to be discoloured with mud and sand -churned up by the action of the propellers. Then, -with a rasping sound, the "Aphrodite" glided off -the bank and gained the slightly deeper water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easy ahead!" This time the submarine -was headed slightly to the left of the spot where -she had just stranded. Another dull shock told -all on board that once more she was held up, -this time by her keel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the while bullets were flattening -themselves against the submarine's plating, but in -spite of the danger Hythe thought of something -which he immediately put into action. Grasping -the lead line he gained the upper platform, ran -forward and made a cast. The lead touched -bottom at twenty feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A bullet cut a gash through the sleeve of his -coat, another grazed his shoe, but grimly the -sub stuck to his task. Gathering in the line he -made his way amidships and made another cast. -Here the sounding gave ten feet. He had -learnt enough.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're nearly over the bar, sir," he exclaimed, -as he rejoined his companions in the fore -conning-tower. "If we gave her full speed ahead -I think she would do it. We're in quite deep -water as far aft as the after conning-tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without a word in reply Captain Restronguet -telegraphed for full speed ahead. With barely -ten seconds' hesitation the "Aphrodite" slipped -over the bar and started off up the creek at a -great speed till the motors were reversed. -Losing way she brought up abreast of the sorry -defences held by the shipwrecked crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here we are, then," exclaimed Captain -Restronguet. "But how are we going to get out -again? However, that problem can wait. All -ready, Mr. Devoran?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under the fore hatchway every available man -was waiting, armed with automatic rifles. The -field gun was dismounted, in order to facilitate -its transport ashore, tackles being in readiness -to hoist it on deck. Up the hatchway the men -swarmed, and taking advantage of every bit of -cover afforded by the base of the conning-tower -and other projections on deck, opened a rapid, -well-aimed fire upon the Somalis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So intent were the Englishmen on shore with -the work they had in hand that hitherto they -had not noticed the arrival of the "Aphrodite," -but with the rattle of musketry so close to where -they stood they could not fail to notice that help -was at hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a ringing cheer the shipwrecked men -redoubled their fire, for hitherto they had been -compelled, except when it became necessary to -repel a rush, to husband their cartridge supply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon the volleys from the submarine's deck -became too much for the liking of the Somalis. -The accurate fire bowled dozens of them over -like rabbits, and the rest promptly bolted for the -shelter of the sand-dunes, whence they began -to work round to join their forces with their -brethren on the other side of the creek, where -the chances of sending a score of unbelievers to -perdition were considerably greater.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Turning the "Aphrodite's" bows towards the -shore Captain Restronguet ordered easy ahead -till her forefoot grounded on the stiff clay soil -that formed the banks of the creek. Polglaze and -Mylor immediately jumped overboard, the water -reaching almost to their chins, and walked ashore, -dragging the end of a three-inch rope. This -they fastened to a bolt passed through a hole in -the forefoot of one of the stranded vessel's boats, -and the "Aphrodite" going astern pulled the -ponderous wooden craft down the beach into -the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as it was brought alongside the field -gun was placed into it in sections. The gun's -crew, under Hythe's orders, followed, and the boat -was hauled ashore by Polglaze and Mylor, who -had taken the precaution to bend a rope to the -painter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although lacking the dash that characterizes -the British bluejacket, the men of the -"Aphrodite" ably supported their young commander; -and Hythe was surprised at the resolute bearing -of the submarine's crew immediately under his -orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moment the boat's keel touched the -ground the brave fellows heaved the heavy -portion of the gun over the side and upon the -beach. In twenty-five seconds the wheels were -placed upon the axles and the lynch-pins thrust -home. The gun, its muzzle protected against -damage by a piece of stout canvas, was raised in -an almost vertical position by means of ropes -and levers, while the carriage was backed close -to the heavy steel cylinder. Then, with a crash, -the gun was allowed to drop into its proper place, -and within a minute the quick-firer was -"assembled" and ready for action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up the soft, sloping sand dunes the men -raised the gun, Hythe himself staggering under -the weight of a wooden case filled with -projectiles. Wheeling, the men brought the muzzle of -the powerful weapon to bear upon the foe, and -the first of the belt of shells was placed within -the breech-block.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite's" landing party were only -just in time. Already the Somalis, reinforced -by those who had vainly attempted to stop the -approach of the submarine, were massing for -a concentrated rush upon the handful of men -from the stranded merchant-vessel. Under a -heavy fire of Martini and other rifles--weapons -discarded by various Governments and sold by -unscrupulous tenders to the fierce and lawless -Equatorial tribes--nearly two thousand spearmen -were advancing stealthily, till, in spite of a steady -fire maintained by the British seamen, the -attackers were within two hundred yards. Here -they paused, then giving vent to a terrific roar -of defiance, they broke into a headlong rush, -brandishing their broad-bladed spears and leather -shields in order to demoralize the unbelievers -who had been rash enough to land on that -inhospitable shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe raised his hand. The gunner pressed -home a small lever with his thumb. The belt -of projectiles in the capacious maw of the -automatic gun, grew shorter and shorter, while the -steam from the water-jacket soon outrivalled -the haze from the smokeless powder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was no longer a fight: it was a massacre. -The sub saw the Somalis mown down as though -with a scythe, till, unable in spite of their fanatical -bravery, to face the hail of death they fled, -leaving the ground thickly covered with dead -and dying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cease fire!" ordered Hythe; then, "Carry -on. Search the bush away on the right. There -are hundreds of the enemy lurking there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Round swept the muzzle of the gun; up went -the sight to a thousand yards. "Pop, pop, pop," -went the sharp detonation of the quick-firer, till -half a dozen rounds had been fired. Then came -an ominous silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carry on," repeated the sub in a loud voice. -"I gave no orders to cease firing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't help it, sir," replied Polglaze, who was -sitting across the trail and manipulating the -firing-gear. "The blessed thing's jammed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was indeed fortunate that the mechanism -had not gone wrong during the attack, but the -danger was not yet over. It was imperative -that the weapon should be rendered serviceable -again before the rescued crew could be taken off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the Somalis withdrew beyond range -the wearied men of the stranded vessel hastened -to greet their new-comer, while the master, a -short, broad-shouldered, rubicund-visaged old -salt, briefly explained to Hythe the circumstances -under which the vessel went ashore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It came as no surprise to the sub to learn that -the ship--the two-thousand ton Diesel engined -tramp, "Iticaba"--had been chased by the -"Vorwartz." Scorning to surrender, the sturdy -skipper served out rifles and ordered his men to -fire at the submarine as she rose to the surface -to hail the "Iticaba" to heave-to. The bullets -had no more effect than peas rattling on a -corrugated iron roof, but Karl von Harburg lost no -time in retiring to the security of the conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chase was a long one, and although the -"Vorwartz," fired three torpedoes only one hit the -mark, exploding under the "Iticaba's" starboard -quarter and destroying one of her twin propellers -and buckling the rudder, while the steel plating -of the hull was fractured sufficiently to cause the -vessel to be in a sinking condition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still the old skipper stood doggedly on the -bridge, refusing to surrender. His one hope was -to run the ship ashore in shoal water where the -submarine could not follow. Ordering every -available pump to be worked to its utmost capacity -the "old man" still found the leak gaining, and -it was a question whether the "Iticaba" would -or would not founder in deep water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Apparently the "Vorwartz" was unwilling to -waste another torpedo on a ship that was already -doomed; and since her rascally crew could not -hope to gain any plunder from a foundering ship, -the submarine sheered off and made way to the -south'ard. Unmolested the "Iticaba" managed -to reach the shore, and on striking was cast -broadside on upon the breakers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Being unprovided with wireless, the stranded -vessel could not call for assistance; nevertheless -the skipper, trusting that the sound might be -heard by passing ships, fired distress guns at the -stipulated intervals. Loath to abandon his -command he still held hopes that with the aid of -another vessel and the rent of the hull temporarily -patched up, the "Iticaba" might even yet be -towed off and brought safely into port.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the heavy ground-swell soon knocked this -idea out of the skipper's head. Serious leaks, -apart from those caused by the torpedo, appeared, -and in less than an hour from the time of stranding -the forehold was flooded. The first on-shore -gale would complete the work of destruction, -and as there were indications of the approach of -bad weather, the skipper reluctantly decided, on -he representations of his chief officer, to give -orders to abandon ship. Fortunately the -"Iticaba," broadside on, afforded a breakwater for -the boats under her lee, and after carefully -provisioning and manning two whalers, a cutter and -a gig, the crew pulled for the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the skipper's intention to camp ashore -till the forecasted storm had blown itself out, and -then to coast southwards to Mombassa or -Zanzibar; but the plan was foredoomed to failure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A keen-eyed Somali, hearing the report of the -distress signals, had ridden his fleet camel to the -landward side of the sand dunes fronting the -shore. He could see that a ship was ashore, -and that there was a most excellent opportunity -for his fellow-tribesmen to enjoy the congenial -task of massacring a handful of unbelievers and -pillaging their goods. He returned at full speed -to the encampment, and soon eighty swarthy -Somalis were ready for the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With seamen's true contempt for danger the -crew of the "Iticaba" had neglected to make -any preparations for defence against hostile -tribesmen. They knew that they were cast -ashore upon a district over which the Italians -exercised something less then a nominal sway, -and that the Somalis were noted for their excesses -upon any strangers who had the misfortune to -fall into their hands. Yet they suffered -themselves to be surprised by eighty savages while -they were straggling inland to find brushwood -to light a fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crew paid dearly for their rashness. -Four men fell under the keen broad-bladed spears -of the Somalis. The rest contrived to form up -and open fire; and finding that their self-imposed -task had already cost the lives of twenty of the -Faithful, the Somalis beat a retreat in order to -summon the neighbouring tribes to aid them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From north, west and south the fanatical -warriors assembled, till, with numbers sufficient -to overwhelm the handful of Englishmen, they -advanced to the second attack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Profiting by experience the crew of the -"Iticaba" had meanwhile constructed rough-and-ready -defences. They realized that they were -fairly trapped, for to attempt to put to sea in -open boats with the probability of encountering -a gale would be sheer madness. On the other -hand it was possible that they might hold out -against the attackers, until either the weather -became fair or means of rescue were afforded them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, the sooner we get you out of this mess -the better," said Hythe, when the master of the -"Iticaba" had concluded his narrative.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strikes me you are no better off than we -are," remarked the old skipper. "There's too -much sea running on the bar for you to get out. -What water d'ye draw?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub told him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose you are one of those new-fangled -craft--all top-sides and no draught in a manner -o' speaking," remarked the "old man" bluntly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, hardly," replied Hythe smiling. "You -see yonder vessel is the submarine 'Aphrodite,' -of which you may have heard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The master of the "Iticaba" looked at the -sub for a few seconds, then shrugging his -shoulders he replied,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, sir, I'm grateful for your assistance, -but Cap'n Nick Rees isn't a man to be -bamboozled. I know for a fact that that cursed -'Vorwartz' destroyed the 'Aphrodite' some days -ago. I heard the news from official sources -while I was lying at Aden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"News from official sources is apt to be -misleading, Captain Rees. It is in this case. That -vessel is the submarine 'Aphrodite' and there is -Captain Restronguet standing abaft the after -conning-tower. There is no doubt but that he -may be able and willing to afford accommodation -for you and your crew. The quarters will be -somewhat cramped, I fear. But as soon as we -can get out of the creek it will not take us very -long to tow your boats to Mombassa or Zanzibar -as you suggested. How are you getting on, -Polglaze?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A fair brute of a job, sir," replied the man, -as, streaming with perspiration, he struggled with -the refractory mechanism of the gun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's lucky for us they have not persisted in the -attack," observed Hythe. "All the same, there's -no time to be lost. Mylor and Gwennap, will -you take the boat and row off to the 'Aphrodite.' Inform -Captain Restronguet of the state of affairs, -and how the position will be difficult to hold in -the event of a night attack. Ask him if there is -any objection to bringing off the survivors of the -'Iticaba'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the two men were on their errand, and -Polglaze, with two or three assistants, was -endeavouring to get the automatic gun into -working order, the rest of the landing-party assisted -the crew of the "Iticaba" to launch the ship's -boats. Within an hour they were afloat and -moored a few feet from the bank of the creek, -stern ropes and kedges having been laid out so -as to haul them off into deep water should it be -necessary to embark in a hurry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the quartermaster and Gwennap -returned with the order that Captain Restronguet -wished the landing party and the rescued men to -embark at once, as the wind was rising and there -was a heavy swell tumbling in over the bar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crew of the "Iticaba" received the -communication with mixed feelings. They were -glad to leave this inhospitable shore, but at the -same time they had grave misgivings as to -whether they ought to trust themselves on board -a submarine. The majority of the men, although -members of the Royal Naval Reserve, were blue -water seamen, to whom a storm at sea had no -perils providing they were at a safe distance from -a lee shore. They were sufficiently conservative -in their ideas to regard with obvious distrust the -interior of a submarine as a haven of refuge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you going to dive, sir?" asked Captain -Rees. "If so, I'd rather stick it ashore and -chance my luck; and most of my men would too, -I'm thinking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please yourself, then," replied the sub -brusquely. "I wouldn't give a rope's-end for -your chances if you remain here. Now, then, -Polglaze, hurry up. Limber up, there, we'll -finish the repairs on board."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nearly finished, sir," answered Polglaze -remonstratively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't help it. There'll be too much of a -swell on the beach in a minute. Fall in, men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Rees glanced in the direction of the -"Aphrodite," which was moored by a pair of stout -chain cables, since her patent anchoring device -was useless when afloat. He gave another look, -this time at the slender mounds of sand that had -been hastily heaped over the victims of the -Somalis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come along, men!" he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly the landing-party and the crew of the -"Iticaba" embarked. Polglaze, still lingering -longingly over his array of spanners and other -armourers' tools, accompanied the gun to the beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as the gun's crew were about to unmount -the heavy weapon from its carriage a blood-curdling -roar of mingled yells and shouts burst -from a dense body of Somalis, who, observing -the embarkation in progress, had crept up the -remote side of the dunes, and barely a hundred -yards from the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three of the seamen who had not yet embarked -dropped on one knee, and using their -rifles, strove to check the furious rush. Others -in the boats joined in the firing, while from the -deck of the "Aphrodite" every man left on board -hastened to aid their comrades with well-aimed -volleys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Coolly Polglaze attempted to adjust the small -pieces of mechanism necessary to make the -automatic gun serviceable, while Gwennap stood -ready to thrust the end of the ammunition belt -into the breech-block feeder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next instant Polglaze dropped limply -across the trail with a broad-bladed spear thrown -at less than ten yards' distance sticking into his -body. Gwennap, using the butt-end of his rifle, -stood over his comrade till, desperately fighting, -he fell. The gun was surrounded by a swarm of -blood-thirsty foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seeing this the men who still remained ashore -made a wild scramble for the boats, and the fire -in consequence slackened. Revolver in hand, -Hythe called to them to make an effort to recover -the gun. The call was promptly obeyed, and a -dozen men, comprising several of the "Iticaba's" -crew, in addition to those of the "Aphrodite" -jumped ashore, pouring in a hot fire as fast as -they could handle the bolts of their magazine -rifles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unable to withstand so concentrated a fire the -horde of Somalis melted away. The gun stood -alone with a score or more of corpses to bear -testimony to the efficacy of the rifle-fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But there was no time to be lost. Already a -swarm of the enemy, four or five times as -numerous as the crowd that had just been driven off, -were racing like furies to renew the conflict.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Hythe gained the place where the -quick-firer stood he realized that it was impossible -to remove it. Even in the short interval during -which it had remained in the enemy's possession -the Somalis had taken good care to sever and -remove the drag ropes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Calling to his men to carry off the bodies of -Polglaze and Gwennap, the sub removed the -breech mechanism, and staggering under the heavy -weight, he followed his men to the boats, where, -under a heavy but ill-aimed rifle fire from the -Somalis, they pushed off towards the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under the lee of the submarine the men -boarded their haven of refuge. One glance -sufficed to show that poor Gwennap was no -more. The Somalis, not content with slaying -outright, had hacked his body in a most atrocious -manner. Polglaze still showed signs of life, for -protected by his comrade's body, he had escaped -the demoniacal fury of the savages. Nevertheless -the spear-thrust through his left shoulder -looked very dangerous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What had to be done must be done quickly, -for night was approaching, and the Somalis were -evidently making preparations to remove the gun -which had been left in their hands. As long as -daylight lasted the rifle fire from the deck of the -submarine would effectually check any attempt in -this direction, while an additional deterrent was -provided in the form of a powerful rocket. This -could only be fired at an angle of less than five -degrees from the perpendicular, and in consequence -could do no physical hurt to the Somalis. -Nevertheless the moral fear it inspired served to -make the natives clear off to a respectful distance, -where they waited for nightfall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was obvious that the attempt to recapture the -quick-firer must be made early for other reasons. -The wind was now blowing strong from the -east'ard, and with the rising sea landing would -be a very difficult matter; while, floating light, -the submarine stood a good chance of being blown -from her anchorage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as night had fallen twenty men led by -Hythe fell in on the upper platform. Rifles were -discarded as encumbrances, but each of the party -carried an automatic pistol in his belt, the weapon -holding ten cartridges, while separate clips, each -containing a similar number, were placed in their -ammunition belts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into the stern-sheets of the "Iticaba's" cutter -was stowed a coil of three inch rope--the "coil" -measuring the orthodox one hundred and thirteen -fathoms. One end of the rope was made fast to -the "Aphrodite's" for'ard capstan, while to the -other end was spliced a length of flexible steel -wire rope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With muffled oars the boat's crew gave way, -Mylor the quartermaster paying out the rope as -the boat stole shorewards. There was little need -for silence, for the thunder of the surf on the reef -drowned every other sound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All went well till the cutter grounded on the -shore, then from a distance of nearly two hundred -yards along the bank the darkness was pierced -by the flash of the Somalis rifles, while a swift -rushing sound indicated that swarms of fierce -foes were charging down upon the boat.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="over-the-bar"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">OVER THE BAR.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Although the air seemed alive with the screech -of the bullets the Somalis fired so high that not -a man was hit. At the first volley Hythe ordered -the quartermaster to haul the cutter off, then -bringing her broadside on, he gave the word to -open fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It spoke volumes for the discipline of the men -under his command that not one of them gave -way to the temptation to discharge his pistol. -The pressure of a few ounces on the trigger -would be sufficient to send ten shots into the mob -on shore, but in the dark there was the danger -of the men in the boat accidentally hitting their -comrades, but until the cutter swung round -broadside on, the boat's crew resisted the almost -overwhelming desire to return the fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Captain Restronguet had taken precautions -to counteract the surprise. Simultaneously -the two starboard search-lights were switched on -and swung abeam till the powerful rays flashed -full in the faces of the astonished Somalis. To -the latter it savoured of magic. Blinded by the -glare, galled by the fusillade from the automatic -pistols, and harassed by the fire from the deck of -the "Aphrodite" they fled. Some, however, -too terrified to move, flung themselves on the -ground, which was already littered with the bodies -of several of their comrades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give way," ordered the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Directly the boat touched shore all hands save -two jumped out, and carrying the rope, dashed -for the gun, that now stood revealed as if -outlined in silver in the rays of the search-light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a trice Mylor had secured the steel wire -rope to the trail. A long and a short blast on -Hythe's whistle was the signal that this part of -the task had been satisfactorily performed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The electric capstan on the submarine's deck -began to revolve, and the heavy gun with a -succession of jerks was hauled through the yielding -sand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Avast heaving!" shouted the sub, as the -recovered weapon reached the water's edge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look out, sir!" shouted O'Shaunessey, and -raising his pistol the Irishman shot through the -head a Somali who, feigning death, had allowed -Hythe to approach within three yards of him -ere, springing to his feet, he was about to hurl -his spear at the sub's back</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks, O'Shaunessey," exclaimed Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the accompaniment of a desultory and -erratic fire from a distance of over a thousand -yards the gun was dismounted and "parbuckled" -into the cutter. The carriage and limber followed -piecemeal, and without a casualty beyond a -few bruised knuckles and jammed fingers the -landing party re-embarked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was tricky work transhipping the gun to the -submarine, for the "Aphrodite," with nearly -fifteen feet freeboard, was rolling heavily. The -men were working in the dark since the searchlight -could not be swung from off the shore without -attracting the Somalis to closer range. Even -as it was chance bullets were impingeing upon -the submarine's plating, while one cut a clean -hole through the side of the cutter, fortunately -without hitting any of the men on her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the gun was safely housed below -steps were taken to spend the rest of the night -in quietness. The boats of the "Iticaba" were -heavily ballasted and their bungs removed, so -that they sunk to the bottom of the creek. Thus -they were immune from danger from the enemy's -rifle bullets, while, when occasion arose, they -could easily be raised and again pressed into -service.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Reluctantly the survivors of the "Iticaba" went -below. The men were temporarily quartered -for'ard in one of the store compartments, their -comrades of the "Aphrodite" making them as -comfortable as they could; while Captain Rees -and his first mate were accommodated in -Kenwyn's cabin, that officer having to share -Devoran's quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But when the "Aphrodite" settled easily upon -the bed of the creek and nothing alarming -occurred, the rescued men's misgivings were set at -rest, and before long, worn out with fatigue, -exposure, and excitement they were sound asleep, -regardless of the fact that thirty or forty feet -above them the seas were tumbling wildly into -the exposed inlet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout the rest of the night the Somalis -wasted their ammunition in firing at the position -where they last saw the submarine lying, and with -the dawn the anchorage was bare. Their losses -were made light of, for, according to their -belief, they had rid the world of a shipload of -unbelievers. No doubt they were a little -disappointed that there were no trophies of their -victory, but they contented themselves with -removing the wreckage and stores washed ashore -from the ill-fated "Iticaba," which had completely -broken up during the gale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early on the morning of the second day of the -"Aphrodite's" detention in the creek the men -of the "Iticaba" were surprised to see nine men, -clad in air-tubeless diving-suits, make their way -through the compartment which had been allotted -to them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later the nine returned. In that -half hour the remains of poor Gwennap had been -buried in the sand at the bottom of the creek. -Captain Restronguet would have preferred to -have given his faithful comrade a sailor's grave -in the open sea, but since it was impossible to -say how long it would be before the submarine -could recross the bar, the corpse had to be -removed by a funeral party in diver's dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the day the detector, which had -hitherto given plenty of indications of the -"Vorwartz" gradually failed to record the movement -of the submarine under Karl von Harburg's -command. Either the vessel had been driven -ashore in a gale or else she had gone many miles -to the south'ard, and beyond the field covered by -the electrical rays of the detector. In vain -Captain Restronguet asked for information by -wireless. No news came to hand; his quest had -received a check, for cooped up within the creek -he was unable to gain or even keep pace with -his sworn enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not until the third day that the gale -moderated sufficiently for the "Aphrodite" to -rise to the surface. Her appearance was the -cause of a wild stampede by the Somalis still -engaged in enriching themselves with the stranded -cargo. To see a vessel that they confidently -believed to have sunk suddenly rise from the deep -was to them incomprehensible. They fled, never -stopping till they had placed a good half day's -journey between them and the sea. In future -they regarded the vicinity of that inlet as a -district frequented by djinns, or evil spirits, and for -some time to come, at least, should the crews of -any vessel have occasion to land upon that -inhospitable shore, they would be spared the -possibilities of a fight against overwhelming numbers -of fanatical Somalis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two more precious days were wasted after the -weather had moderated sufficiently to allow the -"Aphrodite" to rise. Captain Restronguet -began to get anxious, for provisions were running -short. A considerable quantity of "emergency -rations" had been lost with the central section -of the submarine, and now, with a refugee crew -to feed, the vessel's resources were severely -strained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since there was little current in the inlet it -was impossible to recharge the accumulators, -and the reserve of electricity had to be carefully -husbanded. Fortunately fairly fresh water for -drinking purposes could be obtained on shore, -and thus the necessity of using the condensers -was for the time being no longer urgent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After the storm the tide fell short of its -customary height, for the gale occurring at the time -of spring tides, there had been an abnormal rise -on the bar. Careful soundings revealed the -unpleasant fact that at the top of the tide there -would be only a few inches under the keel of the -submarine, while, with the ground swell still -breaking, this margin was quite insufficient to -attempt the passage with any chance of safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then news arrived by wireless that the -"Vorwartz" had been operating in the -Mozambique Channel, a French liner bound for the -ports on the west coast of Madagascar being -ruthlessly sunk. In this instance there was no -attempt by the modern buccaneer to plunder his -prize. Without attempting to take possession of -her he had sunk her in deep water, there being -barely time for the passengers and crew to take -to the boats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Furthermore, it was announced that rewards -totaling nearly a hundred and forty thousand -pounds had been offered to whoever succeeded -in capturing or destroying the "Vorwartz." Of -this amount Lloyd's--already a heavy sufferer by -these depredations--had guaranteed thirty -thousand, the remainder being provided by the -Governments of Great Britain, France, Germany -and the United States of America.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet fumed at the delay. It -was not on account of the bounteous guerdon, -but because he was unable to put a stop once -and for all to his rival's insane acts, for without -doubt Karl von Harburg was now nothing less -than a dangerous maniac, who possessed sufficient -cunning and authority to bend the will of his -crew to suit his own aims. It seemed hard -indeed that a vessel like the "Aphrodite," equipped -with every appliance that human ingenuity -could contrive, should be penned in by a narrow -strip of sand and shingle on which the surf rolled -incessantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll have a shot at it at next high water," -announced Captain Restronguet to his officers. -"That will be at three o'clock! It is high -water full and change on this part of the coast -at a quarter past four, and as there is a new moon -the day after to-morrow each tide until that day -ought to be higher than the preceding one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unless influenced by the wind, sir," added -Hythe. "That is a great consideration."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Undoubtedly," admitted the captain. "But -the sooner we make our preparations the better. -Pass the word for Captain Rees, and ask him -to warn his men to bear a hand. Unless every -one works with a will our chances of success will -be severely threatened."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sunken boats of the "Iticaba" were -raised, baled out, and laden with movable -stores from the submarine. Everything that -could possibly be taken from the "Aphrodite" -to lessen her already diminished draught was -hoisted out, till the boats were laden as deeply -as they could be in view of the fact that they -would also have to pass the dangerous bar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We had a matter of three hundred barrels of -heavy oil in the old 'Iticaba,' sir," announced -Captain Rees. "It's just possible that those -murdering rascals have not stove in the heads -of every barrel that came ashore. They might -be of service in keeping down the broken water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might," remarked Captain Restronguet -dubiously. "What do you say, Mr. Hythe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've had no experience under circumstances -like the present, sir," replied the sub. "The -Board of Trade officials state that in a surf, or -waves breaking over a bar, the effect of the oil -is uncertain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll try it, anyhow," said Captain -Restronguet. "Tell Mr. Kenwyn to take a party -ashore--see that they are well armed and keep -a sharp look-out--and bring back any barrels -of oil that may have come ashore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In less than an hour Kenwyn's party returned, -pushing five large barrels over the sand. These -were placed in the cutter, which was immediately -sent seawards, for it was now nearly the time of -high water. As the boat gained the fringe of -breakers one wave washed over her bows. From -the deck of the "Aphrodite" it could be seen -that they were baling furiously. It was a -question whether this cutter would escape being -swamped; but after a strenuous struggle the -boat succeeded in drawing clear of the surf.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Anchoring, Kenwyn prepared to liberate the -oil. Simultaneously the 'Aphrodite' weighed -her anchors, and with the other boats of the -'Iticaba' in tow awaited the critical moment to -attempt the risky passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're staving in the barrel, sir," -announced Devoran. "There's one overboard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It makes a difference to the water already," -observed Captain Restronguet. "But we'll wait -till they heave the contents of another couple of -barrels overboard, and then we'll see what we -can do. By Jove, what's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sudden flash, vivid even in the strong -sunlight, was followed by a dense cloud of smoke -that completely hid the cutter from sight. Owing -to the lack of wind the vapour hung about like -a pall, but presently the heads of several men -could be seen as they swam for all they were -worth towards the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a rush for the boats that still -remained alongside the "Aphrodite," and -heedless of the risk they ran in pulling the -laden craft towards the bar the crews bent to -their oars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a comparatively short space of time the -swimmers were all picked up, several of them -being slightly burned, while in some instances -their hair and beards had been singed off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What has happened, Mr. Kenwyn?" demanded -Captain Restronguet, as the unlucky -boat's crew boarded the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One of the barrels contained sodium carbide, -sir, and we didn't know it till the head was -knocked off. There was a lot of water in the -bottom of the boat----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what caused it to take fire; some one -was smoking, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied the second officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was it one of my men?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, I'll say no more. Had the -culprit been one of the 'Aphrodite's' crew -there would be trouble; but I do not want to -exercise any jurisdiction over the men of the -'Iticaba.' At the same time, Mr. Kenwyn, it -was your duty to keep order in the boat, and -with an inflammable cargo of oil on board, you -ought to have maintained the strictest vigilance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Kenwyn did not reply. The captain's -strictures were necessary, but the second officer -was not a man to make lame excuses, even -though one of the seamen from the "Iticaba" -had quietly lit his pipe while Kenwyn's back -was turned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The carbide had by now burnt itself out, but -patches of burning oil were still drifting -shorewards. Nevertheless the object of the -expedition was in the main successful, for the seas no -longer broke heavily, but continued in a sullen -roll right into the deeper water within the creek.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ordering half speed ahead, Captain -Restronguet stood by the quartermaster and gave -directions as to the course. Gathering way the -submarine started on her bid for freedom, the -remaining boat of the "Iticaba" being towed -astern. No one remained in the boats, while at -the stern of the "Aphrodite" a man stood ready -with a sharp axe to sever the towing hawser should -any of the lumbering craft become swamped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearer and nearer to the danger zone the -"Aphrodite" headed. Suddenly there was a -dull thud. She was aground aft. The boats -in tow came surging alongside, only to be swept -backwards with a tremendous jerk on the hawser -as a roller came swinging by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That wave did it. Lifting the "Aphrodite's" -heel clear of the sand it enabled the -submarine under the action of her powerful -engines to glide into deep water, followed by -the half water-logged flotilla of boats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as a safe distance had been placed -between her and the inhospitable shore the -submarine eased down; the "Iticaba's" boats were -brought alongside and the work of bringing the -"Aphrodite's" spare gear on board again was -pushed forward with feverish energy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the boats save the largest whaler were -cast adrift, as if kept in tow they would have -made a great difference in the submarine's speed, -and anxious to fall in with the piratical -"Vorwartz," Captain Restronguet ordered a course -to be shaped for Zanzibar at the utmost capacity -of the "Aphrodite's" motors.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-aero-hydroplane"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE AERO-HYDROPLANE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"I want you men to promise me," said Captain -Restronguet, addressing the survivors of the -"Iticaba's" crew, who were drawn up in the -submarine deck--"I want you to give me your -word of honour that on landing, and in a period -of fourteen days from that time, you will make -no mention whatsoever about the 'Aphrodite' -being still capable of action. Mind, I do not -bind you down by conditions, threats, or -intimidation of any sort. I would not insult a body -of true-hearted British seamen by so doing. -I merely ask, in the interests of every vessel -within range of the 'Vorwartz's' atrocities, that -the presence of the 'Aphrodite' should not be -revealed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The submarine was now within ten miles of -Ras Nungwe, the northernmost part of Zanzibar -Island, and the "Iticaba's" people were about -to be sent ashore. They had, through their -skipper, expressed their most grateful thanks for -their gallant rescue in the nick of time, and in -replying Captain Restronguet had made this -request with reference to the "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strikes me very forcibly, sir," answered -Captain Rees, "that you have made a very -difficult request. You see, there's bound to be -an inquiry by the Consul, and a report will have -to be sent to Lloyd's before the owners can -recover the insurance. And without I make a -clean breast of it the Board of Trade will take -away my ticket."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove, I hadn't thought of that!" exclaimed -Captain Restronguet. "As you say, it is a very -difficult point to take into consideration. Yet in -an affair of this description, where so much -depends upon the issue, the ordinary routine followed -in cases of shipwreck ought to be put aside, at least -for a few days."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I could answer for my men," continued the -old skipper, and a lusty chorus of "Ay, ay," that -had a ring of sincerity in it, came from the -survivors of the ill-fated tramp. "But, you see, -sir, it's a ticklish business trying to bamboozle -the Board."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I were to write a letter to the President of -the Consular Court--no, I'll tell you what I'll do; -I'll go myself," declared Captain Restronguet. -"Mr. Devoran, keep an offing, will you? I'm -going ashore in the 'Iticaba's' boat; I'll hire some -sort of craft to get back, so keep a sharp look-out -for me on the west side of Bawi Island, that's -over yonder. It is on the north side of the -Western Pass, as the approach of Zanzibar Town -is called. Should any large craft come in sight, -don't hesitate to dive. We must preserve our -secret at all costs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you going alone, sir?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did think of so doing; but why? Would -you like to accompany me ashore?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should, sir. You see, I know the place fairly -well. Spent three months in the East Indies -flagship in these waters when I was a midshipman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whaler was manned, Captain Restronguet, -the skipper of the "Iticaba," and Hythe -sitting in the stern sheets. There was no wind, -so the men had recourse to their oars, and a five -mile pull under a blazing sun was no light task. -Nevertheless, within an hour and a quarter of -leaving the "Aphrodite" the whaler ran -alongside the landing-slips at Zanzibar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A crowd of Arabs, Zanzibaris, and negroes, -with a sprinkling of Europeans, awaited the arrival -of the boat, for since there was no large vessel -lying outside the Western Pass, it was rightly -conjectured that the men were survivors from -some disaster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Loyally the seamen maintained silence, and -stolidly refused to be questioned by several of the -seamen from other ships that happened to be -lying in the roadstead, and in a body they -marched to the British Consulate, where Captain -Restronguet asked to be shown into the presence -of His Majesty's representative.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What name, sir?" asked the stalwart sergeant -of marines, who was in charge of the guard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I wish to withhold," replied the Captain. -"At the same time I am convinced that the -Consul will be more than willing to see me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sergeant demurred, but just then a dapper -little man, whose snow-white hair and closely -trimmed grey beard contrasted vividly with his -brick-red complexion, came across the courtyard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's this? Shipwrecked men?" he asked, -scanning the somewhat dishevelled crowd of -seamen, some of whom bore traces of hard knocks -received in the struggle with the Somalis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"These men are," replied Captain Restronguet. -"I have not had that misfortune. Neither has -my friend here. At the same time I wish to -make an important communication to you in -private."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By all means," said the Consul. "This way. -Simmons, will you please bring whisky and soda -into the small study. I presume, gentlemen, you -would like a peg?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," he continued, as Captain Restronguet, -Captain Rees, and Hythe followed him into the -room, "what can I do for you? Do you wish -to make a statement on oath? If so, I must send -for my secretary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The necessity for making a statement upon -oath rests with you," replied Captain Restronguet. -"Allow me to introduce myself as Captain John -Restronguet, commanding the submarine -'Aphrodite,' which is now lying off the port."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Consul stared at his informant for quite ten -seconds, then recovering himself said stiffly, -"This, sir, is neither the place nor occasion for -a senseless joke."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I agree with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, why? The 'Aphrodite' was destroyed -by that villain Karl von Harburg in the Red Sea -more than a week ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On whose authority did you hear this, might -I ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On the word--if word it can be called--of -Karl von Harburg himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The report was false. I am he whom I claim -to be. This gentleman, Mr. Arnold Hythe, an -officer of the Royal Navy, will corroborate my -statement."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am aware that Captain Arnold Hythe was -in the 'Aphrodite,'" said the Consul, who was -still unconvinced. He was an old Cambridge man, -and as such had both participated and had been -the victim of more than one elaborate hoax. -Such episodes, utterly foolish as they appear to -be, serve their purpose in after life. They impart -a considerable amount of shrewdness into the -human mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can you offer me definite proof?" continued -the Consul. "If so I should be delighted, since -it is my opinion that the only vessel capable of -meeting the 'Vorwartz' on anything like even -terms was, or perhaps is, the 'Aphrodite.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet bowed. "Sir, I feel -honoured," he replied. "But since you cannot -accept the word of a gentleman, I can offer no -other solution."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is part of my duty to investigate matters," -said the Consul reprovingly. "If I remember -rightly a photograph of Sub-Lieutenant Hythe -appeared in the illustrated papers at the time he -was supposed to have been lost in Plymouth -Sound. I cannot admit that the gentleman -resembles the portrait."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you a Navy List, sir?" asked the sub, -speaking for the first time during the interview.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Consul walked across the room and took -from a bureau a copy of the familiar blue -paper-covered book, which he handed to the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Topaze' is in the roadstead," said -Hythe, as he rapidly turned over the pages. "Ah, -here we are. Commander the Hon. C. L. Sedgwyke, -I know him, but I'm afraid he doesn't -know me. Lieutenant Totterbull--h'm, yes, he -might. But here's Dewerstone, he was in my -term at Dartmouth. Would you mind if he -were sent for, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly not. I will have a signal made at -once," replied the Consul.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You wouldn't mind, sir," continued the sub, -addressing Captain Restronguet. "Dewerstone -is a fellow to be trusted. He wouldn't say a -word to anyone outside."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly a signal was made from the roof -of the Consulate, and Sub-Lieutenant Dewerstone -was informed by his captain that his presence -was required ashore. The young man did not -feel particularly joyful at the intelligence. He -had already obtained permission to go to a tennis -party, and having to attend on Consular Service -did not appeal to him. Nevertheless, as soon -as a boat could take him off, Dewerstone was -ready.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good afternoon, Dick," exclaimed Hythe as -soon as the sub from the "Topaze" had paid his -respects to the Consul.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Hythe, where did you roll up from?" -asked Dewerstone nonchalantly. "I thought you -were in Davy Jones's locker."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not," said Hythe earnestly. "Perhaps -you would not mind proving my identity to His -Britannic Majesty's Consul."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Considering we were in the semi-final for the -heavyweight and you knocked me out I think I -can safely do that," replied Dewerstone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We need not go further, gentlemen," -announced the Consul. "I must apologize for not -accepting your word, Captain Restronguet. -Now what do you wish me to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As briefly as he could Captain Restronguet -explained the circumstances under which he -rescued the survivors of the "Iticaba," and the -reason why he wished salient facts in connection -with the affair to be temporarily suppressed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think it can be arranged," said the Consul. -"At all events, I will take down the depositions -of Captain Rees, and omit any details I consider -necessary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as this was done Captain Rees took -his departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His men had already been quartered in the -Consulate, where they were to remain until they -could be sent back to Liverpool.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will dine with me, gentlemen?" asked -the Consul of Captain Restronguet and the two -subs. "There is no immediate hurry for you -to get back?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must get a boat before four o'clock," replied -Captain Restronguet. "So I must ask to be -excused."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe was also unable to accept, while Dewerstone, -still intent upon the tennis party, managed -to find a reason for declining the stiff formality -of dinner at the Consulate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During their stay at Zanzibar Captain Restronguet -and his companions visited the old town, -but finding it remarkable for its malodorous -nature, they beat a hasty retreat and went for a -stroll inland. Before they returned it came on -to blow fairly hard from the sou'west, and by the -time they reached the landing-place it was pretty -evident that a boat could not put off without -great risk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In vain Captain Restronguet offered the native -boatmen a large sum to be rowed off beyond -Bawi Island. He even tried to charter a dhow, -but without success.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We could ask the Consul to communicate -with the 'Topaze' or any of the cruisers and -gunboats in the roadstead; they would send a -piquet-boat for us," suggested Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not if it can be avoided," he answered. "I -have reasons for not falling in with your plan. -We will see if we can get better luck at Shangani -Point. The water ought to be smoother there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly both men set off as briskly as -they could in the moist, enervating heat, but -before they had passed the Sultan's palace a -short, sparsely-built man in European clothing -overtook them. Twice the man looked over his -shoulder at Captain Restronguet, then suddenly -wheeling he intercepted him and held out his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What ho, there, Tretheway! Whoever would -have thought of meeting you in this dead and -alive corner of the globe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe naturally thought it was a case of -mistaken identity on the part of the little fellow, but -to his surprise Captain Restronguet replied in a -cordial manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bless my soul! It's Jenkins. What are you -doing here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is," assented that worthy. "I've been -knocking about a bit since I last worked--I mean, -slaved--with you in a British dockyard. Fallen -on my feet at last though, that is, unless I fall on -my precious skull. Just fancy, Tretheway, I -am aeroplanist-in-chief to His Highness the -Sultan of Zanzibar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better you than me," remarked the Captain -with a laugh. "But I was unaware that the -Sultan was a devotee of the art of flying."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is, and he isn't," replied Jenkins. "He -owns a good many air crafts of various types, -and I and several others, mostly Frenchmen, by -the by, give exhibition flights while he sits in -his state chair and watches us. But how goes -it? You look jolly fit, and don't appear as if you -were hard up for a dollar?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I cannot complain on that score," said -Captain Restronguet quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, come and have a look at my little -air-fleet. Really they don't make a bad show. And -your friend, of course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sorry," replied Captain Restronguet. "But -we're in a regular hurry. I am trying to get a -boat to put me off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where to?" asked Jenkins. "One of the -liners in the Roads?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, further out; quite five miles off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess you won't get a Zanzibari to take on -the job. There's a brute of a swell tumbling in. -Look here, I'll tell you what: I'll give you a lift -in one of our aero-hydroplanes, if you like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it safe?" asked Captain Restronguet -earnestly, whereat Hythe wondered, for his -companion had never before shown signs of -timidity, even when in tight corners in the depths -of the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Safe as a house," replied Jenkins reassuringly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jenkins, my friend, you misunderstand me, -although I quite admit the question was -ambiguous. Is it safe--or shall we say discreet?--to -take us for a 'joy-ride' in one of the Sultan's -air-craft?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If anything His Highness would be pleased -to see me making a flight in gusty weather with -two passengers; so say the word and I'll trot out -the contraption. It's the only way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carry on, then," assented Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within the spacious outer courtyard of the -palace stood a number of lofty sheds with sliding -doors. At a wave and a gesture from the chief -aviator a number of natives opened the doors -and dragged a huge aero-hydroplane of an -obsolete pattern into the sunlight. The machine -was a biplane. Underneath the two long floats -were four wheels, so that it could be adapted -either for alighting and rising from the sea or -land.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jenkins critically examined various nuts and -tension wires, started the engine, till the machine -was all a-quiver with the vibration from the -revolving cylinders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All correct," he bawled, for the rapid -explosion of the motor practically deadened every -other sound. "Get aboard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet occupied a seat immediately -behind and slightly higher than the pilot, -while Hythe sat behind the biplane. Jenkins -vaulted agilely into his place, motioned to the -attendants to stand clear and thrust home the -clutch of the propeller shaft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The aero-hydro-craft leapt over the ground for -about twenty yards with a jerk that nearly -capsized the two passengers; then soaring upwards -it cleared the courtyard wall by barely six feet, -passed over the upturned faces of a crowd of -natives in the roadway, and shot rapidly across -the harbour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The motion was exhilarating, but the air, by -contrast with the heat ashore, was cold and -cutting to the faces of the passengers. Hythe -realized that aeroplaning in white ducks, even in -the Tropics, was rather out of place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look, sir," he exclaimed. "There's the -'Topaze' going out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's rotten luck," replied Captain Restronguet -leaning sideways to watch the cruiser, that, -a thousand feet below, looked no larger than a -model boat. "Your friend Dewerstone has given -the show away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think not," replied the sub confidently. -"He told me he was on leave till the day after -to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where's your ship, Tretheway?" shouted Jenkins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Away beyond Bawi Island. There she is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rum looking craft, anyway," commented the -aviator. "Looks more like a dog's kennel to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks," remarked Captain Restronguet in -an undertone; then louder he added, "She's -hove-to. If you come down within hailing -distance they'll range up alongside to pick us up; -they haven't a boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't a boat," ejaculated Jenkins. "Rum -craft. Look here----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ended abruptly, for with a report like a -pistol shot one of the wires supporting the wing -plane snapped. The aero-hydroplane began to -tilt ominously. Hythe and his companion -instinctively realizing that a disaster was imminent -grasped the rods nearest to hand in a grip of iron.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pluckily the aviator strove by manipulating the -elevating rudder to restore the doomed aircraft's -equilibrium, but in vain. He, therefore, shut off -the engine and attempted a vol-plane. Already -the air-craft was standing almost on its nose, and -falling with fearful velocity, till Captain Restronguet -slid out of his seat and was prevented from -falling clear only by his grasp upon a metal rod.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finding that the machine was quite out of -control, Jenkins touched a lever with his foot. -Instantly a length of stout canvas trailed out -astern. Before the aero-hydroplane had descended -another fifteen feet the canvas, distended -by the resistance of the air, took the shape of a -huge parachute. The fall, though still rapid, was -appreciably retarded, while the three men, literally -hanging on tooth and nail, became aware that -hope was not yet dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a tremendous splash the wrecked -aero-hydroplane struck the water. Hythe found -himself torn from his support, and plunging feet -below the waves. Fearing that he might be -entangled in the sinking machine he struck out -and swam a considerable distance ere he rose -to the surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shaking the water out of his eyes, he looked -around. The aero-hydroplane was still floating, -but with a heavy list. The concussion had burst -the seams of one of her floats, which was now -completely filled with water, while the other was -leaking slightly. Clinging to the still buoyant -float were the captain and Jenkins. The -"Aphrodite" was nowhere to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're all right for the present," called out -the former cheerily. "The water's warm and I -have not seen any sharks about, and the cruiser -will bear down and pick us up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where's your ship, Tretheway?" asked the -aviator anxiously. "We were falling close to -where she was hove-to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm rather afraid she didn't spot us," replied -Captain Restronguet. "And seeing the 'Topaze' -approaching, she dived."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dived!" exclaimed the astounded Jenkins. -"What d'ye mean? You don't mean to tell me -the ship you belong to is a submarine?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is," assented the Captain coolly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not that rascally 'Vorwartz' by any chance?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, what's her name? I haven't -heard of any other submarine in these waters."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not the 'Aphrodite'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't try to be funny, Tretheway. You -know as well as I do that that submarine was -blown to atoms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid, my dear Jenkins, that I cannot -agree with you. The 'Aphrodite' is even now -submerged in the Zanzibar Channel, and I--whom -you know as Hugh Tretheway--I am -Captain John Restronguet."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-approach-of-the-vorwartz"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE APPROACH OF THE "VORWARTZ."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Beyond muttering "Well, I'm dashed!" the -aviator relapsed into silence. In vain Captain -Restronguet and Hythe looked for a trace of -the "Aphrodite." As a last resource the former -produced a silk green and white flag from his -pocket and lashed it to one of the vertical stays -in the hope that the submarine might locate it -by means of her periscope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're carrying out orders," said Captain -Restronguet at length. "I told Devoran to -dive if he saw any vessel approaching. He -spotted the 'Topaze' and immediately descended. -It's awkward, because the secret is bound to -leak out. But after all it is rather remarkable -that it didn't become common property hours ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How shall we get on board the 'Aphrodite,' -sir?" asked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll manage it sooner or later, but there's -valuable time lost. Ha, there's the 'Topaze' -altering helm. She's sighted us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A quarter of an hour later the cruiser's gig -picked up the three unlucky aviators, while the -aero-hydroplane was secured and towed alongside -before she sank, and was hoisted on board by -means of a boat's davit. Dry clothing was -immediately forthcoming, and clad in borrowed -garments the rescued men were taken aft to be -introduced and interviewed by the Hon. Charles -Sedgwyke, captain of H.M.S. "Topaze."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Realizing that it would be useless to attempt -to conceal anything Captain Restronguet made -a full report of all that had occurred, and requested -that he and his companions might be taken back -to Zanzibar, whence the "Aphrodite" might be -communicated with by wireless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid that it is at present impossible, -Captain Restronguet," said the Hon. Sedgwyke. -"We are under urgent orders to proceed to -Delagoa Bay, for there that villainous von -Harburg has been making himself particularly -objectionable. We are to meet and co-operate -with the 'Pique,' and should our efforts meet -with success we are to carry on to Table Bay. -There is, I am afraid, no option. You must -accompany us, and no doubt, your valuable -experience in connection with the affair will -enable us to settle with the 'Vorwartz.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would much rather settle with her myself," -replied Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I can quite understand. I can also -safely assert that Captain Restronguet will not -prevent the 'Topaze' from distinguishing -herself by standing aloof when he might otherwise -render us good service."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet bowed. "Naturally," -he added. "Our interests in the business lies -in the same direction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anything I can do to aid you I will most -willingly do," continued Captain Sedgwyke. -"I might suggest that the wireless of this vessel -is at your disposal, and by sending a message -to the Admiralty you could have it re-transmitted -through your agent to the 'Aphrodite.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An excellent arrangement," said Captain -Restronguet, "only it is certain that the news -will reach Karl von Harburg, and that is what -I particularly wish to avoid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I trust that within the next few days Karl -von Harburg will be totally indifferent to news -of any description," remarked the captain of the -"Topaze" drily. "But in the meanwhile make -yourselves comfortable on board. You will, -I hope, do us the honour of being a temporary -member of the Ward Room. Mr. Hythe, who -is still under the Naval Discipline Act, must, of -course, mess in the Gun Room. I am still -slightly hazy as to the exact official and social -status of the aviator-in-chief to His Highness -the Sultan of Zanzibar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three days later the "Topaze" was threshing -her way southward at a good twenty-two knots -and was approaching the rendezvous. It was -now night, but the moon, shining with all the -lustre that only the tropics can enjoy, made -everything on deck quite discernible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Surrounded by a group of officers, all of -whom were most anxious to gather particulars -of the rival submarines from two of the principal -characters, Captain Restronguet and Hythe had -to exercise their ingenuity to prevent themselves -being "pumped," for even to their kind hosts -it was not advisable to give themselves away. -Nevertheless the time passed pleasantly. The -paymaster's cigars were excellent, the surgeon -was a lively raconteur, and the first lieutenant -was kindness personified; but at length Captain -Restronguet contrived to draw Hythe aside to -the lee of the after nine-point-two-inch gun -turret.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No doubt you wondered why that fellow -Jenkins addressed me as Hugh Tretheway," he -began. "Well, it certainly was strange running -across him in far-off Zanzibar. You may -remember I told you that for some months, when down -on my luck, I worked as an electrical fitter in -Devonport Dockyard? That man Jenkins was -in the same shop. He isn't a bad fellow by any -means, though somewhat of a rough diamond. -Hugh Tretheway is my baptismal name, but for -certain reasons I preferred to drop it and assume -the name of John Restronguet. I hope that for -the present at all events you will keep that -information a secret. I have already had a quiet -talk with Jenkins on the matter, and from what -I already know of him, he will be as silent as -the dead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course I will carry out your wishes, sir," -said the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you. But to change the subject: -what do you think of the chances of the 'Topaze' -against the 'Vorwartz'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She has her work cut out," replied the sub. -"But I feel certain that every man on board will -do his best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They cannot do more," added Captain -Restronguet earnestly. "At the same time they are -running needless risks when, once I locate the -'Vorwartz,' I could destroy her without a quarter -of the danger. Suppose, now, that the Delagoa -Bay report was false and Karl von Harburg is -knocking about in these waters: what is there to -prevent her from torpedoing the ship and sending -her to the bottom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a risk that every ship must run in -naval warfare," replied Hythe. "Ever since the -invention of torpedoes that risk has increased, and -now that submarines form a formidable arm of -the Naval Service there is still the greater -possibilities of a ship being sent to the bottom -without a shot in self-defence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before Captain Restronguet could say another -word a hoarse order came from the fore bridge, -followed by a shrill bugle-call for "General -Quarters" and the long-drawn notes of the -bo's'un's-mates' whistles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" demanded Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Clear for action'--a test order perhaps," -replied Hythe. "See how those fellows get to work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up the companion-ladders officers hurriedly -appeared, still fumbling with the buckles of their -sword-belts. From for'ard tumbled a swarm -of hefty bluejackets, who, invading the sacred -precincts of the quarter-deck, began to unship -stanchions, davits, ventilating-cowls, and other -impedimenta; steel covers were lowered over -skylights and companion-hatchways. The -securing bolts of the after nine-point-two gun turrets -were cast loose, and the long muzzle swung -round, causing Captain Restronguet to hurriedly -duck his head. In five minutes the quarter-deck -of the "Topaze" was deserted, as were the other -exposed parts of the ship, every man being at -his station behind the armoured portions of the -vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another bugle-call.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As you were," exclaimed Hythe. "Suppose -we go up on the after-bridge. They are exercising. -Perhaps the next evolution will be 'Out -collision mats.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hope they won't have to do it in real earnest," -remarked his companion as the two men ascended -to their coign of vantage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the bo's'un's-mates' whistles -sounded while the bo's'un shouted in stentorian -tones "Out nets." The cry was repeated in half -a dozen different parts of the ship, and the -hither-to deserted decks became a scene of disorder and -chaos: at least that's what it seemed to Captain -Restronguet, who was for the time being a stranger -in a strange land.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instinctively Hythe pulled out his watch, which -once more had stedfastly resisted the assaults -of the sea water. Captain Restronguet, gripping -the rail, leant over and watched the scene of -activity upon the moon-lit deck. Over the side of -the gently-rolling craft active seamen slid down -upon the apparently insecure net-shelves, and by -a series of gymnastic feats succeeded in rolling -ten tons of close-meshed steel netting over the side, -to the accompaniment of shouts of "Look alive -there!" from their officers. Hardly had the -last man regained the deck ere the motor -capstans of the fo'c'sle began to clank. Seamen -armed with spars thrust at the ends of the torpedo -booms to give the motor-worked wire rope a -chance; then slowly yet surely the twenty -hollow steel booms were swung outwards till the -"Topaze" was encircled with a "crinoline" of -nets at sufficient distance from the ship to stop a -deadly torpedo. Back doubled the men to their -stations for action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub glanced at his watch. The evolution -had taken only forty-five seconds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Smart work!" ejaculated Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," assented Hythe. "But we did it in -forty seconds on the old flagship. Apparently -Captain Sedgwyke is not satisfied for I can hear -him storming to some one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is hardly my place to offer suggestions," -said Captain Restronguet, "but I think it would -be advisable if they kept the nets in position. -It might save the 'Topaze' from being torpedoed, -although I know that the speed is greatly -diminished by the drag in the water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We never do," replied the sub. "It is the -first time I have seen 'Out nets' performed -with the ship underway. It is essentially a -defence when lying at anchor. There: 'In -net defence,' they are going to stow the nets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the midst of the scramble that ensued the -bugle suddenly sounded "General Quarters." To -leave an evolution half completed was a very -unusual thing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Something prompted Hythe to look seaward. -At less than a cable's distance the two conning-towers -of a submarine had just appeared above -the surface of the moon-lit sea, a smother of foam -making them still more conspicuous. The sub -gripped his companion's arm and pointed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Vorwartz!'" he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several of the officers of the "Topaze" had -observed the sudden appearance of the sinister -craft, and hence the call to General Quarters. -The light quick-firers were manned, their -muzzles swung round till they pointed full at the -submarine's conning-towers, which, proceeding at -nearly the same rate and in a similar direction to -that of the cruiser, presented an easy target.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Sedgwyke was puzzled. It was -inexplicable that the submarine should show herself -when she might have let loose a torpedo while -completely submerged. Nevertheless he was on -the point of giving the order to open fire when -Captain Restronguet, in a voice that could be heard -from one end of the ship to the other, shouted:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't fire, it is the 'Aphrodite.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Something in the captain of the "Aphrodite's" -words prompted Captain Sedgwyke to issue a -confirmatory order. Hythe was astonished--even -doubtful. He could not be certain as to -whether it was the "Aphrodite" or her counter-felt -rival; but the inventor and constructor had -made no error. It was the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thirty feet in front of the fore conning-tower the -sharp bows of the submarine appeared above the -water, followed by the whole length of her decks, -from which the water poured in silvery cascades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a hatch was thrown open and a figure -that Hythe recognized as that of the first officer -appeared. Raising a megaphone Devoran shouted:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is Captain Restronguet on board?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ay, ay," replied a voice from the fore-bridge. -"What submarine is that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Aphrodite,'," replied Devoran, merely -as a matter of form, since his identity was now -established. "Can you send a boat? We have -important intelligence to communicate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that moment a petty officer ran up the -ladder of the after-bridge and requested Captain -Restronguet to speak to Captain Sedgwyke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose you wish to board your craft," said -the Captain of the cruiser. "We will lower a -boat as soon as we get a bit shipshape."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you will kindly do so I will rejoin the -'Aphrodite,'" replied Captain Restronguet. "At -the same time I think the information is urgent. -Shall I ask my first officer to deliver it verbally -to save time?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good," assented Captain Sedgwyke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The information was indeed startling. The -electric detector of the "Aphrodite" had picked -up the position of the "Vorwartz." Karl von -Harburg's submarine was proceeding northwards, -and was even now within twenty miles of the -British cruiser.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-sinking-of-the-topaze"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE SINKING OF THE "TOPAZE."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"This is indeed news!" exclaimed Captain -Sedgwyke. Then in a lower tone he added, "Captain -Restronguet, will you do me a favour? If we -fall in with the 'Vorwartz' will you stand off and -give the 'Topaze' a chance to distinguish herself? -If so you will earn the gratitude of every officer -and man on board."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain of the "Aphrodite" hesitated a -few moments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Captain Sedgwyke," he replied, "you have -asked a hard thing. Had any other captain made -me a similar request I would have declined. But -I owe you a debt of gratitude for having picked -us up out of the sea. I will do as you request. -I will give you an hour's uninterrupted action -from the time the 'Vorwartz' is within four miles -of us. One thing I would suggest, the 'Vorwartz' -is the attacking vessel; you will not have -to pursue her, so, since speed is not a vital -consideration, keep your torpedo nets out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I, too, am indebted to you," said Captain -Sedgwyke. "In an hour I hope to be able to -help to uphold the glorious traditions of the Flag -under which I serve."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have my best wishes," added Captain -Restronguet as he turned to go over the side into -the waiting boat. "At the end of the hour it -will be my show; but should you require any -assistance before then either communicate by -means of wireless--I will order the coil to be -adjusted as soon as I get on board--or else give -four blasts in quick succession should anything -happen to put the wireless out of gear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you taking Mr. Hythe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly; he is officially lent to the 'Aphrodite'; -and Mr. Jenkins will accompany us, since -I am morally responsible to His Highness, the -Sultan of Zanzibar, for his safety."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two captains shook hands, and Captain -Restronguet and the sub entered the waiting -boat, which had to pass over the upper edge of -the torpedo nets that had to be lowered beneath -the surface for the purpose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Barely was the cruiser's boat clear of the -"Topaze" when the order came "Out nets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Captain Sedgwyke is acting upon my -suggestion," observed Hythe's companion. "It is -the best plan, but honestly I favour the chances -of the 'Vorwartz.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have a bias towards the advantage of -submarines," said Hythe. "At the same time -you must remember Karl von Harburg has, for -the first time, to try conclusions with a British -ship whose guns are sighted by trained seamen-gunners."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall see," observed Captain Restronguet -oracularly, and both men relapsed into silence -until the boat ranged alongside the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Vorwartz' is now only eleven miles off, sir," -announced Devoran. "We've cleared for action, -I presume you will go straight for her, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Captain Restronguet. "We -are going to run away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Run away, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; in a moment of weakness I promised -the captain of yonder cruiser to give him a free -hand for one hour from the time the 'Vorwartz' -gets within four miles of her. He wishes to -distinguish himself. Accordingly we will run -northward and put a good two miles between us. -That, I think will be a safe distance, for on no -account must we let the 'Vorwartz' spot us, or -she will be off like a startled hare."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe took up his position in the wake of the -foremost conning-tower, whence he could -command an uninterrupted view of the "Topaze." The -British cruiser made a fine picture in the -dazzling moonlight in spite of her ugly lines and -the absence of masts and funnels. Already her -boat had returned, but, instead of being hoisted -to the davits, was made fast astern, while the -remaining boats were being hurriedly yet -methodically lowered into the water, one man being -placed in each to act as boat-keeper. These were -taken in tow of a motor-cutter, so that they would -be safe from any explosions against the side of -the ship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This done, the "Topaze" trimmed her fringe -of nets, and forging slowly ahead, bore down -in the supposed direction of the on-coming "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no attempt at concealment. Her -so-called masthead light, hoisted on the slender -signalling-mast abaft the conning-tower, was -burning brightly; Hythe could see the green -starboard lamp throwing its reflection upon the -scintillating water. It was part of Captain -Sedgwyke's plan to deceive the "Vorwartz." The -latter, thinking she had fallen in with a large -tramp, would doubtless either fire a torpedo at -her to wantonly send her to the bottom, or else -rise to the surface and demand her to surrender. -In the first case the torpedo would, he hoped, -explode harmlessly against the net. The -submarine would then rise to enable the scoundrel -Karl von Harburg to witness the sinking of his -latest victim. In the event of either of these -possibilities taking place the "Vorwartz," once -on the surface, would be the target for twenty -powerful quick-firing guns, and since the -"Topaze" nearly headed the list of results in the -Gunlayers' Test for the whole of the British Navy, -the destruction of the modern pirate seemed -certain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Sedgwyke was a man who scorned to -take a mean advantage; and since he would not -encroach upon the distance limit set down by his -chivalrous rival, he ordered the helm to be put -over, thus keeping the "Topaze" within a radius -of three cables' length, until the "Vorwartz" -was within four miles of him. Seeing this -Captain Restronguet gave the word for half speed -ahead, until he placed a distance of two miles -between him and the cruiser.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Seven and a half miles, sir," announced Devoran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then another two minutes will be the -commencement of the hour's limit," said Captain -Restronguet consulting his watch. "Mr. Kenwyn, -will you please signal the 'Topaze' and give -her the latest information as to her enemy's -position." The second officer, adroitly working -the flashing lamp, communicated the intelligence, -receiving in reply an affirmative signal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Practically every officer and man, except -those on urgent duty below, stood on the upper -platform of the "Aphrodite." Telescopes and -binoculars were brought to bear upon the cruiser -that now looked like a phantom castle in the -moonlight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe felt his blood tingle in his veins. He -realized that he was to be the spectator of a duel -to the death between a cruiser and a submarine--the -first engagement of such a character that -had ever taken place in naval history.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Four miles, sir," announced Devoran, as the -position of the "Vorwartz" was reported to him -by the seaman stationed at the detector. "She's -coming straight for the cruiser, by Jove!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought she would swallow the bait," exclaimed Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us hope she will swallow more than is -good for her," added Kenwyn. "By Jove! The -'Topaze' has opened fire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A flash like distant lightning seemed to leap -from the cruiser's deck, followed by another, and -then by a regular salvo of quick-firers. Ere the -first deep report reached the ears of the watchers -on the "Aphrodite" the "Topaze" unscreened -her search-lights and played them on a spot -about four hundred yards on the starboard hand, -where the shells were churning up a perfect -cauldron of foam and spray.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good heavens! they've hit something!" -exclaimed several voices. Those of the -"Aphrodite's" crew who possessed glasses could see a -dark mass, rent in deep furrows by the projectiles, -appear amid the columns of foam; then throwing -itself ten feet into the air the object disappeared -from view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet clenched his fists. He -deeply regretted his action in allowing the -captain of the "Topaze" a free hand. His quest -was over. The rival submarine had been sent -to the bottom with all hands, and he----</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cruiser signalling, sir," announced Kenwyn, -who was perched upon the rounded top of the -fore-conning-tower. "Reports having wasted -ninety rounds of ammunition by firing at a whale, -and requests to know whether the captain of the -'Aphrodite' has been guilty of a senseless joke?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Senseless joke, indeed!" ejaculated Captain -Restronguet. "If those fellows in their -excitement mistake a whale for a submarine they will -be rudely awakened when the 'Vorwartz' does -show. Senseless joke, indeed! Look here, -Mr. Kenwyn, reply that my detector does not record -the presence of whales, but it does record the -presence of the 'Vorwartz.' She is now only--how -many miles, Mr. Devoran?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two and three quarters from us, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only three quarters of a mile from the -'Topaze,'" continued the Captain. "It was -quite possible that that wilful waste of ammunition -made the valiant Karl von Harburg turn tail; -but evidently such is not the case. It has made -the task of the 'Topaze' still more difficult, since -the 'Vorwartz' is now aware that she is not about -to tackle a merchant vessel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Topaze" had now shut off her searchlights, -and was slowly circling to port. After -the deafening cannonade there seemed an ominous -silence in the air. The detector showed that the -"Vorwartz" was still approaching.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She will be within range shortly," remarked -the sub. "I hope to goodness those nets will -ward off the torpedoes. What charge do they -carry, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe I am right in saying a charge of -eighty pounds of nitro-gelenite, which is -equivalent to nearly a ton of gunpowder. You may -remember how the shock of the explosion shook -the 'Aphrodite' in the chase off Ushant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather," remarked Hythe. "At that time I----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A column of mingled flame and water -bursting apparently from the fo'c'sle of the -"Topaze" effectually checked the sub's -remarks. To the watchers on the "Aphrodite" -it seemed as if the bows of the cruiser were lifted -clear of the water. Then came a deafening -detonation, like the noise of thunder above one's -head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cruiser rocked violently two or three -times, then seemed to settle on an even keel, -while her quick-firers blazed away in a frantic, -aimless manner, for several of the projectiles -could be observed striking the water a mile apart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any wireless message?" asked Captain -Restronguet coolly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," replied Kenwyn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's withstood the shock, thank heavens!" -ejaculated Hythe, then, "No, she hasn't, by -George! There's 'Out Collision Mats,'" he added, -as a bugle rang out from the stricken ship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Vorwartz' is making off, sir," announced -Mylor, who had relieved the observer at the -electric detector.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hard lines on us," exclaimed Captain -Restronguet. "What are we to do? The hour is -not anything like up, and no signal of distress -from the 'Topaze.' Send them a message, -Kenwyn. Wireless, please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No reply, sir," announced the second officer -after a wait of nearly two minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then her wireless is disabled by the shock. -Speak her in Morse, Kenwyn. Ask whether -Captain Sedgwyke will release us from the -remainder of our period of inaction, as the -'Vorwartz' is now making off in a southerly direction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But before Kenwyn could get to the flashing -signal lamp four loud blasts from the motor -fog-horn of the "Topaze" sent forth their cry for -urgent assistance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's settling down by the bows," exclaimed -one of the spectators of the ocean drama.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Full speed ahead," ordered Captain Restronguet. -Within five minutes from the request for -aid the "Aphrodite" was abreast the stricken -vessel at less than a cable's length away. Her -fore part, already deep in the water, showed -unmistakable signs of the mortal blow she had -received. Her armoured belt, that extended -right to the bows, had already disappeared from -view, but for nearly thirty feet on the starboard -side and nearly opposite the for'ard nine-point-two-inch -gun the lighter steel plates were rent -and buckled in all directions. Over the gaping -wound a collision mat had been placed, but one -might as well attempt to stop a mill-stream with -a mop-head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The order had already been given to abandon -ship, and with the utmost precision and coolness -the seamen were drawn up to await the approach -of the cruiser's boats, that were now only a few -yards off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you want me to pick up any of your -crew, sir? I'll stand by if you desire it," shouted -Captain Restronguet to a solitary figure on the -steeply-inclined fore-bridge that the men of the -"Aphrodite" recognized as Captain Sedgwyke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you," replied the captain of the -"Topaze." "We have enough room in the boats -for the whole of the ship's company. Do you, -sir, kindly take up the work that I had the -misfortune to interrupt you in, and may you have -better luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet gravely saluted the gallant -yet ill-fated officer. At the same time, although -anxious to set off in pursuit, he was loth to leave -the cruiser until every man was saved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you waiting for, sir?" hailed -Captain Sedgwyke, his voice barely audible above -the hundred different noises emanating from the -doomed cruiser, as the water, pouring in, broke -down bulkheads, swept buoyant objects 'tween -decks in a wild stampede against the partitions, -and caused the imprisoned air to escape with a -vicious hiss.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am standing by," replied Captain Restronguet. -"You gave a signal for urgent aid, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We thought the ship would sink before the -boats could arrive," said the captain of the -"Topaze." "There is no danger to life. Our -consort the 'Pique' is on her way to pick us up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still Captain Restronguet stood by. He was -not so sure that the "Pique" might not share -the same fate as the "Topaze" since the "Vorwartz," -going south, was almost bound to fall in -with the British cruiser from Delagoa Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the "Topaze" gave a sudden lurch -to starboard, heeling so much that the line of men -still remaining on board was broken. But only -for an instant, it was the unexpected lurch and -not panic that caused the seamen to move out -of position. Sharply they redressed line--and -waited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Boat after boat received its full complement, -and pushed off to a safe distance lest the cruiser -in her final plunge should swamp them. Not -until the last of his officers and men had taken -to the boats did the gallant captain descend from -the bridge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was touch and go with him, for to gain the -boat he had to wade up to his waist in water that -swirled over the steeply sloping decks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's going!" ejaculated Devoran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Heeling more and more the "Topaze" turned -completely on end, so that the whole length of -her keel plates and her four propellers were out -of water. Then, slipping bows foremost, she -disappeared from view in a smother of foam, leaving -only an expanse of oil and petrol, a few floating -pieces of timber and her boats to mark the grave -of a splendid cruiser. Twenty seconds after she -had disappeared the muffled sound of an explosion--the -bursting of the air in one of her compartments--threw -up a column of water that almost -swamped the nearest boat, the gig in which -Captain Sedgwyke had taken refuge. That was -the last message from the "Topaze" as she sped -to her ocean grave one hundred and eighty -fathoms beneath the surface.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-pilot-under-compulsion"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">A PILOT UNDER COMPULSION.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dawn was just breaking as the "Pique" arrived -on the scene of the disaster. Her escape, of -which her crew were totally in ignorance, was -owing solely to the fact that Karl von Harburg -had fired his last torpedo at the ill-fated "Topaze." His -means of offence were now reduced, for the -power of being able to deliver his antagonist a -smashing blow below the surface was no longer -possible: he could only ram. Yet the captain of -the "Vorwartz" hesitated to attempt to deal -thus with the "Pique." The British cruiser -had passed within two cables' length of where -the modern buccaneer was running beneath the -surface; but the risks to himself by ramming -a large armoured vessel travelling at thirty knots -were far too great.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seeing that he could render no further -assistance Captain Restronguet ordered the -"Aphrodite" to be submerged. It was the safest plan, -for although he communicated with the "Pique" -by wireless, the message was not in code, and -the British cruiser, determined to take no risks, -might open fire at the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The position of the "Vorwartz" was now, -according to the detector, forty miles S.W. of -her pursuer. When Captain Restronguet came -to fix her position on the chart he knitted his -brows in perplexity. The rival submarine was, -if his information was correct, actually within the -delta of the great Zambezi River.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now we have her!" exclaimed Captain -Restronguet gleefully. "It will be a bit of a -shock to Von Harburg when he finds that his -return journey is barred by the only craft he -feared and one that he thought he had destroyed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think he's heard that the 'Aphrodite' -was not smashed up after all?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is doubtful. If he has I can only conjecture -that he has decided to ascend the Zambezi -in the hope of eluding us. Otherwise I cannot -suggest any reason unless he wishes to form a -base in this unhealthy Portuguese territory since -his Sumatran refuge is closed to him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have heard that the district is reeking with -fever, sir," remarked the sub. "Many times -men-of-war have sent exploring parties up the -river and almost invariably some, and once every -man, of the crew have been stricken down. The -Portuguese have, apparently, taken no active -steps to rid the locality of the mosquitoes. If -the deadly climate could be rendered habitable, -as in the case of the Canal Zone at Panama, the -Zambezi would be one of the greatest trading -arteries of the world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some day it will," said Captain Restronguet. -"The British Government has had its eye upon -Portuguese East Africa for some time. Could the -Portuguese Republic be induced to sell it there -would be a splendid outlet for Rhodesia, and -under active management the Zambezi would -make a splendid waterway. Even now it is -navigable as far as Kebrabassa Falls, nearly -three hundred miles from the delta."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It strikes me, sir, that we shall be grilling in -a fetid atmosphere before many hours are past," -observed Devoran. "Why couldn't Karl von -Harburg stick to the sea?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's nothing like variety," replied Captain -Restronguet complacently. "After we've settled -with the 'Vorwartz' we may have a little shooting; -lions and rhinos are fairly plentiful, to say nothing -of smaller fry. But I do not think we need -entertain fears of the climate. It is only at night -that the pestilential mists are really dangerous. -Every day just before sunset, we will submerge -the 'Aphrodite,' since there is reason to suppose -there are deep holes in the bed of the river for -this to be done even if the normal depth is -insufficient. We shall not thus be inhaling the -noxious gases, nor be exposed to the attacks of -mosquitoes and other germ-bearing insects; whilst -river-water passed through our condensers will be -perfectly drinkable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>According to the rosy views held by the -captain of the "Aphrodite" the new phase of the -cruise was to be a sort of picnic; but he had -reckoned without his host.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On arriving off the First Bluff Point, on the -western side of the main outlet of the Zambezi, -it was found that there was such a heavy tumble -on the bar that to attempt to cross it would be -an impossible task.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The detector showed that the "Vorwartz" was -maintaining her distance; evidently she was in -luck, and had negotiated the difficult entrance in -the nick of time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For twenty-eight days the "Aphrodite" lay in -sight of the clump of high, straight trees, that lay -very close together, giving the point the appearance -of a cliff, to which the name of First Bluff -Point owes its origin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the news of the great disaster to -H.M.S. "Topaze" had been sent by wireless -to Cape Town by the captain of the "Pique," -and in a very short space of time the Admiralty -were in possession of the salient facts of the latest -outrage by Karl von Harburg. There was a -panic amongst the merchantmen in East African -waters; the scanty harbours of that coast were -filled with ships whose skippers feared to put to -sea. Even the mail-boats took particular care to -give the supposed cruising-ground of the -"Vorwartz" a wide berth; while the liners running -between London and Liverpool and Australia -and New Zealand abandoned the Cape route and -stuck to that via Cape Horn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>People began to ask what was the use of having -command of the sea when one solitary submarine -could do practically what it liked beneath the -surface. Vast sums had been spent to keep the -British navy in a state of efficiency and numerical -supremacy; money had been poured out like -water to provide defence against hostile aircraft -that might menace our shores; yet one submarine--not -a new invention, but merely a great -improvement on existing types--was playing a -one-sided game not only with British shipping, but -with the mercantile marine of the whole of the -nautical world. And now even warships were -being sent to the bottom without so much as a -glimpse of the attacker.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the midst of this gloomy outlook came a -consoling gleam of light. The "Aphrodite" was -now known to have survived the attack made -upon her by her rival; and to Captain Restronguet -the entire civilized world pinned its faith.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although Captain the Hon. C. L. Sedgwyke -had refused to make any public statement -concerning the disaster to his ship until the impending -court martial took place, he telegraphed a full -report to the Admiralty. It was the plain, -unvarnished story of a brave yet unfortunate British -officer. He laid particular emphasis upon the -fact that Captain Restronguet was in the "Aphrodite," -ready and willing to grapple with the modern -buccaneer, but only at earnest solicitation of the -captain of the "Topaze" did he stand passively -aloof in order to give the British cruiser a chance -to distinguish herself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Britons are generally supposed to be a -phlegmatic race, but when they have an attack of -hero-worship they get it pretty badly. Captain John -Restronguet was the hero of the day. A -photograph that an amateur photographer on the -"Persia" took of him during the "Aphrodite's" -passage through the Red Sea appeared in all the -papers, edition de luxe copies were sold by -hundreds of thousands, and the firm who bought -the copyright for one guinea made nearly £30,000 -out of the transaction. Restronguet coats, hats, -and boots were all the rage; in fact the name -Restronguet applied to any article ensured it -a ready sale. The nation was Restronguet mad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the captain of the "Aphrodite" was not -a man to have his head turned by fatuous -hero-worship. He knew perfectly well that in the -course of a few years his name would be a mere -byword. Reports of his popularity had been -transmitted to him by his agents. He merely -shrugged his shoulders, and impressed upon the -wireless operator who received the messages to -maintain a strict reticence as to their nature. -He had a mission to perform, and he meant to -accomplish it. Thus, with ill-concealed -impatience he waited and waited till, with his crew, -he became heartily sick of the sight of First Bluff -Point and the forbidding bar of the mighty Zambezi.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the morning of the twenty-ninth day of -the "Aphrodite's" detention a native boat, -manned by half a dozen blacks, was observed -to have managed to cross the bar and was bearing -down towards the vessel. In the stern was -a European, a sallow-faced man dressed in -dirty white clothes and a broad sun-hat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the boat came alongside the -bowman dexterously threw a rope, and when this -was made fast the white man, without waiting -for an accommodation ladder to be shipped, -swarmed up on deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me pilot," he explained, with a deep bow -and a flourish of his hat. "Me pilot 'pointed by -Republic. Me take you in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it safe to cross the bar?" asked Captain -Restronguet eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, senhor; me take you in for so many -milreis," and he held up the fingers of both hands -four times.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a matter of nearly nine pounds--thrice -the amount the Portuguese expected to receive. -It was part of his nature to make allowances -for being beaten down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll make it gold to the value of eighty -milreis if you put me inside the bar to-night," -said Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me take you up to Marromea--that am de -port--for dat," exclaimed the pilot gleefully. -"How much you draw?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Twelve feet," replied Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Portuguese had no need to make a -calculation to arrive at the depth in "bracas," -since the British fathom is almost identical with -the Portuguese "braca."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too ver' much," he exclaimed, shaking his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can reduce it to seven feet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How can do? You no throw cargo -oberboard?" asked the astonished Portuguese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without replying, Captain Restronguet gave -an order for the emergency tanks to be emptied, -and still greater was the pilot's amazement to -find the vessel rising higher and higher out of -the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly it occurred to his slow-witted brain -that the craft he had boarded was a submarine, -and since the only submarine he had heard of -was the "Vorwartz," that had made the passage -under cover of night, he came to the startling -conclusion that he had boarded the pirate vessel. -His olivine features turned a sickly yellow till -there was hardly any contrast between his face -and the whites of his eyes, and turning, he made -a rush for the side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Steady, my worthy friend!" exclaimed -Captain Restronguet, as Devoran and Kenwyn -caught the Portuguese by the shoulders. "A -contract is a contract. You've got to pilot my -vessel over the bar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mercy, senhor!" whined the fellow falling -on his knees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get up, you idiot!" said Captain Restronguet -sharply, but all to no purpose; the pilot -maintained his entreaties at the top of his voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe he imagines he's on board the -'Vorwartz'," suggested Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps," agreed the captain, then addressing -the pilot he told him that he was in no -danger, and that he was on the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the man was so terrified that the words -fell on deaf ears. His terror was increased by -a sudden commotion over the side as his native -crew, hearing the cries of their master, took -their paddles and made off for the shore as hard -as they could urge their cumbersome craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last Captain Restronguet became out of -patience with the craven pilot. At a sign from -him Devoran whisked the Portuguese to his -feet and led him for'ard. Here he again -collapsed, grovelling on the deck. It was now -nearly high water, and unless something were -done another delay of twelve hours at -least--possibly of days--would necessarily ensue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Drawing his automatic pistol he clapped the -muzzle to the pilot's temple. The touch of cold -steel did what words had failed to do. Abject -terror was banished by the stern menace of that -small yet powerful weapon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No shoot, senhor capitan!" howled the -wretched man. "Me take you ober: no shoot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet replaced his pistol, the -pilot, still shaking, stood in front of the -helmsman in the fore-conning-tower and directed him -by movements of his hand. Four minutes -sufficed to bring the "Aphrodite," rolling like -a barrel, through the agitated water on the bar, -and thus after nearly a month of inaction the -avenging submarine floated in the turgid waters -of the broad Zambezi.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-the-ballast-tank"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">IN THE BALLAST TANK.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At Marromea Captain Restronguet paid the -pilot, who was taken ashore in a native boat. -The Portuguese, as soon as he received his -money and found that he had not been harmed, -became quite enthusiastic over the generous -"Ingles," and vowed that, whatever other work -he had in hand, he would await the "Aphrodite" -on her return. "If the senhors ever come back," -he added darkly, for he knew the effect of the -pestilential climate upon unseasoned Europeans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marromea, where the Portuguese once had -a fairly prosperous trading station, had fallen into -decay. Fever had decimated the inhabitants, -the railway, intended to fellow the course of the -river and effect a junction with the Cape to -Cairo line at Victoria Falls, had been abandoned. -Long grass and tropical foliage had already -hidden the melancholy remains from view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were scarcely thirty Portuguese in the -place; the others were natives who, being partly -civilized, were infinitely greater scoundrels than -their unenlightened brethren. Of the thirty -Portuguese, two-thirds of the number were -Government officials, and with the idea of -displaying their powers, threw every obstacle in -Captain Restronguet's way. Dues were -demanded and paid, then a peremptory request to -be shown the ship's papers--documents that -the "Aphrodite" did not possess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately Hythe had a sheet of printed -matter that he had brought off at Gibraltar with -his purchases, and this was duly presented. After -a lengthy scrutiny the officials returned it, saying -the papers were quite in order but forty milreis -must be paid to </span><em class="italics">visé</em><span> them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll see you to Jericho, first!" exclaimed -Captain Restronguet wrathfully, and ordering his -men to arm themselves he paraded them on deck -as a gentle hint to the mercenary representatives -of the Portuguese Republic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If they knew of the presence of the "Vorwartz" -in the river the authorities would not -admit it; they refused to allow the telegraph to -be made use of to communicate with the trading -stations up-stream, and resolutely declined to -provide a pilot for the navigation of the -shoal-encumbered reaches as far as Kaira--a hundred -miles above Marromea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last Captain Restronguet resolved to take -stern measures. He was ready to abide by the -usual customs of a foreign country, but he was -not going to be fooled by a pack of rascally -Portuguese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Clear for diving, Mr. Devoran!" he shouted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Portuguese officials, filled with curiosity, -lined the edge of the wharf, talking volubly -amongst themselves, while to show their -contempt towards the foreign craft they amused -themselves by throwing cigarette ends upon her -deserted deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Down below the crew tumbled; hatches were -secured, and the ballast tanks flooded. The -"Aphrodite," made fast bow and stern to the -wharf by the hempen hawsers, sank till her deck -was only a few inches above the water. It was -now just after high water, and there was a depth -of forty feet alongside the quay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then with a jerk the strain on the ropes began -to tell, a large portion of the crumbling quay -was destroyed and tumbled into the river. -Down sank the submarine till the tops of her -conning-towers were fifteen feet beneath the -surface. She was resting on the bottom of the -river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Man the aerial torpedo tube, Mr. Kenwyn," -ordered the captain. "Give them a sixteen -pounds charge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a whizz and a roar the projectile leapt -through the water and soared four hundred feet -in the air. There it burst, the concussion -shaking every miserable hovel in Marromea to its -foundations. When the "Aphrodite" returned -to the surface the quay was deserted; the terrified -officials, suffering with injured ear-drums, were -skulking in the bush.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-77"> -<span id="with-a-whizz-and-a-roar-the-projectile-leapt-through-the-water"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""WITH A WHIZZ AND A ROAR THE PROJECTILE LEAPT THROUGH THE WATER."" src="images/img-354.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"WITH A WHIZZ AND A ROAR THE PROJECTILE LEAPT THROUGH THE WATER."</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, that is what we want," remarked Captain -Restronguet, pointing to a ship's whaler lying on -the quay. "Under the circumstances, considering -how extortionately we have been charged, I -have no qualms in annexing yon craft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whaler was a heavy one, but a dozen men -soon brought her on board. This done the -"Aphrodite" cautiously made her way upstream, -for mudbanks and shoals abounded, and only -by the frequent use of the lead was the -submarine, running light, able to keep to the main -channel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now within two hours of sunset, and -the "Aphrodite" had to find a suitable berth in -order to carry out the plans Captain Restronguet -had suggested for the safeguarding of his crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The confiscated boat had been securely lashed -down amidships. It was too large to be taken -below through the hatchway, but in order that it -would not burst its lashings as the submarine -sank Mylor bored four fairly large holes in the -garboards so that the water could easily make its -way out. The holes could be plugged when the -whaler was required for service afloat, and as -Hythe remarked an additional washing would do -a lot of good to a boat that had been left lying -on the wharf of that malodorous and inhospitable -town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately a fairly deep and extensive hole -was discovered in the bed of the river, the -soundings giving ten fathoms. Being the rainy -season the river was three or four feet higher -than its normal level, a circumstance greatly in -the favour of the submarine's voyage of -exploration and retribution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The night passed fairly quietly, the air within -the submarine being perfectly clear. Looking -through the observation scuttle the crew could -see that the so-called fresh water was of a deep -brown colour, while the full moon, shining through -the miasmic mists looked like a ball of greenish -yellow copper. Occasionally a crocodile would -alight upon the deck of the "Aphrodite" and -drag its armoured body over the metal plating -with a dull metallic sound. Once a couple of -hippopotami in their moonlight gambols brushed -against the side of the conning-tower, the shock -being distinctly felt by the men on watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the morning the detector registered the -position of the "Vorwartz" at eighty-five miles, -which was precisely the same distance as it gave -overnight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not until the mists had disappeared did Captain -Restronguet order the "Aphrodite" to be -brought to the surface and the hatchways opened. -He would not risk the health of his crew by -exposing them to the fever-laden atmosphere. -Almost as far as the eye could reach the water -extended, for being in flood the river, wide under -ordinary circumstances, now resembled a vast lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Proceeding at twelve knots, that took her over -the ground against the current at barely nine -miles an hour, the submarine held steadily on her -course, literally feeling her way between the -shoals of loathsome black mud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just before noon a motor-launch manned by -Portuguese passed, downward bound. In reply -to a signal to close, the little craft ran alongside -the "Aphrodite" without the faintest hesitation. -Two of her crew who could speak French were -interrogated by Hythe. They had neither seen -nor heard anything of a vessel resembling the -"Vorwartz" although they had come from Tete, -a few miles below the limit for navigation. In -reply to a request that one of their number should -accompany the submarine as far as Sena, to act -as a pilot, the Portuguese resolutely refused, -saying that a qualified man could be obtained at -Molonho, ten miles further up the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What does the detector say, Mr. Kenwyn?" -asked Captain Restronguet for the tenth time -that morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eighty-three miles, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm; two gained. But it's very strange that -that motor-boat should not have noticed the -'Vorwartz.' Perhaps the river is deeper, and -Karl von Harburg took the precaution to run -submerged."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is wide enough for a large craft to pass -unnoticed," said Devoran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not the actual channel; if we went half a -mile to port or starboard we would be hard and -fast aground."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it likely that the 'Vorwartz' has taken to -a backwater?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! I hope not," exclaimed Captain -Restronguet; then in a confident tone he added, -"No matter, our detector will locate her. One -thing we know, she hasn't ascended the Shiré--a -tributary that drains Lake Nyassa. I almost -wish she had, for I would like to see the final -act take place in British waters."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To guard against the tropical heat awnings -had been spread fore and aft, extending the whole -length and breadth of the deck. Under this -the officers and crew not on duty "stood easy," -the former seated in deck-chairs brought from -the cabins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Hythe the voyage seemed more like a -pleasure trip than a mission of destruction. He -and Kenwyn amused themselves by shooting at -crocodiles and hippopotami that frequently came -within a hundred yards of the "Aphrodite," -while Captain Restronguet did a more practical -act by bringing down a bird resembling a turkey, -which, falling on the awning, was received as a -welcome change to the menu.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet was in high spirits, but -his enthusiasm received a set-back when the -"Aphrodite" ran full tilt upon a shoal. It was -through no fault of the leadsman. The depth -gave six fathoms but a few moments before. -The discolouration of the water prevented any -indication of the shoaling of the depth from -being noticed. It was simply a case of sheer -bad luck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Empty the reserve tanks," ordered Captain -Restronguet, for the "Aphrodite" was now -drawing ten feet for'ard and twelve aft. Quickly -the foremost tank was emptied, but the after one, -in spite of the action of the powerful pumps, -refused to be discharged. Consequently the -draught for'ard decreased while the submarine's -stern sank lower into the slimy mud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Full speed astern," was the next order, but -beyond churning up the brownish black ooze -the propellers failed to do the slightest good.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lay out an anchor, Mr. Devoran," exclaimed -his superior officer. "Be sharp, for the tide is -falling."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hastily the boat was lowered, the heaviest -anchor slung underneath, and laid out a hundred -yards astern. The stout hempen hawser was led -to the motor capstan, but as the powerful -machinery made it revolve it simply "walked -home" with the anchor. The soft mud offered -little or no resistance to its broad palm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "Aphrodite" seemed doomed to remain -hard and fast for another ten hours. Night with -all its terrors would envelop her ere the next -tide was at its height, and to work in the -germ-laden mists was to court the deadly fever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can the ballast tank be got at from the -inside, sir?" asked Hythe, struck by an inspiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not without flooding one of the sub-divisions -of Number Three Platform," replied Captain -Restronguet. "But why do you ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought perhaps I might put on a diving-dress, -and enter the tank and examine the valves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's feasible," observed Captain Restronguet. -"If you attempt it and succeed I shall be still -more indebted to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I have your permission?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Hythe," exclaimed Kenwyn. "If -you tackle the job I'm with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks," replied the sub. "The sooner we -start the better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Donning their diving-suits and equipping -themselves with brushes, spanners, rubber-sheeting for -the valves, and an electric lamp each, the two -men entered No. 4a compartment, as the -subdivision was designated. As soon as the -water-tight doors were shut they began unbolting the -man-hole cover that gave access to the faulty -ballast-tank, guided in their self-imposed task -solely by the rays of the lamps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the water began to ooze between -the partially removed cover and side of the tank, -increasing in volume till the whole of the -compartment was flooded with a liquid resembling -thick pea-soup. It was only by the concentrated -rays of the two lamps and by keeping his helmeted -head within six inches of the metal lid that Hythe -was able to complete the work of opening a -means of communication with the ballast-tank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as this was done the sub squeezed -through the manhole. His feet touched a thick -layer of stiff mud on the floor of the tank. -Bringing his lamp down he carefully examined -the outlet valve. The secret of the defect was -his: when the "Aphrodite" had been submerged -by the side of the wharf at Marromea the inrush -of water had brought with it a quantity of -sediment sufficiently plastic to form a layer over the -outlet valve and thus prevent its action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an hour Hythe toiled. He had neglected -to bring anything of the nature of a spade, and -had to recourse to his bare hands. Handful -after handful of the noxious mud he scooped up -and passed through the manhole into the -compartment without, till the interior of the tank was -perfectly free from anything of the nature to -retard the action of the pumps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a lapse of two hours and a half from the -time of entering the compartment the two men, -their diving-dresses covered in slime, gave the -pre-arranged signal to start the pumps. Ten -minutes later both the compartment and the tank -were emptied of water, and the task of replacing -the cover was proceeded with.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But even then Hythe, nothing if not practical, -refused to come on deck. He asked for a couple -of buckets full of strong disinfectant fluid to be -sent down, and, using a mop vigorously, he -thoroughly scrubbed out the interior of the -compartment, finishing up by mopping his -companion's dress with the liquid, while Kenwyn -performed the same office for him. Thus the risk -of fever from the river-mud was entirely obviated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would like a cold bath," exclaimed Kenwyn -as the two officers rejoined their comrades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You jolly well won't, then," replied Hythe -emphatically. "At least unless you wish to pay -an indefinite visit to Davy Jones. Why, man, -you are as warm as you can possibly be. Have -a hot bath, if you like. I will, with plenty of -disinfectant in it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the "Aphrodite," her draught -aft considerately lessened, was afloat and -resuming her voyage. Kenwyn had had his hot bath -and foolishly sat in the fairly strong breeze to -cool himself afterwards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before night he was lying unconscious in his -bunk, prostrate with blackwater fever.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-pride-of-rhodesia"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE "PRIDE OF RHODESIA."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Kenwyn's serious illness was a source of anxiety -and perplexity to his chief. Captain Restronguet -was loath to leave him ashore in an unhealthy -district where medical comforts were of a most -primitive nature, while to keep the patient on board -was undoubtedly detrimental to the health of the -rest of the crew and consequently a stumbling-block -to the success of the expedition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally he compromised the difficulty. Kenwyn -was to be isolated from the rest of the crew, -Mylor and Lancarrow volunteering to act as -nurses, until the "Aphrodite" entered the gorge -through which the Zambezi flows. Here the -patient was to be landed, placed in a tent and -left in charge of the two men till the -"Aphrodite's" return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just below the town of Kaira, where the Shiré -River joins the Zambezi, definite news came to -hand concerning the "Vorwartz." A large canoe, -laden with millet, arrived the same day as the -"Aphrodite." Her crew reported, through a -Portuguese interpreter who spoke indifferent -English, that they had passed a strange-looking -vessel, somewhat resembling the "Aphrodite," -four days up the river, and that it was hard -aground at the mouth of a tributary known as the -Zampa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This report was confirmed by the detector -which gave the "Vorwartz's" position as -sixty-three miles to the north-west. Captain -Restronguet noticed that he was gaining rapidly on -his rival, and had been unable to account for the -rapid decrease in the intervening distance unless -Karl von Harburg had lighted upon an isolated -spot that seemed to suit his requirements.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At Kaira Captain Restronguet was able to -procure an old though fairly reliable Portuguese -map of the course of the river, and on this the -position of the rival submarine was carefully -noted. If she succeeded in floating and -proceeding up the Zampa River it was evident that the -"Vorwartz" would soon be in British territory--the -colony of Rhodesia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That same evening a wireless message--the -first for three days--was received from Captain -Restronguet's English agent stating that the -Foreign Office was in communication with the -government of the Portuguese Republic, and an -arrangement had been arrived at whereby three -British sternwheeler gunboats that were used to -patrol the Shiré River, were to be allowed to -descend to the Zambezi and attempt to cut off -the "Vorwartz" on her return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Evidently the British Navy wants to chip in -at the death," commented Captain Restronguet. -"We must look to our laurels. It would be hard -lines to be searching for days amongst these -unexplored backwaters without success, and to find -that one of these little paddle-boats by a piece of -sheer good luck had managed to blow the -'Vorwartz' to smithereens while she was lying -helplessly stranded on a mud-flat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe did not reply. He was naturally -anxious, now that he had been on board the -"Aphrodite" for such a lengthy period and had faced -perils in company with her crew, that Captain -Restronguet should receive a just reward for his -strenuous endeavours; yet he did not forget that -he was still an officer of the great British Navy, -whose policy is to be ready, aye ready, in the hour -of triumph or in the hour of disaster alike.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Carnon, who since Kenwyn's illness -had been appointed solely for duties in connexion -with the detector, approached and saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The detector, sir, has gone wrong," he reported.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gone wrong? What do you mean? Have -you been tampering with the instrument?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir. The last reading gave sixty-one -miles. That was five minutes ago. When I -looked again there was no record at all. The -batteries are still working: I could get a spark -an inch in length. The terminals are properly -clamped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet, Devoran, and the sub -hastened to the compartment in which the -detector was fixed. The indicator board was -absolutely blank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're not having an easy time of it at all," -remarked the captain. "Without the detector -it is quite possible that the 'Vorwartz' may yet -outwit us. All the same, I cannot understand it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We know her position up to ten minutes or -a quarter of an hour ago, sir," said the first officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite so, Mr. Devoran; and we must work -on that. It will take us three hours, running -at the highest speed compatible with prudence -in this brute of a river, to arrive at the spot -where the 'Vorwartz' was last reported. In -three hours Karl von Harburg may have shifted -a long distance off--or he may not."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And there's Kenwyn to be taken into account."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't forgotten him. I think after all we -had better keep him on board. It is too much -of an undertaking for two men to have and tend -him, provide for themselves, and be on their -guard against the wild animals that abound, and -a dozen other difficulties that a camp on shore -would entail. However, pass the word for a -speed of twenty-four knots. Allowing for the -adverse current we ought to be at the confluence -of the Zampa River well before sunset."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just above the town of Shemba the Zambezi -bifurcates, the two streams reuniting twenty -miles higher up. It was just possible that the -"Vorwartz," bound towards the sea, might be -passing down one branch while the "Aphrodite" -was proceeding up the other; but this time luck -was in Captain Restronguet's favour, for above -the junction the "Aphrodite" fell in with a -trading steamboat, whose captain, by signs, made -it clear that no vessel of any description -approaching the "Vorwartz" had passed down the -left-hand stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The river here was considerably narrower -and deeper than nearer its mouth. Its width -was still over half a mile, while the soundings -gave a level bed of six fathoms. Here, also, -the tide was no longer felt; but, owing to a -cessation in the rainfall, the level of the river was -gradually sinking.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the course of the day several canoes -passed at a respectful distance; but late in the -afternoon a craft of some sort was sighted -drifting down in mid-stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the "Aphrodite" approached it was seen -that the object was a raft composed of several -slender spars supported by four barrels, to which -were lashed four or five short planks. Lying -on the platform thus formed were two human bodies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you make of it, Mr. Devoran?" -asked Captain Restronguet. "A tragedy--not -exactly on the high seas--but one of a very -extraordinary nature. They look like Europeans."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall I have the boat lowered to investigate, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, they're dead right enough. I've been -watching them pretty carefully through my glass -for some time. If it's a case of contagious -disease we had better sheer off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, they're Chinese!" exclaimed Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Chinese? Then they must be some of the -crew of the 'Vorwartz'," said Captain -Restronguet. "Evidently von Harburg has met -with disaster."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the submarine passed the aimlessly drifting -raft a fairly close view could be obtained of the -dead Chinamen. They were dressed in blue -cotton suits after the style affected by Chinese -seamen serving in European vessels, but there -was no mistaking the Tartar features and the -slanting eyes. That they were stone dead there -could be no doubt, for there were several birds -hovering around the raft in a manner that their -natural timidity would not permit if the two -bodies showed signs of life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think that a catastrophe has occurred -to the 'Vorwartz,' sir, or were these men merely -attempting to escape?" asked the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Coupled with the fact that our detector has -failed to give any indication of the 'Vorwartz,' -I am inclined to favour the first theory," replied -Captain Restronguet. "Since our apparatus is, -as far as I can tell by careful examination, in -perfect working order, I can only put its -unresponsiveness down to the failure of the electric -current on board the 'Vorwartz.' That, of course, -would account for the failure of our detector."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the 'Vorwartz' could otherwise be -capable of action?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To a certain extent. But without electricity -she can have no means of compulsion, no means -of offence, unless we except the use of fire-arms. -However, before to-morrow is past we ought to -discover her whereabouts. I am not proceeding -further to-day as night is approaching. As soon -as we find a suitable depth we'll descend till -morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another night passed without interruption. -The detector was still silent, but the "Aphrodite" -was now within a few miles of the spot where -the "Vorwartz" had last given notice of her -presence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not a desirable day. Torrential rains -were falling, while the atmosphere was too close -to wear oilskins without the greatest discomfort. -Consequently on the "Aphrodite" rising to the -surface her crew save three had to remain below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet, Hythe, and Carclew -were in the for'ard conning-tower, Devoran, -Carnon the quartermaster, and Polglaze occupied -the after conning-tower, so as to maintain a careful -look out on all sides. Three men, braving the -heavy downpour, were stationed for'ard, where -they took turns in casting the lead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The river here was considerably narrower--about -thrice the width of the Thames at London -Bridge. The banks on either hand were low -and densely covered with thick scrub and -extensive forests of tropical trees; while the skyline -was broken on both sides by serrated ridges of -lofty mountains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This must be the Zampa River," said Captain -Restronguet, pointing to a fairly wide waterway -that joined the Zambezi on its right bank. -"Here the 'Vorwartz' was sighted by the -natives. It would be well to explore the stream -before going further."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It looks too shallow to take anything more -than a flat-bottomed light-draught vessel," -remarked Hythe. "Still, as you say, sir, we -ought to leave nothing unexplored behind us. -If you wish I will take charge of the whaler and -see what it is like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, Mr. Hythe. I shall be obliged -if you will. We'll remain here. Do not proceed -further than there is depth for the 'Aphrodite' to -follow. Should you require assistance fire three -explosive rockets. If anything should necessitate -your immediate return I will make a similar -signal. Should you locate the 'Vorwartz,' -endeavour to return without being seen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It certainly required plenty of zeal to volunteer -for a boating expedition on a tropical river in -such torrential rains, but the men called upon for -the service responded with alacrity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Four rowers stripped to the waist sat on the -thwarts, apparently quite indifferent to the rain. -Hythe, Polglaze, and Carclew were in the stern -sheets, partially protected by an awning, but -before the whaler pushed off the canvas covering, -sagging under the quantity of rain water, was -found to be of more trouble than use, for a -regular stream poured through the canopy upon -the sub's head and shoulders. Since it was also -likely to attract the attention of Karl von -Harburg's men Hythe ordered it to be struck, and -accepting the situation as well as he could, was -soon soaked to the skin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tributary was found to be nearly twenty -feet deep towards the right-hand bank. On both -sides were belts of malodorous mud on which -numerous crocodiles were lying as if enjoying the -rain. Others, looking more like floating logs, -were drifting in the channel, and careful steering -was needed to avoid them. Hythe realized that -he was not on a sporting expedition, and should -any of the saurians become infuriated it would be -necessary to fire at the reptile. The report of -the rifle would give the alarm to the "Vorwartz" -should she be within hearing, and the chances of -locating her without being discovered would be -very remote.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For more than a mile the rowers toiled -manfully. The current was strong, the boat heavy, -while Polglaze had to bale incessantly to prevent -the rain from rising over the stern gratings. -The "Aphrodite" was now lost to view by an -intervening bend in the course of the stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The depth still continued regular, and afforded -plenty of water for a craft like the "Vorwartz" -to ascend if her ballast tanks were emptied, but -as reach after reach was opened out no sign of -the rival submarine was visible--only a -monotonous stretch of coffee-coloured water enclosed -on either hand by the soft stagnant mud that -effectually prevented any attempt at landing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that, sir?" asked Polglaze, suddenly -holding up his hand and listening attentively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lay on your oars, men," ordered the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Above the hissing of the rain Hythe could -distinguish the deep purr of a powerful motor. -Could it be that the "Vorwartz" was -returning? If so, escape was impossible, for no -cover of any sort was obtainable, and long -before the whaler could return to the "Aphrodite" -she would be overtaken by the swiftly moving -submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's that brute of a von Harburg coming -downstream, sir," exclaimed Carclew. "We're -fairly trapped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In reply the sub ordered the boat to be turned -and her head pointed down stream. Drawing -the three detonating rockets from a locker under -the stern sheets he rapidly lashed the sticks in -position. Happen what may the "Aphrodite" -must have warning of her enemy's approach. -Perhaps, as the "Vorwartz" was now under way -her electrical current would operate the detector -onboard the "Aphrodite"; if so there was every -reason to suppose that Captain Restronguet was -already on his way to rescue his whaler's crew -and engage his sworn foe. A chance of safety -yet remained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give way, men," ordered Hythe. "We may -do it yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearer and nearer came the throb of the -powerful motors. Hythe grasped the lanyard -of the nearest rocket. He hesitated. There -was something in the sound of the motors that -could not be associated with a submarine, even -allowing for the conductive properties of the -water; it was more like the drone of an aerial -propeller.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next instant the snub nose of a large -airship appeared round the bend of the river. The -vessel was flying low; her two suspended cars -were not forty feet above the surface. Her -yellow silk envelope was literally streaming as -the rain descended upon it in torrents, and this -was why, Hythe reasoned, she was flying so low.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub ordered the whaler's crew to cease -rowing and soon the airship was overhead. Her -engines were reversed, and losing way she brought -up just in front of the boat. Hythe saw with -feelings of relief that aft the airship was flying a -Blue Ensign with a yellow propeller--the badge -of the recently constituted British Empire -Aero-League--emblazoned on the flag. Half a dozen -men were leaning over the rail of the platform -connecting the two cars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What boat is that?" hailed a tall, sparsely-built -man dressed in a white uniform.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Aphrodite' submarine, Captain John -Restronguet," replied Hythe without hesitation. -"What airship is that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The 'Pride of Rhodesia,' of Salisbury. Is -Captain Restronguet in the boat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Hythe. "He is on board the -'Aphrodite' lying at the junction of this river -with the Zambesi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And who are you, sir, might I ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Arnold Hythe, Sub-lieutenant of the Royal Navy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you are the Mr. Hythe we've heard so -much about? Glad to meet you. Sorry we -can't shake hands; must delay that honour till -a more convenient time. I'm Jones of Salisbury, -Rhodesia, and we're having a chip-in with that -villain, Karl von Harburg. I suppose we are not -too late?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Seen anything of her?" asked Hythe. "We -are exploring this river in the hope of finding her -brought up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May as well give it a miss," replied Captain -Jones of the "Pride of Rhodesia." "We've -followed the whole of the navigable part of this -ditch. We've also reconnoitred the Mali, the -Tutti, and the Baraloo; the Zampa we didn't -trouble about; it's too narrow to take a craft the -size of the 'Vorwartz.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub felt like shaking hands with himself. -The airship had purposely overlooked the river -in which the "Vorwartz" had been reported. -Captain Restronguet had made a mistake in -thinking that this river was the Zampa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I wish you luck," he said truthfully, -for there can be various qualifying conditions -to the subject of luck. "By the by, what's the -name of this river?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Pongo," replied Captain Jones. "It -rises in Rhodesia not so very far from the -frontier of the Portuguese territory. I reckon -we've saved you a bit. We'll save you more -yet if you wish. We'll tow you down stream. -I'm curious to see the renowned 'Aphrodite.' -Captain Restronguet won't object, I suppose. -Will you come aboard--we'll drop a rope-ladder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, thanks," replied Hythe. "We won't -come on board. We cannot get much wetter -if we stay here. All the same, we shall be glad -of a tow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub was cautious. He did not wish to -be kidnapped a second time, and not knowing -who Captain Jones was or whether the "Pride -of Rhodesia" was a </span><em class="italics">bona fide</em><span> craft belonging -to the British Empire Aero-League, he thought -it advisable to decline the invitation to board the -airship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A coil of rope whizzed from the after -platform of the overhead vessel. It was caught and -made fast by the bowman, the "Pride of Rhodesia's" -huge propellers began to revolve and -soon the "Aphrodite's" whaler was being towed -down the stream at a good ten knots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pass that rope aboard the 'Aphrodite,' -please," shouted Captain Jones as he brought -the boat alongside the submarine. Captain -Restronguet waved his hand in token of assent -and soon the airship was riding head to wind -with her nacelles just resting on the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe hurriedly explained the circumstances -under which he had fallen in with the airship, -mentioning that he had found out by accident -that it was not the Zampa River that he had -explored after all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's good," commented Captain Restronguet -enthusiastically. "We can well afford -to be disappointed. This Captain Jones told -you he didn't mean to explore the Zampa, eh? -Well, we'll have him on board, since he -evidently desires it, but we must be careful not to -drop the faintest hint concerning our information -that the 'Vorwartz' was known to have entered -that river."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat was dispatched to bring Captain -Jones on board the "Aphrodite," and soon the -owner and commander of the "Pride of Rhodesia" -stood upon the deck of the submarine. -He was a fairly young man, still under thirty, -and full of almost boyish enthusiasm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We seem to be sort of friendly rivals," he -remarked. "I don't want to boast, but I think -I stand the better chance. Had that German -scoundrel kept to the sea the odds would be in -your favour, but since he is in comparatively -limited and shallow waters he cannot submerge -his 'Vorwartz.' But aloft I can command a -vast extent of country, while you have to grope -about, if I may say so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I quite see the point of your argument," -replied Captain Restronguet drily. "But, might -I ask, what do you propose to do when you find -the 'Vorwartz'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, we are armed," said the Captain of the -"Pride of Rhodesia." "We carry two -bomb-dropping devices, besides four quick-firers. We -are subsidized by the Government and authorized -to carry offensive and defensive weapons. Directly -we spot the 'Vorwartz' I shall have no hesitation -in dropping a fifty pound charge of dynamite -and blowing her to atoms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dropping, you say? I understand that you -cannot do otherwise than allow the bombs to -fall simply by the action of gravity?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is so," assented the owner of the -airship. "But I think there is little possibility of -their missing the mark. We took first prize -at the Johannesburg Aero-Exhibition last year, -placing six dummy bombs within a space eighty -feet by twenty, and that from an altitude of five -hundred feet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And your quick-firers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three-pounders."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not heavy enough to penetrate the plating -of the 'Vorwartz,' I can assure you. Now, -what do you think Karl von Harburg will be -doing while you are manoeuvring to be in a -position to drop one of your bombs immediately -overhead?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know," replied Captain Jones. -"Why--do you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Step below and I will show you a weapon -that is almost identical with one carried by my -rival. As you are probably aware, Karl von Harburg -applied several of my inventions to his own use."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet led the way below to -where the aerial torpedo gun was housed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is a weapon capable of being trained -fifteen degrees in any direction from a vertical," -he explained. "Even when submerged to a -depth of fifty feet I can discharge a projectile -and hit an object a thousand feet in the air. The -bursting charge throws out a shower of shrapnel -with such force that no air-craft, within a radius -of two hundred yards from the point of explosion, -could possibly survive."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" ejaculated Captain Jones, his -bronzed skin turning a lighter shade. "I didn't -know the 'Vorwartz' carried anything like that. -But no matter," he added cheerfully. "It is -the fortune of war either way. I mean to do -my duty in ridding the world of a pest, and if -I fail it won't be for want of trying."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hear! hear!" exclaimed Hythe, while Captain -Restronguet brought his hand down heavily -upon his friendly rival's shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That shows the British bull-dog spirit isn't -dead yet," he remarked. "I am glad to hear -you speak thus. You do your best: I'll do mine, -and may the better man win."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The commander of the airship was shown over -the "Aphrodite" and all except the essential -details of her construction were minutely explained -by his host. The inspection wound up with -refreshments in Captain Restronguet's cabin, and -in reply to an invitation Captain Restronguet, -Hythe, Devoran, and Jenkins went on board the -"Pride of Rhodesia." For an airship she was -certainly a novelty, being built and engined in -Rhodesia and of Rhodesian material--a striking -testimony to the growth of one of Britain's -youngest children.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curiously enough the airship was subdivided -into three compartments similar to the -"Aphrodite." Thus, in the event of an accident to any -two of the sections the third would be quite -capable of supporting the crew and acting as a -balloon; while, should the afterpart remain -uninjured, it would still be able to be driven by the -motors which were situated just abaft the division -between the second and third sections.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the by, how do you combat with the -deadly night airs?" asked Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We ascend to about three thousand feet," -replied the owner of the "Pride of Rhodesia." -"It's a splendid climate up aloft; a guaranteed -cure for all sorts of tropical fevers. How do you -manage?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, we dive," was the reply. "Our air supply -is quite independent of outside atmosphere. But -night is approaching, we must return."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had there not been an element of danger -should the airship attempt to combat the -"Vorwartz" Captain Restronguet would have -requested that Kenwyn should be temporarily -accommodated on board so that the bracing air -would aid his recovery, but under the -circumstances he preferred to keep his second officer -in the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shaking hands Captain Restronguet and his -companions bade their friendly rivals farewell and -boarded their whaler. On the way back Hythe -asked Jenkins what he thought of the "Pride of -Rhodesia."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much," replied the chief aviator to the -Sultan of Zanzibar. "Not much. If I had my -three-seater monoplane and a couple of hands I'd -guarantee to knock spots off her as easy as kiss -your hand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As Captain Jones said, the odds are in his -favour," commented Captain Restronguet. "All -the same I admire him. It will be a race for a -coveted prize. Let the best man win by all -means, but as sure as my name's what it is I'll -do my level best to go one better than the 'Pride -of Rhodesia.'"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="id2"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">CAPTURED.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>An hour after sunrise the "Aphrodite" came to -the surface. The rain had ceased, the mists had -rolled away, and the slanting rays of the sun, -already powerful, beat fiercely down upon the -coffee-coloured surface of the river. There was -no sign of the "Pride of Rhodesia." She had -taken herself off betimes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope she has continued her investigations -down stream," said Captain Restronguet. "It -was a lucky chance that Jones mentioned to you -about not considering the Zampa worthy of his -notice. We'll just have a look round and see if -the 'Vorwartz' has found room enough to stow -herself away in that little ditch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A wireless message has just come through, -sir," said Devoran. "The 'Swallow,' 'Puffin,' -and 'Sandpiper,' three stern-wheeler gunboats -from Lake Nyassa, have descended the Shiré -and were reported to the Admiralty as having -reached Sena yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The more the merrier," commented his -superior grimly. "They ought to be here this -afternoon if they kept under way all last night. -We must bestir ourselves. I think before we do -anything else we ought to put Kenwyn ashore. -You see that knoll on our left, Devoran? It -stands fairly high, and should be pretty healthy; -in daytime, at all events. We'll land him and -his two nurses and pick them up on our return."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet spoke as calmly as if he -were going on an excursion instead of about to -engage in a desperate encounter with his -implacable foe. Hythe understood his manner better -by this time. He knew that when Captain -Restronguet meant business he always adopted a -resolute bearing. The magnetic personality of -the man more than half won his battles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An awning was rigged in the whaler, and under -this, Kenwyn, lying in his cot, was placed. -Mylor and Lancarrow accompanied him, while -the boat's crew, thoroughly disinfected to prevent -contagion, rowed them to the steep bank of the -isolated hill the captain had pointed out. The -ascent took some time, and the boat's crew had -received instructions to rig up a tent and make -everything snug for the patient before returning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking through their binoculars Captain -Restronguet and Hythe watched the tedious -procession. At length Kenwyn was carried to -the summit and placed in the shade of a solitary -tree. Apparently this site did not suit, for Mylor -was observed to be pointing to a clump of -densely-foliaged trees on the north side of the knoll. -The boat's crew raised objections, since time was -precious, and the argument ended by Mylor and -two others carrying the tent across to the clump -and leaving the others with the sick man. Before -Mylor gained the desired position the rest picked -up the cot and followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can see the objection to Mylor's plan," -remarked Captain Restronguet. "They will be -hidden from the river everywhere except from this -bearing. However, it is well to windward, and -ought to be fairly pleasant under the shade of -the trees. But I wish those fellows would bestir -themselves a little more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently Mylor disappeared from view behind -the trees. He had not been gone very long -before he returned to his companions running as -hard as he could go. A few words passed and -the whole crowd, leaving Kenwyn lying in the -shade, doubled off behind the clump.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now what's up," muttered the captain -impatiently. "I wish I had sent Devoran with them -to keep them together. They are like a pack of -schoolboys out of bounds."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Back came the men, never pausing till they -reached the brink of the hill on the river side. -Here Mylor, standing well apart, began to -"call-up" the "Aphrodite" by semaphore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Acknowledge, Mr. Devoran," said Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Clambering on to the top of the conning-tower -the first officer signalled that attention was being -paid to the message.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Vorwartz' is lying on the other side of the -hill," semaphored Mylor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that? Impossible!" exclaimed the -captain, for both he and Hythe had read the -message correctly. "Ask them to explain more fully."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Vorwartz' is in a river flowing behind this hill."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boat's crew to return instantly," ordered -Devoran at Captain Restronguet's request. -"Leave Kenwyn and his two men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope they didn't let those on the -'Vorwartz' see them," said Captain Restronguet. -"If it be the 'Vorwartz'--and I have no reason -to suppose that there is another submarine beside -her and the 'Aphrodite' on the Zambezi--we -have just saved ourselves from being nicely fooled. -We might have been searching the tributaries -on the right bank till Doomsday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the 'Pride of Rhodesia' is devoting her -attentions to the right bank also," added the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let her," said Captain Restronguet with a -hearty laugh. "This seems almost too good to -be true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bending to their oars and heedless of the -blazing sun the whaler's crew brought the boat -back at breakneck speed. Almost before her -way was checked as she came alongside Captain -Restronguet, Hythe, and five of the crew leapt -on board. They had taken the precaution to -arm themselves, for it was quite possible that -some of Karl von Harburg's men had gone -ashore and had already sighted the "Aphrodite" -lying in mid-stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up the hill the landing party toiled, and -crossing the plateau gained the clump of trees on the -landward side. Here they hid, while Captain -Restronguet and the sub reconnoitred by means -of the binoculars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yes, there was no longer any cause for doubt. -The twin conning-towers and a portion of the -upper deck of the "Vorwartz" were just visible -above the reeds that fringed the narrow river. -She was floating high, all her ballast tanks having -been started. Two of the hatches were flung -back but no signs of any of the crew were to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's hard aground, I think," observed Hythe. -"The river has fallen in spite of the rains, and -she's fairly caught."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wouldn't like to say that such is the case," -replied Captain Restronguet. "It seems to me -that they are lying low: shifting some of their -booty to a safe hiding-place. At all events I -don't feel inclined to take the 'Aphrodite' -up the stream. I'll get Devoran to lie off the -junction of this river with the Zambezi. If the -'Vorwartz' attempts to escape he can easily sink -her in shallow water. Meanwhile I'll have the -field gun landed. Firing capped shell she will -be able to hull yonder craft through and through. -All the same I cannot account for the lack of -signs of life aboard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet left nothing to chance. -In order to guard against a possible surprise he -had outposts placed at proper distances from his -main body. Hythe volunteered to superintend -the landing of the field-gun, and in less than an -hour that piece of ordnance was by dint of sheer -hard work brought ashore and hauled to the top -of the hill. Here it was placed in position, -carefully screened by the trees, and its muzzle -pointed menacingly upon the visible part of the -"Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another hour passed. Still no signs of activity -were noticeable on board the rival submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Would you mind taking two men with you -and creeping down as near as you can get to -the 'Vorwartz,' Mr. Hythe?" asked the Captain, -who was beginning to get impatient. "Take -every precaution to keep hidden from view and -do not use your fire-arms save as a last resource."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," replied Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I need hardly remind you that I want evidence. -Observe traces of footmarks on the banks. -They ought to tell whether the crew have landed. -If they have put their precious cargo ashore there -must be traces of where the heavy chests and -bags were hauled over the banks; the reeds will -be trampled down, and so on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had Hythe not been a sailor he would have -made an excellent backwoodsman. Knowing -the risk of appearing on the skyline, he led his -little band down by the remote side of the hill, -and creeping through the bushes at the base -gradually worked round in the direction of the -river in which the "Vorwartz" lay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was risky work, for the lower ground was -marshy. Poisonous snakes darted across their -path, lizards, more repulsive than dangerous, lay -basking in the sun right in their way, while -myriads of flies of great size buzzed incessantly -over the men's heads, till the tortured three could -scarce resist the temptation to raise their arms -and beat off their unwelcome attendants. Once -a heavy body crashed through the brushwood, -scattering the reeds in all directions and uprooting -young saplings like ninepins. Hythe had just -time to see that the creature was a huge rhinoceros.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Straight towards the "Vorwartz" the creature -tore, then plunging into the opposite stream swam -boldly across to the opposite bank. Although -it made enough noise to be heard for half a mile -away the crew of the "Vorwartz" showed no -sign of activity. The submarine lay as deserted -and silent as the city of the dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Steady, there," cautioned Hythe as one of -his companions started forward with disregard -to caution. "They may be luring us on. We -are near enough at present."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Concealing themselves in the long grass fringing -the river, even at the risk of fever, the three -waited and watched. The "Vorwartz" was -lying close to the bank, the channel evidently -trending close to the eastern side of the stream, -and there being a total absence of mud in the -vicinity, the submarine could not have found a -better landing-place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was secured fore and aft with ropes made -fast to the trunks of trees growing close to the -water's edge. No anchor had been run out into -the stream and consequently the submarine had -swung well in. A fall in the level of the river -had left her fairly hard aground with a slight list -to port.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That men had landed during the heavy rains -was quite evident by the fact that the stiff clay, -now burned to the hardness of a brick, was -covered with footprints pointing in all directions, -but although Hythe made a semi-circular patrol -almost from the brink of the stream past the -"Vorwartz" and back to the river again he could -find no trace of human beings having strayed -more than fifty yards from the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strange," he muttered. "The craft looks -deserted and there are no signs of the rascals -making off by land. They couldn't very well -travel by air, so the only solution is, unless they -are still on board, that they have gone by water. -How? By boat or walking in their diving -dresses? By boat, I suppose, since if they -decided to abandon the vessel they would naturally -take part if not all of their precious booty with them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length so convinced did the sub become -that the "Vorwartz" was in truth deserted that -he felt sorely tempted to take possession of her. -But his sense of discipline prevailed. He realized -that temporarily he was under Captain Restronguet's -orders and to Captain Restronguet alone -ought the honour to be given to be the first to -board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was on the point of ordering the men to -retire when a violent rustling in the reeds attracted -his attention. Either a human being or an -animal was approaching. He motioned to his -companions to be on the alert. Holding their -rifles at the ready the two men waited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a man lurched forward from the edge -of the reeds. He was literally in rags, fragments -of blue clothing scarcely concealing his massive -limbs. He was hatless, a strip of dirty white -linen alone protecting his head from the pitiless -rays of the sun. In the holster of his belt was a -revolver, while his right hand grasped a magazine -carbine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One of the villains; shall we nab him -unawares, sir?" asked one of Hythe's men in a -whisper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub shook his head. The fellow was -armed; he might not be alone, while the discharge -of a fire-arm might give the alarm to a still -unsuspecting foe. Better to watch and see what the -fellow was up to.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The new-comer lurched as if spent; but -without any attempt to conceal his movements he -made straight for the "Vorwartz." At the edge -of the bank he hesitated, walked to and fro as if -looking for a shallow spot or a means of clambering -up the side of the vessel. Finding none he -hurled his carbine against the submarine's side, -shivering the stock into fragments. Then uttering -a demoniacal yell he broke into a ribald song -in German.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man was mad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Karl von Harburg?" whispered Hythe interrogatively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The seaman nearest him shook his head. He -knew the captain of the "Vorwartz" well by -sight during his stay in Sumatra. This fellow -was a stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heave a rope!" hailed the German in his -native tongue. "Heave a rope! I want to get -on board and fetch more gold. Yes, more gold, -I say. I'll carry another load of it myself. Fritz -took two shares; why shouldn't I?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Receiving no reply the maniac whipped out -his revolver and emptied the contents of the -chambers against the metal plating. The noise -of the firing was heard by Captain Restronguet -and the main body. They could not see the -German's approach by reason of the intervening -fringe of long grass; but suspecting that Hythe -had been attacked they raced down the hill to his aid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Springing to his feet Hythe signed to them -to continue cautiously, but the madman, -although he must have heard the noise of the new -arrivals, paid no attention. He was still cursing -imaginary comrades for their laxity in not giving -him a means of getting on board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What has happened?" asked Captain Restronguet -breathlessly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One survivor only, I think," replied Hythe. -"There he is. He's absolutely off his head."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you sure there are no more on board?" -asked the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not certain, but I don't think there are. Do -you wish me to make that fellow a prisoner or -wait till he's on board? He hasn't reloaded his -revolver and he's thrown his carbine away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll wait," said Captain Restronguet -decidedly. "Perhaps there are others on board -and they've quarrelled. That may be the reason -why they are lying low and won't let this fellow -on board. Now look at him!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The maniac put one foot in the water with the -intention of wading close to the submarine's side, -but at the contact with the fluid he leapt back, -held his foot with both hands and hopped about -uttering discordant shouts as if the water pained -him. Then, calming down a little, he seated -himself on the shore and began to sob like a child.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now's our chance," whispered Captain -Restronguet. "We must risk a few rifle shots from -on board. You three men--that will be enough. -Now follow me and get him on his back before -he's aware of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Noiselessly the three men followed their -captain. Forty yards of open ground separated them -from their intended captive. Nearly half this -distance was covered when the madman suddenly -rose and looked over his shoulder. His wild -glance fell upon his would-be assailants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bowl him over," shouted Captain Restronguet, -breaking into a run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German waited apathetically till the -nearest of his foes was within ten yards. Then, -uttering a wild unearthly laugh, he turned and -dashed headlong into the river. Half a dozen -strokes brought him to the stern of the submarine. -Here he tried to haul himself up, clinging -tenaciously to the slight support afforded by the upper -edge of the propeller brackets. Baulked in this -direction he slipped back into the water and -swam to the other side of the "Vorwartz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the whole of the landing party -arrived on the scene. Half a dozen powerful men -tailed on to the stern warp till it was almost as -taut as a bar of steel. Two others, one being -O'Shaunessey, grasping the rope with both -hands and throwing their legs round it began to -make their way towards the submarine; but -before they had swung themselves over half the -distance the maniac appeared on deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more drawing his revolver, from which -the moisture dripped copiously, he steadied it in -the crook of his arm and pressed the trigger. -The hammer clicked harmlessly on the empty -chambers. With a snarl of rage the German -hurled the useless weapon not at the two men -hanging on to the rope, but at the group ashore. -It whizzed perilously close to Captain Restronguet's -head, bouncing on the sun-baked mud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Attract his attention," ordered Captain -Restronguet. "Try to entice him towards the -bows and give those fellows a chance to board."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Picking up lumps of hard mud the "Aphrodite's" -men opened a heavy yet comparatively -harmless fusillade upon the solitary figure upon -the deck of the "Vorwartz." Still keeping up -his discordant yells the madman stooped and -picked up an object at his feet. With wellnigh -superhuman force he hurled it at his assailants. -The missile fell at Hythe's feet. Something -prompted him to stoop and examine it. It was -an ingot of pure gold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "I never had -gold thrown at me before!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His remark attracted the attention of the men -nearest to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep it up, old sport," shouted Carclew. -"We don't mind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next instant he had cause to regret his -words, for a lump of the precious metal, hurtling -through the air with tremendous force, hit him -fairly in that part of his anatomy commonly -known as "the wind." For the next ten minutes -Carclew lost all interest in the proceedings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile O'Shaunessey, unobserved by the -madman, succeeded in clambering over the stern -of the "Vorwartz." Here he waited till his -comrade rejoined him, and together they stealthily -crept towards the German.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fellow was in the act of hurtling another -missile when O'Shaunessey sprang on him from -behind, flung his powerful arms round the -madman's head and pressed his right knee into the -small of the man's back. Simultaneously the -Irishman's comrade grasped the astonished -German just below the knees, and with a tremendous -crash the captured man fell upon the metal deck. -Even then his captors had no easy task, for the -maniac, powerful under ordinary circumstances, -now possessed the strength of ten. His right -hand gripped O'Shaunessey's calf till the Irishman -bellowed with pain. For a few moments it -looked as if the madman would be more than a -match for his two antagonists till O'Shaunessey's -companion, loth to run any unnecessary risk, -planted a heavy blow on the point of the -madman's chin. The fellow's resistance ceased. He -lay on his back groaning dismally, while the -Irishman deftly bound him hand and foot with a couple -of silk handkerchiefs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All clear now, sorr," shouted O'Shaunessey. -"Sure, you can come aboard aisy and comfortable. -We'll heave a line."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking about the Irishman discovered a wire -ladder and a couple of long boat-hook staves. -Lowering the former he swarmed down and -succeeded in passing the end of one of the -boat-hooks ashore, keeping the other end on the -bottom rung of the ladder. The second one formed -a handrail, and along this precarious bridge, which -sagged to such an extent that those making use -of it were ankle deep in water, Captain -Restronguet, Hythe, and four of the "Aphrodite's" -crew made their way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At last, sir," exclaimed Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is yet too early for congratulations, -Mr. Hythe," replied the captain. "We have made -an easy capture, but until I am face to face with -my enemy, Karl von Harburg, my mission is -not at an end. Nevertheless, we have much to -be thankful for. Polglaze, bring that boat-hook aft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man did as he was ordered. Drawing -from his pocket a small neatly-rolled bundle of -silk Captain Restronguet unfolded it. It was -his white and green ensign with the initials -"J. R." upon it. For want of halliards the flag -had to be lashed to the stave, which was -thereupon set up on the stern of the "Vorwartz"--a -visible token that the rival submarine was now -in the possession of the captain of the "Aphrodite."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-unsuccessful-competitors"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE UNSUCCESSFUL COMPETITORS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Hardly had the echoes of the three ringing cheers -that greeted the hoisting of the ensign died away -than the distant throbbing of an airship's motors -was heard. Just appearing over the knoll was -the "Pride of Rhodesia."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hope they won't start dropping bombs on us," -exclaimed Polglaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No fear of that," said Captain Restronguet -reassuringly. "They've seen our ensign. They're -dipping theirs, by smoke!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly the Blue Ensign at the stern of the -air-ship was lowered and as slowly rehoisted. Unable -to "dip" in the orthodox way the green and -white flag was lowered staff and all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then majestically the huge yellow enveloped -craft eased up till just holding her own against the -light breeze, sank gently towards the earth, -alighting on the sun-baked ground within twenty -yards of the captured submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The best man has won, sir," exclaimed -Captain Jones, raising his white cap. "I heartily -congratulate you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"More by good luck than anything else," -returned Captain Restronguet modestly. "If I -hadn't sent a sick man ashore we might never -have spotted her stowed away so snugly behind -the hill. I suppose you've seen nothing of the -crew?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Her crew?" repeated the Captain of the -"Pride of Rhodesia." "Why, haven't you -bagged the whole crowd of rascals?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only one," replied Captain Restronguet. -"Much to my sorrow and regret."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never say die," was the cheerful response. -"Now you've captured the 'Vorwartz' what are -you going to do with her?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't given the matter a thought yet. -She's hard and fast aground. Even if we floated -her, I don't know how we could manage to get -her down to the sea or what to do with her when -we did."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll have plenty of help in an hour or so," -announced Captain Jones. "That is, if you -want any. There's a regular flotilla of stern -wheelers coming up stream. They're flying the -British Ensign."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard they were on their way up," said -Captain Restronguet. "They are from Lake -Nyassa. Let 'em all come, as the catch-phrase -used to be when I was at school."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here," said the airship's owner. "If -you like I'll stand by and lend a hand. Please -understand I don't want to take away any credit -that belongs to the 'Aphrodite' alone; neither -are we after a share in the prize money, although -I hear the 'Vorwartz' is chock full of gold. -That's what's keeping her hard and fast, I should -think."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are awfully good," replied Captain -Restronguet. "I shall be only too happy to avail -myself of your services."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the sooner the better," added Captain -Jones. "Five additional helpers, all used to -plenty of hard slogging, will soon make a show."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Telling Polglaze to make his way back to the -spot where they had landed from the "Aphrodite," -in order to let Devoran know that all was well, -Captain Restronguet, accompanied by Hythe -and Captain Jones, began a systematic examination -of the captured submarine. Except for the -maniac, who was now babbling in a childish -manner and was quite unconscious of his -surroundings, not a man of von Harburg's -company remained. Everything on board showed -signs of a hurried departure. In the galley the -men's dinner was still in the boilers. The -electric power had apparently failed, for some -time since a temporary stove for burning wood -had been erected in the galley, the funnel leading -through the open fore hatch. By examining the -thickness of the deposit of soot Captain -Restronguet was able to come to the conclusion that -the failure of the electrical supply coincided with -the time the "Aphrodite's" detector ceased to -record the position of her rival.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stowed away in the emergency water ballast -tanks were hundreds of bars of gold--plundered -from many a richly-laden vessel. This horde -had not been touched, but almost all the specie -and bullion in the after cabins had been removed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What prompted the rogues to make such -a hasty flight, do you think, sir?" asked Hythe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They undoubtedly got wind of the news -that we were on their track. The failure of -their electrical gear added to their panic. They -decided to remove as much of their plunder as -they could conveniently carry, and trust to luck -that the rest of the booty remaining on board -might yet be recoverable. I think they must -have gone up stream in a boat, since there are -traces of their footprints through the grass."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean to pursue your search?" asked -Captain Jones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet with -conviction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Judging by the state of the river," -continued the captain of the "Pride of Rhodesia," -"which is still falling, even a boat expedition will -be a difficult matter. Why not make a voyage -in my craft? We can follow the course of the -river at any height you wish, and if Karl von -Harburg has attempted flight by means of a boat -we shall be bound to overtake him and effect his -capture. I can easily find room for a dozen of -your men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will gladly accept your offer," replied -Captain Restronguet without hesitation. "When -will it be convenient for you to start?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At once," replied Captain Jones promptly. -"We ought to complete the business and be -back here well before night. Meanwhile those -of your men who are left behind--I will leave -some of my crew as well--can proceed with the -unloading of the 'Vorwartz.' The gold will -be perfectly safe ashore, for there do not seem -to be any inhabitants in this district. Even if -there are, and they are tempted to give trouble, -twenty rifles firing from the deck of the submarine -will make them keep a respectful distance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come along, Mr. Hythe; this will be another -experience for you," said Captain Restronguet. -"Carnon and Carclew you will come with us. -Eh? What's that? Mr. Hythe, here's your -Irishman anxious to have an aerial trip."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ascending the swinging ladder the men gained -the platform connecting the two deck-houses of -the airship. Hythe found himself on a promenade -nearly three hundred feet in length and forty -in width converging fore and aft, and terminated -by the aluminium cabins that afforded sleeping -accommodation for the crew and also means of -manoeuvring the airship in bad weather.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cast off there," shouted Captain Jones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Those of the airship's crew who remained -ashore hastened to unfasten the stout hempen -hawsers that held the "Pride of Rhodesia" to -the ground. Since the total number of men on -board was less than that of the present crew no -throwing out of ballast was necessary. The -airship rose swiftly and smoothly to a height of -eight hundred feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess we'd best descend at once," said Captain Jones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Descend--why?" asked Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The skipper of the "Pride of Rhodesia" -pointed towards the broad Zambesi. Abreast -of the junction of the stream in which the -"Vorwartz" had taken a vain refuge were three -river gunboats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The huge aerial propellers began to revolve -and the "Pride of Rhodesia" gathered way. In -view of her skipper's remark Hythe could not at -once understand this manoeuvre; but Captain -Jones was not a man to waste gas when he could -bring his airship to earth by other means.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Circling in ever-descending spirals the huge -craft approached within fifty feet of the place -where a few minutes before she had been anchored. -The bow and stern ropes were thrown down, and -assisted by the "Aphrodite's" men those of the -crew of the airship who had been left behind -dragged the "Pride of Rhodesia" to earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost as soon as Captain Restronguet, Hythe, -and the skipper of the airship had alighted, a -motor launch in which were several white-uniformed -officers came pelting up stream and -brought up alongside the captured submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are a trifle too late, I see," exclaimed -the senior officer from the gunboats, as salutes -were gravely exchanged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Third in the field," commented Captain -Jones, pointing to his airship. "This is the -lucky individual--Captain Restronguet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thought we'd been done in the eye when -we saw his submarine out in the stream," said -the commodore of the flotilla. "Well, Captain -Restronguet, we congratulate you upon having -rid the world of a pest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The business is not finished yet," said -the "Aphrodite's" captain. "We were on the -point of following up the rascals."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some have escaped, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All save one, and he's as mad as a hatter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it strikes me we are not required here," -continued the commodore. "But before we -return we would very much like to look over -both submarines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With pleasure," assented Captain Restronguet. -"Unfortunately I cannot stay to have the -honour of showing you round, as we wish to -overhaul Karl von Harburg and company and -be back before night. I'll have a signal sent to -my chief officer, Mr. Devoran, and he will act -as my deputy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has the news of the capture been sent home?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet consulted his watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe I am right in assuming that already -the newsboys are selling special editions in the -streets of London."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Smart work!" ejaculated the commodore admiringly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fairly," admitted the captain of the -"Aphrodite" modestly. "The moment our flag was -hoisted on the 'Vorwartz' the news was signalled -to the top of the hill. Two of my men are -stationed there. They in turn signalled on to -my chief officer, who by wireless communicated -direct with my London agent. He, I feel certain, -lost no time in giving the news to the proper -authorities; but making due allowance for slight -delays I think my assumption is correct."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you propose doing with the -'Vorwartz,' may I ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tow her off as soon as possible and take -her down the river. I hope before night to get -into wireless communication with the officer -commanding H.M.S. 'Pique,' and hand the -prize over to him. He can then tow her to -Cape Town and there the necessary transactions -can be effected. But I must be going. If you -will excuse us we will bid you good-day. -Perhaps we may meet again in the near future."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon re-embarking Captain Jones gave the -order for half speed ahead, and the "Pride of -Rhodesia," at a modest twenty-five miles an hour, -flew over the course of the tributary at a height -of less than five hundred feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Glasses were brought to bear upon the -country beneath them, and every rock and shoal -in the river was thus carefully examined. The -"Vorwartz" had almost reached the limit for -navigation, for at less than a mile above the spot -where she had stranded the river shallowed -considerably and was interrupted by a series of -cataracts. In one of these Hythe spotted a -brass-bound box wedged in between two rocks, -and by the identification letters on its side -Captain Restronguet knew that it was one from a -liner's strong-room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They've been in difficulties already," he -observed. "They've had to jettison some of -their booty. Judging by the state of the river, I -don't think they can have gone very far."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a dense forest ahead," announced -Captain Jones. "That makes our task more -difficult. If the rascals have taken it into their -heads to make a way through the trees, the -thick foliage will screen them from view. -However, I'll keep up-stream for some distance yet. -Perhaps they haven't the sense of caution to -destroy their boat or haul it up out of sight. -However, we will see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No chance of a boat getting over that," -exclaimed the sub, as after a short interval the -airship came in view of a waterfall quite forty -feet in height and extending from bank to bank. -As the "Pride of Rhodesia" drew nearer the -noise of the falling water almost outvoiced the -purr of the airship's motors. One glance was -sufficient to show that nothing afloat would be -able to surmount that formidable barrier.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's their boat," bawled Captain Jones, -into the ear of his successful rival.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was right. Lying half-way up the steep -bank, and only partially screened by the foliage, -was a craft of native construction. Two or three -paddles, a length of rope and a piece of canvas -lay within it, while a jagged hole close to the -water-line showed that the boat had come to -grief against one of the sharp rocks with which -the bed of the river abounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See any tracks?" asked Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe, to whom the question was addressed, -was minutely studying the ground through a -powerful pair of binoculars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much doubt about it, sir," he replied. -"There's a well-defined track leading in a -south-easterly direction. I can follow it as far as those -trees."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll take the craft up a bit and follow the -supposed direction," said Captain Jones. "Ten -to one there'll be some sort of a clearing further -on. Tilt the forward planes, McPherson. -That's enough; keep her as she is and carry on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For nearly two miles the "Pride of Rhodesia" -flew steadily over the tree-tops. So dense was -the foliage that for the whole of that distance no -sign of the ground was visible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you prepared to have a bullet through -the envelope of the airship?" asked Captain -Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I'm not," replied Jones bluntly. "Why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We offer a tempting mark. If any of those -rogues spot us and open fire----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There they are!" exclaimed Hythe.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-fate-of-von-harburg"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">THE FATE OF VON HARBURG.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The sub pointed to a glade in the forest slightly -to the north of the course the "Pride of -Rhodesia" was following. Here the ground rose -gradually, and save for a few prickly pear-trees -was destitute of verdure. Four roughly-constructed -tents made from ships' sails had been -erected, with a breast-work of boxes surrounding, -except for a narrow opening that gave access to -the camp. Seven or eight men, regardless of -the blazing sun, were lying down or sitting with -their backs propped up against the boxes. No -attempt had apparently been made to post sentries -or to take any steps against a possible surprise, -although every man had either a rifle or a revolver -close to hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder they haven't heard our motors," -remarked Captain Jones, as he ordered the engines -to be stopped and the quick-firers to be manned. -"They must be sound asleep. I vote we cover -them pretty tightly, fire a blank shot and summon -them to surrender at discretion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They'll fight; they know that as prisoners -they'll have a halter round their necks," said -Captain Restronguet. "But where are the -others? There were several more of the rascals."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How many, do you think?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not less than thirty all told."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, here goes," ejaculated the "Pride of -Rhodesia's" Captain. "Fire a blank from the -for'ard starboard quick-firer, Evans. That ought -to give them a shake up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forest re-echoed to the sharp detonation -of the gun, but not a man of von Harburg's -party stirred. From the trees myriads of birds, -alarmed by the report, rose and flew terrified away, -uttering harsh and discordant cries. Then a -strange silence brooded over the solitary camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet and Hythe exchanged -glances. The look was significant. Captain -Jones whistled softly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's murderous work down there," he remarked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, sorr, they are as dead as door-nails," -exclaimed O'Shaunessey. "Faith, I can see it -is a bash over the head as that man has. 'Twould -take more than a rale Irish shillelah to do that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must investigate," said Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't fancy it somehow," objected Captain Jones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All the same it is desirable," continued the -"Aphrodite's" owner. "If von Harburg is not -down there our quest is not yet at an end. -Personally I do not like the business, but how -can we report the death of the modern pirate -unless we know definitely that such is the case?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," agreed Jones. "I'll land you. -I'll remain here, for if there are any survivors of -the gang and they show fight I can render you -much more assistance than if I were down there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly the airship was brought close to -the ground and Captain Restronguet, Hythe, O'Shaunessey, -and Carnon descended the wire rope ladder. -Revolver in hand they advanced towards the silent -camp. As they approached evidences of what -had occurred were not wanting. The canvas -tents were shot through and through, the packing -cases were riddled and splintered. Every man -lying within the wooden breastwork was -stone-dead, only one of them being killed otherwise -than by a bullet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cautiously picking his way Captain Restronguet -opened the flap of one of the tents. He -paused to allow his eyes to get accustomed to -the gloom, then turned and signed to Hythe to enter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lying across an empty box was a short, heavily-built -man, whose long matted hair and unkempt -beard well-nigh concealed his features. A -partially discharged revolver lay by his side, his -left hand still grasped a flask of spirits. He was -stone-dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Karl von Harburg," whispered Captain Restronguet. -"My debt in that direction is paid, -though I'm glad that he did not die by my hand. -He has altered somewhat since last I saw him, -but we ought to be able to find conclusive means -of identification."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bending over his dead rival the captain drew -a watch from von Harburg's pocket. It was a -gold hunter. Within the case was an inscription -in German: "To Karl von Harburg from his -friend, Ludwig von Thale--September, 1913."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll take this," continued Captain -Restronguet. "He was very fond of showing it to -people. Ludwig von Thale was a high court -official whom von Harburg sold very neatly. -But we've seen enough here. Let us get some -fresh air."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Further examination showed that most of the -boxes had contained gold. By strenuous -exertions the crew of the "Vorwartz" had succeeded -in dragging a portion thus far. Then they -quarrelled amongst themselves. A desperate -fight ensued, and of the thirty men only one -survived, and he was a raving lunatic. Of the -others twelve were found within the camp, the -remainder having continued their fight to the -death in the neighbouring wood, for there -O'Shaunessey and Carnon discovered their -bodies, some of them literally grasping their -former comrades' throats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's to be done with them, sir?" asked -Carnon, pointing to the gold ingots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Leave them," replied Captain Restronguet -shortly. Then in a lower tone he added, "They -are veritably the price of blood. Let them stay. -Perhaps someone will find them who will have -more need of riches than either you or I will, -Carnon. My life-work is practically done now, -Mr. Hythe, so let's get back to England as -quickly as we can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To England!" ejaculated the sub. "I -thought you had----"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Hythe, remember I am still an Englishman. -It is now my intention to settle down in -my native Cornwall. I have now more than -enough to keep me in ease. My comrades who -stood by me so faithfully in times of peril and -misfortune, will likewise be amply provided for."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the 'Aphrodite,' sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet's brow clouded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know what you mean, Mr. Hythe," he -exclaimed. "No, I mean to keep my vow. I -swore I would never hand her over to the -Admiralty, and I must keep my word. In due -course, Mr. Hythe, I will let you know my -intentions; but do not seek to swerve me from my -decision. It will be useless to attempt to do so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without another word Captain Restronguet -turned and strode swiftly towards the airship's -ladder. His companions followed. All save the -sub put down their leader's taciturn manner to the -reaction of the excitement caused by the dramatic -termination of his quest. But they were mistaken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All accounted for," commented Captain -Jones. "Well, that's a blessing, for we don't -want rascals of that sort finding their way into -British territory. Let her go, McPherson. -Full speed ahead. We've got to look pretty -smart if we want to get back before sunset."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the captain of the "Pride of Rhodesia" -was mistaken in his calculations. The outward -journey at a retarded speed had taken thrice as -long as the airship did to fly back to where the -captured "Vorwartz" lay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The gunboats haven't gone yet," announced -Captain Jones, as the broad Zambezi came in -sight once more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub's practised eye saw that the two -vessels lying just ahead of the "Aphrodite" were -not the sternwheelers from Lake Nyassa. He -snatched up his binoculars and brought them to -bear upon the strange craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Portuguese Government gunboats, by Jove!" -he exclaimed. "What's their little game, I -wonder?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh! What's that?" ejaculated Captain -Restronguet, overhearing the sub's remark. -"Hanging round to see what they can make out of the -business, I suppose. Why, there's a crowd of -them on shore close to the 'Vorwartz'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When Portuguese colonial officials begin -buzzing round they're bound to give trouble if -you treat them courteously," observed Captain -Jones. "I've had experience of them. If you -take my advice you'll send them about their -business without delay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They won't trouble me," replied Captain -Restronguet grimly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At any rate I'll stand by till they pack," -continued the captain of the "Pride of Rhodesia." "We'll -descend here. I don't want to bring my -craft too close to those gentry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airship came to earth at the foot of the -little hill on which Kenwyn had been left, and, -with the exception of three men who were ordered -to remain on guard, the whole of her complement -hurried towards the bank of the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Those rogues have been trying to get aboard -the prize, sir," exclaimed Polglaze, who had run -to meet his captain. "They've given us a stiff job -to keep them off. None of us can make head or -tail of what that yellow-faced, gold-laced Johnnie -was talking about, although he thinks he can speak -English."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you come to blows?" asked Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no, sir; we had to lift one fellow up by -his trousers and drop him overboard, but we -handled him very gently, although he whipped -out a knife."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Portuguese officer in charge advanced and -punctiliously raised his cap, a courtesy that -Captain Restronguet returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We haf come to take possession of the pirate, -senhor," announced the former.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To take possession of what?" asked the -"Aphrodite's" captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of pirate ship, over thar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're too late, my friend," announced -Captain Restronguet affably.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too late? How so?" asked the perplexed -Portuguese. "She thar. Me come to take -possession in name of Republica."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You go to blazes!" retorted Captain Restronguet, -beginning to lose his temper. "She is my prize."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By what authority you hold her?" demanded -the Portuguese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By what authority--we had the permission -of the Portuguese Government to ascend the Zambezi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; to destroy pirate, not to capture. Since -she captured is in Portuguese waters she property -of Republica."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet looked at Captain Jones, -and the skipper of the "Pride of Rhodesia" looked -at the captain of the "Aphrodite." The -absurdity of the Portuguese officer's logic caused -them to laugh heartily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell him we could wipe him off the face of -the earth in a brace of shakes," suggested -Captain Jones speaking rapidly and in a low tone so -that the captain of the gunboat could not understand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I'll deal with him in quite a different -way," was the reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why you laugh? Me no be laugh at," -exclaimed the irate Portuguese. "Me representative -of Republica."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, my friend," said Captain Restronguet. -"Do you see that tent pitched on the top -of the hill? We've fever amongst us. Had we -known you were coming we would have had the -yellow flag hoisted to warn you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Portuguese officer's face paled under his -yellow skin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fever? How say. Madre de Dios!" and -he agilely skipped back a couple of paces.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, very bad case, senhor. Perhaps you -would care to see our hospital arrangements?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the Portuguese did not care to do so; he -precipitately retreated to his boat, followed by his -thoroughly scared men, and half an hour later -the gunboat was pelting down stream as fast as -her crazy engines would drive her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Another example of the curse of petty -officialdom," commented Captain Restronguet. "No -wonder the Portuguese colonies are almost at a -standstill. Well, Polglaze, how is the work -progressing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We got the whole of the gold on deck, sir," -replied the man. "If it hadn't been for those -jabbering Dagoes hindering us we would have -had the whole lot ashore by now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time to be off," remarked Captain Restronguet. -"It will be dark in less than twenty -minutes. Leave the stuff there; it won't be -touched."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hastily the "Aphrodite's" men made their way -back to the banks of the Zambezi, bringing -Kenwyn with them--the second officer was -already on the road to recovery, and the spell -ashore did him a considerable amount of good.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the crew regained the "Aphrodite" -she was battened down and submerged. The -wearied crew sought slumber, but it was long ere -Captain Restronguet, Devoran, and Hythe retired -to rest, for the first officer had to be told in -detail of the momentous events of the day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Jones did not relinquish his task at that -point, for anxious to aid his successful rival to -the utmost of his ability he kept the "Pride of -Rhodesia" floating over the captured submarine. -All night the airship's searchlights played upon -the "Vorwartz" and the store of gold lying on -the shore, but the precaution, though desirable, -was unnecessary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early on the following morning all hands -assisted in warping the "Vorwartz" into deep -water. The bullion and species were then taken -on board by means of the "Aphrodite's" whaler, -and, bidding the captain and crew of the "Pride -of Rhodesia" a hearty farewell, the two submarines -commenced the descent of the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two days later the "Aphrodite," with the -captured "Vorwartz" in tow, recrossed the -dangerous bar. Five miles off-shore the British -cruiser "Pique" was awaiting them, and handing -the prize over to the care of the latter, Captain -Restronguet ordered full speed ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All Cape Town was bubbling over with -excitement when the "Aphrodite" dropped anchor -in Table Bay. The shipping was gay with -bunting, flags were flown from the Government -buildings and most of the houses. Bands were -playing and people shouting themselves hoarse, -while the renowned submarine was literally -wedged in between tiers of boats filled with -curious and enthusiastic spectators.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Admiralty had telegraphed to the -Commander-in-Chief of the Cape offering Captain -Restronguet a commission in the Royal Navy as -Inspecting Officer of Submarines; Lloyd's had -asked his acceptance of a sword of honour; the -Crowned Heads of Europe bestowed decorations -with lavish hands, while the President of the -United States of America telegraphed his -congratulations, and begged Captain Restronguet to -be the honoured guest of the greatest Republic -on earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the captain of the "Aphrodite" showed -no enthusiasm at these honours. Some he could -not with courtesy decline, but he strenuously -refused to accept the proffered commission. His -sole object, he avowed, in calling at Table Bay -was to make necessary arrangements with the -authorities for the disposal of the "Vorwartz" -and the distribution of the prize-money.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, lads," he exclaimed, addressing his -faithful crew, "our mission is ended. We are -now homeward bound; not to our temporary -quarters in Sumatra but to our only home, Old -England. I am in a position to state that the -individual share of prize-money will be duly paid -on our arrival in England, and that every man -will be in a state of affluence. I only hope you -will be long spared to enjoy it. In less than -three weeks, all being well, I hope to land you all -at Falmouth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three cheers for Falmouth!" shouted Polglaze.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An' three cheer for Ould Oireland," added -O'Shaunessey. "Faith! I'll take me discharge -an' boi the largest farm in all County Wexford."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="hythe-s-masterstroke"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">HYTHE'S MASTERSTROKE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Early in the month of November Captain -Gregory Pinney, master and owner of the -ocean-going tug "Wayfarer," registered at the Port of -Falmouth, was the recipient of a telegram -transmitted through the Lizard signal station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Send vessel to meet submarine 'Aphrodite' -4 miles S.S.E. of Lizard at noon on the 12th -inst--Restronguet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The worthy skipper was obviously perplexed. -He rather suspected that it was a bogus message, -sent by a rival firm so that their tugs could pick -up a remuneration job in the absence of the -"Wayfarer." That was his construction of the -matter, and his views he communicated to his -partner, Captain Hiram Varco.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Powerful strange," admitted Varco. "Why -not wire to the Lizard and ask 'em if it's genuine, -and how they picked it up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Acting on this device Captain Pinney requested -Lloyd's Station for further particulars, and -received a confirmatory answer with the additional -information that the message had been sent from -the "Aphrodite" when twenty miles west of Cape -Finisterre.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All the same, it be powerful strange," -remarked Varco. "Submarines don't want tugs -to give 'em a pluck into port, and Falmouth, too, -of all places. Still, if I was you, Gregory Pinney, -in a manner o' speakin' I'd take the 'Wayfarer' -out. If 'tain't one thing 'tis often another, and -chances are you'll pick up something to tow into -t'harbour even if 'tain't this wunnerful submarine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly Captain Gregory Pinney made -necessary arrangements for the "Wayfarer" to -proceed to sea early on the morning of the 12th.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had Captain Pinney not informed his crony of -the contents of Captain Restronguet's telegram -the momentous news would never have spread -abroad, for the skipper of the "Wayfarer" was, -for a Cornishman, extremely reticent. Captain -Hiram Varco was almost the reverse, and -happening to fall in with an enterprising reporter of -</span><em class="italics">The Cornish Riviera Express</em><span>, he waxed -eloquent over a friendly glass of double cider.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next day the London papers published the -news, not without comments, for while it was -tacitly accepted the message was perfectly genuine, -no satisfactory reason could be assigned to -Captain Restronguet's motive in requisitioning a tug.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Steps were taken to give the "Aphrodite" -and her gallant crew a rousing welcome. -Excursion steamers, laid up for the winter, were -hurriedly chartered by speculative syndicates and -sent round to Falmouth. Long before the -fateful Twelfth all the accommodation was booked -at a guinea a head. Fishing-boats, risking the -Board of Trade regulations, became temporary -pleasure craft; luggers, quay-punts, and even -frail rowing boats were hired, so that should -weather permit, a general exodus of the various -craft for Falmouth Harbour would take place--an -event to be talked about in years to come by -the old salts of the West country. Great Britain -in general and Cornwall in particular, meant to -show the proper way to welcome home a national, -nay, world-wide hero.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dawn was just breaking when the "Aphrodite" -sighted the powerful white flash-light of -the Lizard. The submarine had made short -work of the run across the bay and had arrived -off the English coast some hours earlier than -Captain Restronguet had anticipated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought better of Captain Pinney," -remarked Captain Restronguet to Hythe as the -two stood on the deck gazing towards their native -land. "Kenwyn tells me that a wireless -message came through during the night. The news -has leaked out and there's to be a whole crowd of -shipping to see us arrive. I think I can promise -that they won't be disappointed of a spectacle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Restronguet and his guest were early -on deck. The sea was smooth, the air mild for -the time of year, nevertheless they were glad of -their great-coats after sweltering under the African -sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will nothing alter your decision, sir?" asked -the sub almost pleadingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, my dear Hythe. A promise with -me is a promise, even if made in over-hastiness. -I might regret it; but the fact remains that I -have sworn never to hand my invention over to -the British Government. Consequently I have -sent for a Falmouth tug to remove the crew and -their personal belongings. This done I mean to -open the inlet valves of the 'Aphrodite' and sink -her for good and all. At the spot I have -indicated the depth is more than forty fathoms. -The sea will hold my secret, and from the cliffs -about the Lizard I can stand and gaze upon the -tomb of my invention."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But isn't this carrying a one-sided feud too -far, sir? Surely my Lords have made ample -reparation for a slight for which they were -responsible yet perhaps ignorant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time is a great healer, Mr. Hythe; but the -reminiscences of my early struggles with fate -cannot be easily erased. But let us not discuss -the matter further: it cannot alter my decision in -the faintest degree. Ah! good morning, -Mr. Devoran. All correct?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All correct, sir. We've still plenty of current -left to take the 'Aphrodite' another two hundred -miles if necessary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think we shall require so much as that, -Mr. Devoran. Will you please muster all hands -aft. Stop the motors, so that the engineers can -be present. I wish to say a few words."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the "Aphrodite" lost way the men -came on deck, and formed up just abaft the -after conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Men," began Captain Restronguet in -stentorian tones, "our voyage is almost -accomplished, our great task is completed and little -remains to be done as far as your services are -concerned. Circumstances compel me to take -a drastic step. The 'Aphrodite' must never -enter Falmouth Harbour. At noon we will fall -in with a tug that most of you, I know, are -familiar with--the 'Wayfarer.' I want every -man to collect his personal effects and stow them -into as small a compass as possible, ready to be -transhipped on board the tug. As soon as all -hands are clear of the submarine I intend to send -her to the bottom."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dead silence greeted this announcement. -The men looked at each other in amazement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To sink her for ever, sir?" asked Polglaze, -when he found his tongue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are not going down with her, sir?" -asked another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Captain Restronguet grimly. -"I'm not at all that way inclined. Now, men, -you have a couple of hours to make the necessary -preparations, so dismiss and make the best of the -time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that the captain went below and retired -to his cabin. Hythe, bitterly disappointed at -the failure of his attempt to swerve Captain -Restronguet from his purpose, walked for'ard and -remained by the fore conning-tower deep in thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say, Mr. Hythe, what is the cap'n thinking -about?" exclaimed a voice, and turning the sub -found himself face to face with Jenkins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The sun hasn't affected him, eh?" -continued the aviator-in-chief to the Sultan of -Zanzibar, touching his forehead significantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think so," replied Hythe. "It is, I -believe, the outcome of a vow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Precious silly vow," remarked Jenkins. "He -always was a queer customer when he was upset. -Can't you prevent him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've tried," said the sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fair means or foul, I'd have another shot at -it if I were you. I'll back you up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man's words stirred the sub to serious -thought. A struggle between his sense of -gratitude to this man who had so improved his -knowledge of submarine work, and his duty to -his king and country waged a fierce battle. The -"Aphrodite" was Captain Restronguet's by right. -He was wilfully abandoning it--an act that was -also within his rights. On the other hand the -possession of the "Aphrodite" by the British -Navy would mean an undisputed supremacy in -submarine welfare. This wonderful vessel would -be the means of thwarting any projected invasion -by a hostile state, whether by air or by sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In matters of this description personal -considerations must be put aside in favour of one's -obligations to one's country," decided the sub, -and straightway he sought out his faithful -henchman, O'Shaunessey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure, sorr, I think we wud manage ut, be -dad," was the Irishman's comment when Hythe -unfolded his plan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At half-past eleven the van of the flotilla from -Falmouth came abreast of the "Aphrodite"--two -large steamers packed with people who -cheered and shouted while strident brass bands -added a deafening welcome.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Circling, these vessels followed on either quarter -of the submarine--so close that Captain -Restronguet had to shout to request them to keep a -more respectful distance. Abreast of the Lizard -the main portion of the waterborne spectators -was encountered, till surrounded by nearly a -hundred craft of all sizes and rigs the -"Aphrodite" forged slowly ahead towards a squat -high-sided vessel which Captain Restronguet -recognized as the "Wayfarer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finding the attentions of his escort too pressing -the "Aphrodite" hoisted a red burgee from a pole -set up on her fore conning-tower--a hint that -explosives were about to be transhipped and -that there was a certain element of danger in the -undertaking. With that the obstructing vessels -backed away a few yards, forming a complete -circle in the almost motionless sea around the -"Wayfarer" and the craft that had engaged her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"D'ye want me to pass you a hawser out -astern?" bawled the master of the tug.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, thank you, Gregory Pinney," replied -Captain Restronguet. "Lay alongside, will you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An' who may you be?" demanded the -skipper, somewhat astonished to find himself -hailed by name. "Mussy me! Why, it is Mr. Tretheway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good shot, Pinney! How's things at home?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pretty middlin', thanks, Mr. Tretheway. -But what might I be wanted for? Where's -Captain Restronguet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thought you'd have cottoned to it before -now, Pinney. I am Captain Restronguet, but -only for a few moments more. After that I am -plain Hugh Tretheway--and I do not feel -altogether sorry. But get your masthead derrick -swung out: we've plenty of gear for you to take."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For nearly an hour the task of unloading the -"Aphrodite" continued, for the personal effects -of the officers and men reached considerable -dimensions. It seemed really marvellous where -the stuff had been stored within the limited -accommodation of the submarine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all, sir," announced Devoran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good. Now, men, on board the tug."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One by one the men passed over the narrow -gangway between the two vessels. As the first -was about to leave the "Aphrodite's" deck he -drew himself up and gravely saluted the green -and white flag still flying at the stern of the -submarine. His example was followed by the -others, while Captain Restronguet, for the last -time in his official capacity, promptly returned -the salute--a final tribute of devotion to a brave -and gallant leader.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After the men the officers boarded the -"Wayfarer," till Captain Restronguet alone remained -on the deck of the "Aphrodite." The -submarine was battened down with the exception -of the main hatch close to which the captain -stood with his hand resting on a lever actuating -the sea-cocks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then with a swift deliberate motion he thrust -the metal rod hard down, saluted his flag, and -walked slowly up the gangway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cast off there, Captain Pinney, unless you -want to be dragged down," he exclaimed. "The -'Aphrodite's' sinking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men of the tug hastened to unfasten the -securing hawsers. The for'ard one was soon -cast off, but by the after one three men purposely -impeded the efforts of the "Wayfarer's" deckhands. -The three men were Hythe, O'Shaunessey, and Jenkins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tug's engine-room telegraph bell clanged, -the water churned under her squat counter, and, -as she slowly forged ahead, the strain on the -after-rope swung her stern close to the "Aphrodite's" deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Simultaneously Hythe and O'Shaunessey -vaulted over the low bulwarks and leapt upon -the submarine, Jenkins making a good third. -Before Captain Restronguet and his companions -could grasp the situation the three men gained -the open hatch. They were not a second too -soon, for the water was rising over the deck and -lapping against the coamings of the hatchway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a clang the metal covering fell. The -"Aphrodite" was heremetically sealed, with -her captors safe within.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Start the motors, Jenkins," exclaimed the -sub triumphantly. "O'Shaunessey, bring that -lever hard down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seven fathoms deep the submarine sank, then -as her motors began to purr rhymically, Hythe -pointed her head due east.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Early next morning, before it was light, -Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe dexterously brought -the submarine into Portsmouth Harbour, and, -confident that the importance of his errand would -justify the unearthly visit, boldly called upon the -Commander-in-Chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Forgetting his dignity in his anxiety to hear -what had actually occurred to the "Aphrodite"--for, -as usual, vague rumours had been floating -round--Sir Peter Garboard made his appearance -clad in a dressing-gown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're back again, Mr. Hythe? Tell me, -is it right that Captain Restronguet has scuttled -the 'Aphrodite'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hardly that, sir; she is at this moment -alongside the North Railway jetty. You see, -sir, I stole her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You stole her? Explain yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hythe explained, pointing out the difficulty -in which he had been placed in his desire to do -his duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rest easy on that score, Mr. Hythe," said -the Admiral good-humouredly. "From a strictly -legal point of view your action is justifiable. The -submarine was a derelict after the captain had -abandoned her, and as a naval officer you did -right by taking possession of her. But have -you had breakfast?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub was perforce obliged to partake of -a repast with his superior officer, who kept him -busily employed the whole while in answering -questions. Presently the Admiral's secretary -entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, good morning, Holmes; anything startling?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir. Captain Restronguet has apparently -vanished into thin air. All inquiries -at Falmouth have proved fruitless. But I -expected to find Mr. Hythe here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How so?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because there is a telegram sent to him, -care of the Commander-in-Chief, sir," replied -the secretary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sub took the proffered envelope and -opened it, with a muttered apology to his superior -officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all right!" he exclaimed with a sigh -of relief. "Read this, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sir Peter read it aloud:--</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hythe, care of C.-in-C., Portsmouth. -Thoroughly glad you acted as you did. Aphrodite -is the nation's. Still I have kept my -vow.--Tretheway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tretheway, who is he, Mr. Hythe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tretheway, sir, was Captain John Restronguet, -until yesterday commander of what is -now the latest and most powerful acquisition -to His Majesty's Navy--the 'Aphrodite.'"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">THE END.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">WILLIAM BRENDON AND SON, LTD., PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE RIVAL SUBMARINES</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40866"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40866</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. -Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this -license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works to protect the Project Gutenberg™ concept and -trademark. 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