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diff --git a/40866.txt b/40866.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0f8cc0a..0000000 --- a/40866.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11387 +0,0 @@ - THE RIVAL SUBMARINES - - - - -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 Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at -http://www.gutenberg.org/license. 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. - - - -Title: The Rival Submarines -Author: Percy F. Westerman -Release Date: March 20, 2013 [EBook #40866] -Language: English -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RIVAL SUBMARINES *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines. - - - - -[Illustration: Cover] - - - - -[Illustration: "LIKE AN ARROW THE SNAKE-LIKE MONSTER DARTED FORWARD!" -p. 175.] - - - - - THE RIVAL SUBMARINES - - - BY - PERCY F. WESTERMAN - - - AUTHOR OF "A LAD OF GRIT" - ETC. ETC. - - - - ILLUSTRATED BY - C. FLEMING WILLIAMS - - - - _THIRD IMPRESSION_ - - - - LONDON - S. W. PARTRIDGE & CO., LTD. - OLD BAILEY - - - - - CONTENTS. - -CHAPTER - - I. Captain Restronguet leaves Cards - II. Sub-Lieutenant Hythe Discovers the Submarine - III. The Man Who Walked out of the Sea - IV. The Signal from the Depths - V. Captured - VI. Face to Face - VII. In the Conning-Tower - VIII. Explanations - IX. The First Day in the "Aphrodite" - X. The Second Officer Returns - XI. Concerning Captain Restronguet's Rival - XII. The "Vorwartz" is Sighted - XIII. The Missing Submarine - XIV. "La Flamme" - XV. A Visit to Gibraltar - XVI. Over a Volcano - XVII. The Rescued Italians - XVIII. The Rivals pass through the Suez Canal - XIX. Struck by Lightning - XX. Rammed Amidships - XXI. Captain Restronguet learns the News - XXII. Beset by Somalis - XXIII. Over the Bar - XXIV. The Aero-Hydroplane - XXV. The Approach of the "Vorwartz" - XXVI. The Sinking of the "Topaze" - XXVII. A Pilot under Compulsion - XXVIII. In the Ballast Tank - XXIX. The "Pride of Rhodesia" - XXX. Captured. - XXXI. The Unsuccessful Competitors - XXXII. The Fate of von Harburg - XXXIII. Hythe's Masterstroke - - - - - THE RIVAL SUBMARINES. - - - - CHAPTER I. - - CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET LEAVES CARDS. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Come along, Maynebrace," exclaimed the Commander-in-Chief irritably. -"It's six bells already." - -"Coxswain! Coxswain! Where in the name of thunder is my coxswain?" -shouted Rear-Admiral Maynebrace. - -"Here, sir!" exclaimed that worthy, saluting. - -"Has the Lieutenant-Governor arrived yet, coxswain?" - -"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." - -"And kept us kicking our heels here," grumbled Sir Peter Garboard, the -Commander-in-Chief. "Look alive, Maynebrace, or----" - -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. - -"Sir!" he exclaimed. "Sir, this message has just come through." - -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. - -"Good heavens, Maynebrace!" he gasped. "Read this!" - -The Admiral-Superintendent, with unbecoming haste, grasped the paper and -read:-- - -"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." - -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. - -"A diver has been playing the fool, perhaps?" hazarded Maynebrace. - -"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." - -"Well, then, sir, what is it?" questioned the Rear-Admiral. - -"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." - -"What makes you think it is a foreign submarine?" - -"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?" - -"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!" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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? - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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? - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - SUB-LIEUTENANT HYTHE DISCOVERS THE SUBMARINE. - - -"Pipe away the diving-party!" - -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. - -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. - -"Do you wish me to go down, sir?" asked a sub-lieutenant of the Number -One. - -"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." - -"Very good, sir," replied the sub, who, saluting, went off to be -assisted into his diving-dress. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Very good, sir." - -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. - -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. - -Rung by rung he descended till the water rose to his shoulders. - -"By Jove, the tide does run," he muttered. "If it's like this now, what -will it be in another ten minutes?" - -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. - -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. - -Presently two eerie-looking shapes ambled towards him. They were his -companions, Banks and Moy. - -"Well, if I am going in the wrong direction, those fellows are making -the same mistake," thought the sub. "So here goes." - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"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. - -"Anything to report?" asked a voice through the telephone. - -"No, sir," replied the sub. - -"Thought as much," said Watterley. "Merely a matter of form. You may -as well come up. I'll recall the two men." - -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. - -[Illustration: "THE NEXT INSTANT HE FELT HIMSELF BEING HURLED VIOLENTLY -BACKWARDS."] - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"Are Banks and Moy safe?" gasped the young officer. - -"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." - -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. - -"Well?" demanded the first lieutenant laconically. - -"Nothin' to report, sir," replied Banks, while his companion signified -corroboration by a nod of his head. - -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. - -"Now then, Mr. Hythe--why, what's the matter with you? Here, I must -send for the staff-surgeon; I must, by George!" - -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. - -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. - -"Commander-in-Chief coming off, sir!" reported the lieutenant of the -watch. - -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." - -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. - -"Well, Hobbes, what do you make of this business, eh?" asked Sir Peter -Garboard. "Have you taken any steps to investigate?" - -"Sent three divers down," replied the Vice-Admiral. "I am even now -awaiting their report." - -"Then the sooner the better," rejoined the Commander-in-Chief. - -Admiral Hobbes touched a bell and a marine orderly entered the cabin. - -"Pass the word for Mr. Watterley." - -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. - -"What's this? Mr. Hythe frightened by something he saw beneath the -surface?" demanded Vice-Admiral Hobbes. - -"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." - -"You don't mean to say that Mr. Hythe is the victim of a submarine -discharge?" - -"I do not assert, sir; I merely stated my opinion based upon -observations." - -"And how is he now?" asked the Vice-Admiral impatiently. - -"Fairly fit; he could be judiciously cross-examined," replied the -staff-surgeon. "But, unless absolutely necessary----" - -"It is absolutely necessary," interposed Admiral Hobbes; then turning to -the first lieutenant he continued:-- - -"And what were the other men doing? I understand that there were two -seamen sent down. Were they injured?" - -"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----" - -"By the by," interposed Sir Peter Garboard. "I suppose you ascertained -that none of our submarine flotilla were manoeuvring at Spithead?" - -"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----" - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -"How would you describe the submarine that passed so close to you?" -asked Captain Warborough. - -"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." - -"How many propellers?" - -"Two, I think, sir. I distinctly saw the starboard one revolving. The -eddy from it prevented my seeing anything more." - -"H'm. By the by, had she a conning-tower?" - -"I could not see, sir. Her upper deck must have been quite twelve feet -above my head." - -"What colour was she painted?" - -"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." - -"You were capsized, I believe. Did anything strike you?" - -"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." - -"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?" - -"I regret, sir, I cannot hazard an opinion," replied the sub. - -"That will do, Mr. Hythe," said the Commander-in-Chief, indicating that -the interview was at an end. - -"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 -_did_ see this submarine? Is it possible that he was the victim of a -hallucination?" - -"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." - -"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." - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - THE MAN WHO WALKED OUT OF THE SEA. - - -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. - -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? - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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." - -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 cafes 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. - -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. - -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. - -At 11.15 one morning a startling incident occurred that, rightly or -wrongly, was attributed in some manner to Captain Restronguet. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -"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!" - -"Can't we detain him on suspicion?" asked Smithers. "I'll swear he's up -to no good." - -"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." - -"Invite him to the station, friendly-like," suggested the petty officer, -"then, while he's there, you can telephone for instructions." - -"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. - -"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." - -With that he ignored his questioners and began to roll his diving suit -into as small a compass as possible. - -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. - -Just at that instant a policeman strolled leisurely up, and scenting a -charge, produced his notebook and pencil. - -"Hi! What's this you're up to?" he demanded, but the unknown totally -ignored him. - -"Can't he speak English?" asked the policeman of the coastguard officer. - -"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." - -"I'll see about that," retorted the policeman. "Now, sir, your name and -address, please." - -"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." - -A titter went up from the crowd, which had the effect of rousing the ire -of the representative of the Law. - -"Now, sir, your name and address, please." - -"What for, constable?" - -"For bathing off a public beach in prohibited hours." - -"Don't talk rot!" exclaimed the unknown indignantly. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - THE SIGNAL FROM THE DEPTHS. - - -"Naval appointments: The following appointment was made at the Admiralty -this afternoon: Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe to the 'Investigator' for -special duties (undated)." - -This item, in the Stop-Press columns of an evening paper, was shown to -Sub-Lieutenant Hythe by one of his brother officers. - -"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." - -"Yes, that is hard lines," assented the sub. "But I'll do my level best, -no doubt." - -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. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -On the morning following the momentous news from Wilhelmshaven a message -appeared in _The Times_. 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. - -"Do you think it is a joke, sir?" asked Sub-Lieutenant Hythe of the -navigating officer of the "Investigator." - -"What do you think of it, may I ask?" replied Lieutenant Egmont -guardedly. - -"Personally, I hardly consider that it is a hoax. You see the notice -appeared in the Personal Column." - -"And paid for in the usual manner, I suppose." - -"But the Business Editor has the option of refusing any advertisement." - -"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." - -"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 _The -Times_?" 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." - -"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?" - -"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!" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"No message has been received at the Semaphore Tower, sir," they -replied. The captain gave a deprecating shrug and descended the ladder. - -"They're coming back, by Jove!" exclaimed Lieutenant Egmont, after -another ten minutes had elapsed. "That proves that the message was a -hoax." - -"They may have seen something," suggested the sub, unwilling to have his -opinions shattered. - -"Not they. Do you mean to tell me that if they had spotted anything -suspicious they would not follow it up. I was----" - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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 _The Times_ 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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -_The Chronicle_ 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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - CAPTURED. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"We've got him, by Jove!" shouted Captain Tarfag. - -Four blasts in rapid succession from the "Investigator's" syren was the -signal for the men ashore to haul away. - -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. - -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." - -"Surely in fifty feet, with a clear sandy bottom, those fellows up there -ought to detect the craft!" exclaimed Lieutenant Egmont impatiently. - -"I failed to see it at ten yards, although I admit the water was awfully -muddy," said the sub. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -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. - -"Holding, sir!" shouted the midshipman in charge of the picquet-boat. - -"Good! Belay there!" replied Captain Tarfag. "Drop the second grapnel, -and I will send a boat to bring the rope aboard." - -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. - -"Mr. Hythe," shouted the captain. - -The sub took the bridge-ladder at top speed, and saluting, awaited his -chief's orders. - -"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." - -"I should like to descend, sir." - -"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." - -The sub again saluted, and on gaining the quarter deck ordered the -bo's'un's mate to pipe away the diving-party. - -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. - -"Numbers one and two front rank men, fall out." - -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. - -"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." - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"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. - -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. - -Since nothing had attempted to molest him, Hythe's sense of confidence -rose. - -"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?" - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -With that he turned and began to make his way round the submarine once -more. - -"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!" - -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. - -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. - -"All right, my fine fellow!" he muttered. "I'll see if I can't tackle -you." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - FACE TO FACE. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -Hythe, still resisting, saw the action. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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?" - -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.'" - -"Very good, sir; will you please step this way?" - -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. - -"Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe, of H.M.S. 'Investigator,' sir!" announced -the man. - -"Come in, Mr. Hythe!" exclaimed a deep, sonorous voice. - -The guide stood aside, and allowed the sub to pass. - -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. - -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. - -"I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, sir," continued Captain -Restronguet, holding out his hand. - -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. - -"And so am I, sir," he replied simply. - -"Thank you," replied Captain Restronguet, then addressing his men he -ordered them to leave his cabin. - -"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." - -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. - -"Do you smoke? Yes? Well, try one of these cigars. I can guarantee -them as pure Sumatran." - -The sub controlled his amazement with an effort. He had never before -heard of smoking in a submarine. - -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. - -Captain Restronguet eyed his captive for some moments in silence, -then:-- - -"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----" - -The captain paused meditatively. Hythe could see his thick bushy -eyebrows narrow till they formed one continuous line. - -"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." - -"But why was I seized by your men, might I ask?" - -"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." - -"But you are fairly trapped. You cannot get away!" exclaimed Hythe. - -"I think not. At any rate, I will soon find out." - -Crossing the cabin Captain Restronguet took up the receiver and -mouthpiece of a portable telephone. - -"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!" - -The captain replaced the receiver and turned to his guest. - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - IN THE CONNING-TOWER. - - -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. - -"Wonderful!" exclaimed the sub at length. - -"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?" - -The captain opened the door of his cabin. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"They collared me too, O'Shaunessey," answered Hythe. - -"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." - -"Why foreigners, O'Shaunessey?" asked the sub, while Captain Restronguet -gave a low chuckle. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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. - -"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." - -"Sounds like a railway station," thought Hythe; then-- - -"What do you mean by platforms?" he asked. - -"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?" - -"Rather!" exclaimed the young officer eagerly. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"What do you mean?" asked Hythe. - -"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?" - -"Yes," assented the sub. "But how do you know that?" - -"Merely by a reference to the Navy List. But look ahead; see that -object dead in line with our bows?" - -"An electro-contact mine, by Jove!" exclaimed Hythe. - -"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." - -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. - -"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?" - -"A regular pile of huge stones," replied the sub. - -"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.'" - -"What causes her to be almost invisible?" asked Hythe. "Are her plates -made of or faced with glass?" - -"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." - -"What is that?" asked Hythe excitedly, pointing to a sudden turmoil in -the water ahead. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Prepare to anchor," ordered Captain Restronguet through a telephone. - -"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?" - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - EXPLANATIONS. - - -"By the by," observed Captain Restronguet, as he entered the cabin, "I -have already sent a reassuring message concerning you to the British -Admiralty." - -"You have! How?" asked Hythe in astonishment. "You are not fitted with -wireless?" - -"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." - -"And, might I ask, with whom do you communicate?" - -"That need not be kept a secret from you, Mr. Hythe." - -"Why not, sir?" - -"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." - -"But my career? Remember, sir, I'm a naval officer." - -"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." - -"Then you are going to release O'Shaunessey?" - -"Not at present. He, too, will serve a good purpose. He will be able -to corroborate my statement that you will be honourably treated." - -"But that will be unnecessary. Surely my word----" - -"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." - -"Why did you come to a standstill here?" asked the sub. - -"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." - -"Anchored?" echoed Hythe. "How? I saw no anchors when I examined your -vessel from the outside." - -"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." - -"Then that means that every day you must recharge? How do you manage -when there is not sufficient tide to actuate the propellers?" - -"My dear sir," replied Captain Restronguet, "I ought to have said that -we were _partially_ 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?" - -"I am too interested to think about eating," replied Hythe. "But now -you mention it I feel quite peckish." - -"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." - -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. - -"Excellent," declared the sub. "However is this dish produced in this -guise?" - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"Reasonable?" - -"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." - - * * * * * - -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. - -"Be sharp, men! Blow him to the surface," ordered Egmont. "There's -something up down there." - -"Mr. Hythe's just signalled for more air, sir," announced the seaman who -had charge of the telephone. - -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. - -"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?" - -"No reply, sir," said the man laconically. - -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. - -"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. - -"Wire's cut off, sir," he announced. - -"And his life-line and air-tube cut, too, sir," added another seaman. - -"Great heavens! what's up?" ejaculated the lieutenant. "Here, bring -Price up before he's done for." - -Hastily Egmont communicated this disquieting news to Captain Tarfag. -The latter went for'ard and awaited Diver Price's re-appearance. - -As soon as Price's helmet appeared above the surface his glass plate was -unscrewed, revealing his features as pale as a sheet. - -"What has happened?" demanded Captain Tarfag anxiously. - -The man was incapable of speech. He could only raise one hand in a -gesture of horror and despair. - -"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." - -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. - -"Both done for!" he cried. "Saw my mate stabbed by the villains. Never -caught a sight o' Mr. Hythe." - -"By heavens, I'll not stand this!" thundered Captain Tarfag. "I want -three men to go down--who will volunteer?" - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"She's given us the slip, by George!" ejaculated Mr. Egmont. - -"Perhaps the nets have parted," suggested Captain Tarfag. "Look alive, -men!" - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"You saw nothing, Tarfag?" asked the Admiral. - -"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." - -"But how did the submarine contrive to get clear of the wire and rope -entanglements? Surely you saw some signs of a commotion?" - -"Nothing--not even a ripple. The first intimation we had was from the -shore. The nets came home quite easily." - -"H'm," ejaculated the Admiral. "Perhaps I----" - -The entrance of an assistant secretary caused the Commander-in-Chief to -pause abruptly. The newcomer held out a type-written document. - -"Message through from the Admiralty, sir," he announced. - -"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.'" - -"When was that, sir?" asked Captain Tarfag. - -"The message from Dantzic is dated 8 a.m. this morning. Allowing for -differences in Greenwich time----" - -"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----" - -"Unless there are two of these blessed submarines." - -"Or two captains of the name of Restronguet," added Captain Tarfag. - -"I suppose this fellow means to hold Mr. Hythe to ransom, sir?" asked -Mr. Egmont. - -"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?" - -"The Superintendent of Police, sir," announced the head-messenger. - -"Ah, Richardson, what's the trouble now?" asked the Commander-in-Chief, -as a tall, alert-looking man stepped briskly into the room. - -"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." - -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-- - -"Well, of all the most confounded cheek!" he ejaculated. "Read that, -Tarfag, and tell me what you think of it." - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"I have the honour to be, Sir, - "Yours, etc., - "JOHN RESTRONGUET." - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE FIRST DAY IN THE "APHRODITE." - - -A bell rang out sharply in the captain's cabin of the "Aphrodite," and -one of the electric indicators oscillated rapidly. - -"Accumulators charged," announced Captain Restronguet laconically. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"Most certainly I should," replied the sub. - -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. - -"All correct, sir," he said saluting. - -"Right, Mr. Devoran. Who's in the conning-tower?" - -"Mylor, sir." - -"Good. I will take the 'Aphrodite' up the river. You need not turn out -till midnight. I shall want you then." - -"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." - -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." - -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. - -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. - -"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!" - -The hiss of a powerful water jet was just audible through the double -plating of the submarine's hull. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"How does the submarine rise, might I ask? By means of horizontal -rudders?" - -"Yes and no," replied Captain Restronguet. "But before I explain perhaps -this might interest you." - -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. - -"I can see nothing," said Hythe, as he strove to peer through the glass. -"It is perfectly dark." - -"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!" - -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. - -"What's that?" he asked, as two objects, resembling barnacle-covered -pipes passed slowly across the field of light. - -"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." - -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. - -"All right, Mylor, you carry on," exclaimed the captain to the helmsman -in the conning-tower. "Starboard your helm a bit--go!" - -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. - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Is that an automatic sounding machine?" asked Hythe. - -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. - -"Cannot say, sir," said the helmsman decidedly. "It's against orders. -For any information ask the cap'n." - -"That's a staggerer," thought the sub. "One thing about it the fellow's -true to his master." - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"Police launch evidently," said Captain Restronguet. "Now Gwennap, -stand by. Are we right under her course, Carclew?" - -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. - -"All ready, sir," he announced. - -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. - -"They've picked it up, sir," declared Carclew, after half a minute had -elapsed. - -"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." - -And with a grave smile on his resolute features Captain Restronguet -returned to his cabin. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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?" - -"Quite two years ago." - -"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." - -"I see that they've covered in the magazines with earth," said Hythe. -"That's for protection against attack from aerial craft." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Carry on, men," exclaimed Hythe, and crossing over to where -O'Shaunessey stood he asked him how he fared. - -"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." - -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, - -"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?" - -"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." - -"Definite orders to the contrary, sorr? From where, may Oi make so bold -as to ask?" - -In a few words the sub imparted the information that news of their -presence within the submarine had been sent to the Admiralty. - -"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." - -"They haven't asked you to join the crew?" - -"Bad luck be on their heads if they did, by Jabers!" ejaculated the -Irishman. "Sure, I'm thrue to me salt." - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE SECOND OFFICER RETURNS. - - -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. - -Here the men had unshipped the collapsible boat, but as yet it had not -been unfolded. - -"Are you going to bring her to the surface, sir?" asked Polglaze, seeing -that his captain was in his great coat. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"What is it like up above--dark?" - -"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." - -"Good!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet approvingly. "Pass the word to -Mr. Devoran to bring the vessel awash." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -Carclew and Gwennap tossed the oars into the frail craft, and holding -the painter launched her over the side. - -"Ready, sir," whispered the latter. - -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. - -"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. - -"Boat ahoy!" challenged the look-out on the nearest vessel. - -The captain of the "Aphrodite" was equal to the occasion. - -"Passing!" he roared, using the shibboleth laid down in the Naval -Regulations for this contingency. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -Ten minutes passed. Captain Restronguet knitted his brows in -perplexity. - -"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. - -"Is that you, Kenwyn?" demanded the Captain in a low voice. - -"Ay, ay, sir." - -"Then jump in; I thought you had missed us." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -"Boat ahoy!" came the hail from the lookout. - -Captain Restronguet replied as before, but this time the look-out was -not satisfied. - -"What boat is that?" he shouted. - -"Customs!" roared the captain with a lucky inspiration. - -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. - -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. - -"Look sharp, sir!" exclaimed Gwennap. "There's a steam-boat bearing -right down upon us." - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"I had to abandon my diving-suit, sir," explained Kenwyn, who served on -board the submarine in the capacity of second officer. - -"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." - -"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." - -"You have, of course, heard that we have a naval officer on board?" - -"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." - -"And how does the Great British Public like it?" - -"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'----" - -"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. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - CONCERNING CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET'S RIVAL. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -As they turned at the end of their promenade the two men caught sight of -the sub. - -"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." - -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. - -"Not yet," replied the sub. "I came straight on deck. It was a -surprise to find myself at sea. Where are we?" - -"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." - -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. - -Accordingly Hythe went on deck once more. The "Aphrodite" was slowly -forging ahead at a bare five knots, her course being N.N.W 1/4 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. - -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. - -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. - -At noon Captain Restronguet appeared on deck. Kenwyn had just "shot the -sun" and was working out the vessel's position. - -"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?" - -"No, sir, I've stationed Polglaze by it, and he won't be caught napping. -She couldn't have passed before we arrived, sir?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"The name is French, I believe?" - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"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." - -"Whatever for?" asked the Sub. "It is inconceivable." - -"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. - -"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." - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - THE "VORWARTZ" IS SIGHTED. - - -"Then there is a great possibility of a scrap, sir?" asked Hythe, his -face flushing and his eyes glistening at the prospect. - -"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." - -"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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"A bit of a fatalist, eh?" - -"In a limited sense. I believe in taking care of myself. For -instance----" - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"How is she lying?" asked Captain Restronguet of his chief officer by -means of the telephone. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Might have known that," he growled. "Now, what's to be done." - -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. - -"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." - -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:-- - -"Hurry up and cover that hatchway. How can you expect me to see ahead -with that glare under my eyes?" - -"Sorry, Devoran," replied the sub, hastily skipping up the remaining -portion of the ladder and replacing the cover. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"You've buckled one of your propeller shaftings," said the sub. "I've -had some before. I know what those noises mean." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"Yes; but it puzzled me to know why they exploded so far from the ship." - -"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." - -"Then, this submarine is practically invulnerable?" - -"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." - -"But why didn't you torpedo his 'Vorwartz'?" asked Hythe. "Your -torpedoes would easily overtake that vessel." - -"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." - -"But you vowed you would destroy the 'Vorwartz'?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Take axes and cut the rope through," ordered Captain Restronguet, -addressing Carclew and Gwennap. "We'll soon clear that." - -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. - -"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." - -"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -[Illustration: "HE GRABBED FRANTICALLY AT ONE BLADE OF THE PROPELLER."] - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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?" - -But Gwennap evidently did not see, for if anything he struggled the -more. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"Pity I didn't think of that before," thought Hythe dimly. "I wonder if -I've killed him, but there was no other way." - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - THE MISSING SUBMARINE. - - -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. - -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. - -"Not quite up to the mark, thanks. But what am I doing here? Ah, I -remember. Have you got Gwennap safe on board?" - -"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." - -"I hope I didn't hit him too hard?" asked the sub anxiously. - -"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." - -"Where are we making for now?" asked Hythe, seeking to change an -embarrassing subject. "Has the propeller-shafting been cleared yet?" - -"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." - -"Is Captain Restronguet going to beach the 'Aphrodite' at half tide?" -asked Hythe. - -"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." - -"But I don't want to go to sleep," expostulated Hythe. - -"Very well, then, don't, only drink this. It will buck you up." - -The sub took the glass proffered by the wily Kenwyn, and drained it at a -gulp. Within three minutes he was sleeping peacefully. - -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. - -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." - -"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." - -"You mean to track him down?" - -"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?" - -"Yes, to Bilbao, Santander, and Coruna; but it was two years ago, when I -was in the old 'Alacrity.'" - -"Then you don't know Machichaco Bay?" - -"Never heard of it until Mr. Kenwyn mentioned the name to me, sir." - -"H'm. Do you remember the disaster to 'La Flamme'?" - -"The French submarine that was supposed to have been run down on her way -from Rochefort to Toulon?" - -"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." - -"And didn't she? Do you know anything about it?" asked Hythe -interestedly. - -"I think I can show you certain evidence before many more days are -passed. Ha, Devoran, what is it?" - -"Cape Machichaco in sight, sir." - -"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." - -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. - -"Is that the cape? Where, then, is the bay?" asked Hythe. - -"It is hardly recognizable from the distance. There it lies--away to the -east'ard. A point to starboard, quartermaster--gently does it--so." - -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. - -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. - -"Hard a port." - -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? - -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. - -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. - -Presently Captain Restronguet touched Hythe upon the shoulder. - -"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. - -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. - -"'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. - -A little farther and the twin search-lights played upon a solid barrier -of rock, extending from side to side of the submerged gulley. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"It is a tricky piece of navigation," remarked the sub. - -"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." - -"Did you examine the wrecked submarine?" asked Hythe. - -"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." - -"I should, sir, with pleasure," replied Hythe. - -"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." - -"I have seen a few gruesome things during the comparatively short time I -have been in the Service, sir." - -"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." - -"Abolish submarine warfare?" exclaimed Hythe, astonished at the -suggestion, that to him--a naval officer, who had qualified in submarine -work--was utterly absurd. - -"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?" - -The sub shook his head. - -"By eliminating certain means of offence you reduce the limits of the -horrors of war." - -"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." - -"Yet you yourself are bent upon an errand of destruction by means of -your submarine." - -"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." - -"What caused the disaster, sir?" asked Hythe. - -"For the present I prefer not to answer that question," was the reply. -"To-morrow I think I can explain more clearly." - -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. - -"Are you ready, Mr. Hythe?" asked the captain. - -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. - -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. - -"It is now nine o'clock," remarked Captain Restronguet. "On what -quarter ought the sun to be visible at this hour?" - -"South-east," replied Hythe promptly. - -"Now look at its bearing according to our standard compass." - -"Why, it bears south-west." - -"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." - -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. - -"Buck up, O'Shaunessey!" said the quartermaster. "Here's the cap'n; and -you're not ready yet." - -"Sure, I'm ready," replied the Irishman. "But can't I have me own -dress?" - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"A Frenchman: time of Louis XIV, by Jove!" said the sub to himself. "I -wonder what her name is?" - -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. - -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." - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - "LA FLAMME." - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -Recovering his steel bar Hythe, though giddy with the effect of his -fall, ranged alongside his friends. - -The eel darted forwards. Captain Restronguet delivered a thrust and -missed. - -The next moment he, too, was capsized while the conger, darting over his -body, retreated to the shelter of a hole in the rocks. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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! - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Well, Mr. Hythe, what did you think of that ghastly spectacle?" asked -Captain Restronguet after their return to the "Aphrodite." - -The sub was deadly pale. Hitherto he had looked only on the bright side -of a submarine officer's life, now he had seen---- - -"It is simply horrible, sir." - -"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." - -"Yet you yourself----" began Hythe. - -"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?" - -Hythe rose from his chair. - -"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." - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - A VISIT TO GIBRALTAR. - - -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. - -The meal was nearly over when Lancarrow, the wireless man, knocked and -entered the cabin. - -"Message just received, sir," he announced unconcernedly. - -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. - -"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." - -"What is she doing in the Mediterranean, sir?" asked Devoran. "That -doesn't look as if she's returning to Sumatran waters." - -"Unless she goes through the Suez Canal," added Kenwyn. - -"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." - -"Now what is to be done, sir?" asked the chief officer. - -Captain Restronguet paused a few moments before replying. - -"The shafting is now all right, Mr. Devoran?" - -"Yes, sir, I remained till the work was completed. That was at half -past one in the morning." - -"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?" - -"With pleasure," replied the sub. - -"There is no time to be lost," continued the captain, rising from his -chair. "What is the weather like, Mr. Devoran?" - -"Hazy, sir." - -"Excellent! We may have a run on the surface; the extra ten knots may -be of extreme importance." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -Within ten minutes the belt of haze had been left astern, and the sun -shone brilliantly upon the clear blue water. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -Just before midnight the captain called to Hythe as the latter was about -to turn in. - -"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?" - -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. - -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. - -"You know this coast, I suppose?" asked Captain Restronguet. "Do you -recognize yonder light?" - -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. - -"Yes, Cape Trafalgar," he replied. "And we are within twelve miles of -it." - -"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." - -"I have seen enough of naval disasters for the time being," remarked -Hythe. - -"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." - -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. - -"This must be Gib.," he thought, as he prepared to dress. - -Although breakfast was laid, Captain Restronguet was busy writing as -Hythe entered the cabin. - -"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?" - -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. - -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 _denouement_ 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. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -"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." - -"I have been wondering how you obtained the paper, sir?" - -"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." - -"How do you propose to set me ashore?" asked Hythe. - -"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?" - -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. - -"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." - -"Where are we lying now?" asked Hythe, in the course of the meal. - -"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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"That is a pity," said the Governor. "Why is this? He is an -Englishman?" - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"Well, we must hope for the best," declared the Governor. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Clothing only," replied Hythe, with considerable annoyance. "Value -Five Pounds; here is my bill." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -One minute to six. With almost indecent haste the sub once more bade -the Governor farewell and resumed his headlong pace. - -Just outside the Dockyard Gate he overtook the Customs official, who was -puffing and blowing after his exertions on a fruitless chase. - -"Very good, sir," exclaimed the man apologetically, "but you see dooty's -dooty. I'll clear your trunk in a jiffy." - -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. - -"He's a wrong 'un, sir," exclaimed the Customs man. "You had better -inform the police." - -"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. - -"That's done it!" ejaculated the sub. "And Captain Restronguet said six -o'clock sharp." - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - OVER A VOLCANO. - - -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. - -"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. - -"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. - -"Are you quite sure they went before six?" asked Hythe. - -"Perfectly sure, sir, it was exactly ten minutes to six when they went -down," replied a sailor confidently. - -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? - -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. - -"They may come back even yet, sir," replied the sub. "I'll wait a -little longer." - -"If you hear nothing by seven you may as well have dinner at Admiralty -House, Mr. Hythe," observed the Admiral. - -Just at that moment two men in uniform arrived carrying Hythe's trunk. -The thief had been caught and was under lock and key. - -"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." - -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. - -"Come on, Mr. Hythe!" he exclaimed. - -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. - -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. - - * * * * * - -"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." - -"What thought, sir?" - -"Might I ask what time you went by?" - -"The local time; my watch had stopped. By Jove! I see what happened. -Gib. time is 21 minutes 28 seconds slower than Greenwich." - -"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." - -"And the naval authorities as well, sir. The Admiral was there." - -"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 AEgean Sea and -intercept Herr Karl von Harburg as he returns through the Dardanelles." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -"What's up, Devoran?" he asked. - -"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." - -"Much too easily for my liking," remarked Hythe, although he felt -considerably reassured that the "Aphrodite" had risen. - -"Where are you going?" asked Devoran. - -"To the for'ard conning-tower." - -"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." - -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? - -"Plug fused, sir. I am replacing it," shouted Carclew. - -"Then for goodness' sake hurry up!" replied the chief officer. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -Just then Captain Restronguet's voice was heard at the telephone -inquiring if Mr. Hythe were in the conning-tower. - -"He is, sir," replied Kenwyn. - -"Ask him to step this way. The watertight doors are now open." - -"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." - -"I wonder if another island has been created, sir?" - -"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----" - -"Look ahead, sir!" exclaimed the quartermaster in horrified tones. - -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. - -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. - -Captain Restronguet muttered something under his breath. - -"Can nothing be done to save them?" asked Hythe. - -The captain shook his head. - -"Nothing," he replied deliberately. "Nothing. Had there been a ghost of -a chance we would have taken the risk." - -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. - -"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." - -"It is lucky for us it is no worse, sir. For the moment I----" - -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. - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -"Are the men still there?" asked Captain Restronguet. - -"They were, sir, when she settled on our deck." - -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. - -"Men," said he, "who will take the risk and venture outside?" - -A dozen voices replied in the affirmative, even that of Gwennap, the -non-swimmer. - -"You, Polglaze, and you, Lancarrow. A couple of life-lines there, and -two men to tend them." - -Quickly Polglaze and Lancarrow sprang up the ladder and entered the -conning-tower. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Keep a strain on the life-line," ordered the chief officer. "Smartly -now--haul away." - -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. - -"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. - -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 _padrone_ or master of the wrecked -craft. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"I've got him," spluttered the sub, as he laid hold of the unconscious -Italian. "You look after yourself, Lancarrow." - -With a heave Hythe lifted the _padrone_ 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. - -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. - -After exactly three hours and ten minutes' steady work the old Italian -showed signs of respiration. - -"We've managed it," exclaimed Kenwyn joyfully, in the tone of a man who -has fought a hard struggle and has won the victory. - -"Avast there!" ordered the captain to Gwennap who was still pressing and -relaxing the pressure on the patient's body. "Watch him carefully." - -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 _padrone_ 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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"How do you mean different?" asked the captain going towards one of the -scuttles. A moment later he shouted to the chief officer. - -"Hurry up and open the fore-hatch, Mr. Devoran, if you please. We're in -for a run of bad luck, it seems." - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - THE RESCUED ITALIANS. - - -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. - -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. - -"H'm," ejaculated Captain Restronguet. "In spite of my faith in the -high qualities of restronium the metal has played me false!" - -"How so, sir?" asked the chief officer. - -"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." - -"It is a serious look-out, sir," observed the sub. - -"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." - -"Can the defect be remedied?" - -"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?" - -"It is, sir," replied the second officer. "We have just tapped a -message from the P. & O. liner, 'Coghlania,' seventy miles south of -Brindisi." - -"Anything of importance?" - -"No, sir; merely on a matter of ordinary routine." - -"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 AEgean?" - -"I'll ascertain, sir," replied the second officer. - -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. - -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 _padrone_ 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. - -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? - -"I had thought of that," said Captain Restronguet when the sub -interpreted the _padrone's_ 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." - -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?" - -"I cannot make out, sir, she flies no ensign," replied the chief -officer, after a lengthy survey through his telescope. - -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." - -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. - -[Illustration: "CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET SOON MADE IT EVIDENT THAT THE -APHRODITE. COULD GO TWO KNOTS TO THE STEAMER'S ONE."] - -"The 'Eleusis' of the Piraeus," announced Captain Restronguet, who was -able to decipher with ease the modern Greek characters on her stern. - -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. - -"'Eleusis' ahoy!" hailed Captain Restronguet in stentorian tones. - -"What ship's dat?" asked the Grecian master, who spoke English by reason -of several years' service in the British Mercantile Marine. - -"Submarine 'Aphrodite,'" replied her captain. - -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. - -"What want, eh? Me peaceful." - -"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?" - -"Messina, Napoli an' Civita Vecchia, sar." - -"Will you take these two men as far as Messina?" - -The Greek hesitated. His natural cupidity, now that the submarine had -shown no hostile intentions, returned. - -"Can dey pay passage-monnaire?" - -"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?" - -"Yas, captain," replied the fellow, thoroughly cowed. "Me send boat." - -"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?" - -So saying the captain went below; but hardly had his head and shoulders -disappeared down the hatchway when he reappeared. - -"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." - -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 _padrone_ 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." - -"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." - -So saying Captain Restronguet strode out of the cabin leaving the sub to -explain matters to the bewildered _padrone_, to whom the gold was a sum -greater than he could hope to amass in ten years' hard toil. - -"Boat alongside, sir," announced Polglaze. - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - THE RIVALS PASS THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL. - - -Four days later, with her accumulators charged to their fullest -capacity, the "Aphrodite" arose from her anchorage in the Dardanelles. - -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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"You don't seem very partial to the Balkan States, sir," remarked the -sub. - -"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?" - -"I think not, sir," replied the second officer, handing his chief the -latest "wireless" received on board. - -This time, instead of executing a dance, Captain Restronguet very nearly -lost his temper. - -"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." - -"Surely that's impossible!" - -"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." - -"Very good, sir," replied the second officer, withdrawing. - -"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. - -"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." - -"You mean to traverse the Suez Canal?" - -"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?" - -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. - -During the run across from Gallipoli to Port Said a complete text of -Karl von Harburg's feat, as reported in the _Egyptian Monitor_, was -transmitted by Captain Restronguet's agent for the information of his -employer. - -It was indeed a daring coup on the part of the German renegade. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"How far do you think the vessel is, sir?" asked Hythe. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -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? - -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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Red Sea pirates, by Jove!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet. - -"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." - -"I'll tell you where they'll go to if they don't pretty soon sheer off," -rejoined Captain Restronguet grimly. - -"Are you standing in pursuit, sir?" asked Devoran. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"Steady, sir," ejaculated Kenwyn. "We're pulling them under." - -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. - -"Have we any oil to spare on board?" asked the sub. - -"We might manage a barrel of lubricating oil," answered Captain -Restronguet. "A good idea of yours, Mr. Hythe." - -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. - -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. - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -Captain Restronguet's face lighted up when he heard the good news. - -"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.'" - -"Perhaps she has cleared off due south, while we are heading due west," -suggested the chief officer. - -"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?" - -"'Persia' in sight, sir," replied the quartermaster, who had taken up -his position, telescope in hand, on top of the fore conning-tower. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. - - -"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." - -"You are right," assented Devoran. "It is going to be dirty weather. -The glass is falling rapidly." - -"It will soon be over," observed Hythe. "'Long foretold, long last; -short notice, soon past.' That's how the rhyme goes, doesn't it?" - -"And a brute of a business while it lasts," added the second officer. - -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. - -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. - -There was every indication of a sharp yet severe storm. - -"Are you going to submerge her, Devoran?" asked the sub. - -"Not on my own responsibility," replied the chief officer. "Until the -captain gives the order--ah, here he is." - -"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." - -"The 'Vorwartz' is doubtless beyond the field of electrical action, -sir," remarked Kenwyn. - -"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?" - -"Don't you think, sir, we ought to submerge the ship?" asked Devoran, -anxious to change the subject. "The glass is falling----" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -Another of these dreaded fish came up, and the pair, regaining -confidence, began to approach, swarming towards the two men in -ever-narrowing circles. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"All right, sorr," exclaimed the Irishman cheerily. "Do you let go. -I'll see to the cap'n, sure I will." - -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. - -Devoran and Kenwyn, handing their still smoking rifles to a seaman, -hastened to where Captain Restronguet was lying. - -"Is he dead?" asked the second officer. - -"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:-- - -"Take them below. Secure the hatches. All ready, Mr. Kenwyn." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"You did not rescue a dead man, Hythe," remarked Devoran in a low tone. -"But I'm afraid his brain is affected." - -"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." - -"Yes, that's all very well," rejoined the chief officer, "but----" - -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. - -"What are you up to, Lancarrow?" asked Devoran through the telephone -communicating with the fore conning-tower. "Anything in the way?" - -There was no reply. - -The chief officer hailed again. Still an ominous silence. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -"Do you think the lightning struck Lancarrow down?" asked Kenwyn. - -"Bless my soul, I hope not!" ejaculated the first officer. "One affair -of this sort is quite enough. Why did you ask?" - -"The flashes have been terrific. They seemed to play upon the deck, -even though we are nine fathoms down." - -"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." - -"Give it up, then," rejoined the second officer. "But how is Captain -Restronguet?" - -"Coming round, thank Heaven. But it's the after effects I am anxious -about. By Jove! That's a flash." - -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. - -[Illustration: "BEATING DOWN, AND READY TO RAM THE APHRODITE, WAS -ANOTHER SUBMARINE!"] - -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." - -"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. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - RAMMED AMIDSHIPS. - - -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. - -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. - -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." - -"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." - -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. - -In answer Carnon replied: "I've tried the gadget, sir, and there's no -current on." - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"She's standing the strain all right," remarked the chief officer to -Hythe in quite a cheerful tone. - -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. - -"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. - -The chief officer instantly adjusted the planes, and the submarine, -though lacking her usual sensitiveness to the action of the horizontal -rudders, rose steadily. - -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. - -"Ten fathoms," announced Devoran. "This is our limit. We must carry on -till we ground. Look! what a rent, by Jove!" - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"All ready to let go?" asked the chief officer, and from the for'ard -compartment came the alert reply that everything was in order. - -"It is almost like abandoning one's ship," remarked Hythe. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -The damaged midship section had been abandoned to its ocean grave. - -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. - -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." - -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." - -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." - -"That is true," agreed Hythe. "But what will Captain Restronguet say?" - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - CAPTAIN RESTRONGUET LEARNS THE NEWS. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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?" - -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. - -Captain Restronguet looked up sharply. He saw the chief officer and the -sub exchange significant looks. - -"You have a pleasant surprise for me, then?" he continued. "I'll get up -and find out for myself." - -"But, sir----" began Devoran. The captain stopped him by an emphatic -gesture. - -Hythe never felt more uncomfortable. He would right willingly have -given a month's pay to be out of the business. - -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. - -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. - -"Well, Devoran, we've had a mishap, I see," he remarked in a casual -tone. - -"Yes, sir; a very unfortunate----" - -"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?" - -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. - -"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?" - -"No, sir." - -"Thank God for that!" ejaculated Captain Restronguet fervently. "And -are all the electric circuits working properly?" - -"No, sir. The detector is entirely out of gear, and so is the offensive -apparatus." - -"H'm, unfortunate, but we will set that right. And the wireless?" - -"I have not used or tried it, sir. Until you were fit to command I -preferred to remain here and make no communication whatsoever." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"You have already visited this coast in the 'Aphrodite'?" asked the sub. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"That's nothing to do with the 'Vorwartz,' sir," suggested the chief -officer. - -"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." - -"Submerged, sir?" - -"No; on the surface. Time and speed are to be considered." - -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. - -Hoisted half way to her mainmast head was the Red Ensign--upside -down--as a signal of distress. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -"Arabs!" exclaimed Devoran laconically, without removing his binoculars -from his eyes. - -"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." - -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. - -Captain Restronguet touched him on the shoulder. - -"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." - -"Very good, sir," replied the sub unhesitatingly, although he was still -at sea as to how the men could be landed. - -"Blow all the ballast tanks!" ordered the Captain. "A leadsman -for'ard." - -Then the sub realized the plan of action. Captain Restronguet was going -to take the "Aphrodite" across the bar. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - BESET BY SOMALIS. - - -"Take cover!" ordered Captain Restronguet calmly. "Down below, every -man." - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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?" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Cease fire!" ordered Hythe; then, "Carry on. Search the bush away on -the right. There are hundreds of the enemy lurking there." - -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. - -"Carry on," repeated the sub in a loud voice. "I gave no orders to cease -firing." - -"Can't help it, sir," replied Polglaze, who was sitting across the trail -and manipulating the firing-gear. "The blessed thing's jammed." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Well, the sooner we get you out of this mess the better," said Hythe, -when the master of the "Iticaba" had concluded his narrative. - -"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?" - -The sub told him. - -"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. - -"Well, hardly," replied Hythe smiling. "You see yonder vessel is the -submarine 'Aphrodite,' of which you may have heard." - -The master of the "Iticaba" looked at the sub for a few seconds, then -shrugging his shoulders he replied, - -"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." - -"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?" - -"A fair brute of a job, sir," replied the man, as, streaming with -perspiration, he struggled with the refractory mechanism of the gun. - -"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'?" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"Nearly finished, sir," answered Polglaze remonstratively. - -"Can't help it. There'll be too much of a swell on the beach in a -minute. Fall in, men." - -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. - -"Come along, men!" he exclaimed. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - OVER THE BAR. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Give way," ordered the sub. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Avast heaving!" shouted the sub, as the recovered weapon reached the -water's edge. - -"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 - -"Thanks, O'Shaunessey," exclaimed Hythe. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Unless influenced by the wind, sir," added Hythe. "That is a great -consideration." - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"Might," remarked Captain Restronguet dubiously. "What do you say, Mr. -Hythe?" - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"They're staving in the barrel, sir," announced Devoran. "There's one -overboard." - -"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?" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"What has happened, Mr. Kenwyn?" demanded Captain Restronguet, as the -unlucky boat's crew boarded the submarine. - -"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----" - -"And what caused it to take fire; some one was smoking, eh?" - -"Yes, sir," replied the second officer. - -"Was it one of my men?" - -"No, sir." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - THE AERO-HYDROPLANE. - - -"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." - -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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"Are you going alone, sir?" asked Hythe. - -"I did think of so doing; but why? Would you like to accompany me -ashore?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"What name, sir?" asked the stalwart sergeant of marines, who was in -charge of the guard. - -"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." - -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. - -"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. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -"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." - -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." - -"I agree with you." - -"Then, why? The 'Aphrodite' was destroyed by that villain Karl von -Harburg in the Red Sea more than a week ago." - -"On whose authority did you hear this, might I ask?" - -"On the word--if word it can be called--of Karl von Harburg himself." - -"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." - -"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. - -"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.'" - -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." - -"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." - -"Have you a Navy List, sir?" asked the sub, speaking for the first time -during the interview. - -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. - -"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?" - -"Certainly not. I will have a signal made at once," replied the Consul. - -"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." - -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. - -"Good afternoon, Dick," exclaimed Hythe as soon as the sub from the -"Topaze" had paid his respects to the Consul. - -"Well, Hythe, where did you roll up from?" asked Dewerstone -nonchalantly. "I thought you were in Davy Jones's locker." - -"I am not," said Hythe earnestly. "Perhaps you would not mind proving -my identity to His Britannic Majesty's Consul." - -"Considering we were in the semi-final for the heavyweight and you -knocked me out I think I can safely do that," replied Dewerstone. - -"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?" - -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. - -"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." - -As soon as this was done Captain Rees took his departure. - -His men had already been quartered in the Consulate, where they were to -remain until they could be sent back to Liverpool. - -"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?" - -"I must get a boat before four o'clock," replied Captain Restronguet. -"So I must ask to be excused." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -Captain Restronguet shook his head. - -"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." - -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. - -"What ho, there, Tretheway! Whoever would have thought of meeting you -in this dead and alive corner of the globe?" - -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. - -"Bless my soul! It's Jenkins. What are you doing here?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"No, I cannot complain on that score," said Captain Restronguet quietly. - -"Well, come and have a look at my little air-fleet. Really they don't -make a bad show. And your friend, of course." - -"Sorry," replied Captain Restronguet. "But we're in a regular hurry. I -am trying to get a boat to put me off." - -"Where to?" asked Jenkins. "One of the liners in the Roads?" - -"No, further out; quite five miles off." - -"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." - -"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. - -"Safe as a house," replied Jenkins reassuringly. - -"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?" - -"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." - -"Carry on, then," assented Captain Restronguet. - -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. - -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. - -"All correct," he bawled, for the rapid explosion of the motor -practically deadened every other sound. "Get aboard." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Look, sir," he exclaimed. "There's the 'Topaze' going out." - -"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." - -"I think not," replied the sub confidently. "He told me he was on leave -till the day after to-morrow." - -"Where's your ship, Tretheway?" shouted Jenkins. - -"Away beyond Bawi Island. There she is." - -"Rum looking craft, anyway," commented the aviator. "Looks more like a -dog's kennel to me." - -"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." - -"Haven't a boat," ejaculated Jenkins. "Rum craft. Look here----" - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Where's your ship, Tretheway?" asked the aviator anxiously. "We were -falling close to where she was hove-to." - -"I'm rather afraid she didn't spot us," replied Captain Restronguet. -"And seeing the 'Topaze' approaching, she dived." - -"Dived!" exclaimed the astounded Jenkins. "What d'ye mean? You don't -mean to tell me the ship you belong to is a submarine?" - -"It is," assented the Captain coolly. - -"Not that rascally 'Vorwartz' by any chance?" - -"No." - -"Well, then, what's her name? I haven't heard of any other submarine in -these waters." - -"Not the 'Aphrodite'?" - -"Don't try to be funny, Tretheway. You know as well as I do that that -submarine was blown to atoms." - -"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." - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - THE APPROACH OF THE "VORWARTZ." - - -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. - -"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." - -"How shall we get on board the 'Aphrodite,' sir?" asked the sub. - -"We'll manage it sooner or later, but there's valuable time lost. Ha, -there's the 'Topaze' altering helm. She's sighted us." - -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." - -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. - -"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.'" - -"I would much rather settle with her myself," replied Captain -Restronguet. - -"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." - -Captain Restronguet bowed. "Naturally," he added. "Our interests in -the business lies in the same direction." - -"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.'" - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Of course I will carry out your wishes, sir," said the sub. - -"Thank you. But to change the subject: what do you think of the chances -of the 'Topaze' against the 'Vorwartz'?" - -"She has her work cut out," replied the sub. "But I feel certain that -every man on board will do his best." - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -"What's that?" demanded Captain Restronguet. - -"'Clear for action'--a test order perhaps," replied Hythe. "See how -those fellows get to work." - -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. - -Another bugle-call. - -"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.'" - -"Hope they won't have to do it in real earnest," remarked his companion -as the two men ascended to their coign of vantage. - -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. - -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. - -The sub glanced at his watch. The evolution had taken only forty-five -seconds. - -"Smart work!" ejaculated Captain Restronguet. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"The 'Vorwartz!'" he exclaimed. - -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. - -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:-- - -"Don't fire, it is the 'Aphrodite.'" - -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." - -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. - -Then a hatch was thrown open and a figure that Hythe recognized as that -of the first officer appeared. Raising a megaphone Devoran shouted:-- - -"Is Captain Restronguet on board?" - -"Ay, ay," replied a voice from the fore-bridge. "What submarine is -that?" - -"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." - -At that moment a petty officer ran up the ladder of the after-bridge and -requested Captain Restronguet to speak to Captain Sedgwyke. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"Very good," assented Captain Sedgwyke. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - THE SINKING OF THE "TOPAZE." - - -"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." - -The captain of the "Aphrodite" hesitated a few moments. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"Are you taking Mr. Hythe?" - -"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." - -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. - -Barely was the cruiser's boat clear of the "Topaze" when the order came -"Out nets." - -"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.'" - -"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." - -"We shall see," observed Captain Restronguet oracularly, and both men -relapsed into silence until the boat ranged alongside the "Aphrodite." - -"'Vorwartz' is now only eleven miles off, sir," announced Devoran. -"We've cleared for action, I presume you will go straight for her, sir?" - -"No," replied Captain Restronguet. "We are going to run away." - -"Run away, sir?" - -"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." - -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. - -This done, the "Topaze" trimmed her fringe of nets, and forging slowly -ahead, bore down in the supposed direction of the on-coming "Vorwartz." - -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. - -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. - -"Seven and a half miles, sir," announced Devoran. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -"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!" - -"I thought she would swallow the bait," exclaimed Hythe. - -"Let us hope she will swallow more than is good for her," added Kenwyn. -"By Jove! The 'Topaze' has opened fire." - -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. - -"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. - -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---- - -"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?" - -"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?" - -"Two and three quarters from us, sir." - -"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." - -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. - -"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?" - -"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?" - -"Rather," remarked Hythe. "At that time I----" - -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. - -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. - -"Any wireless message?" asked Captain Restronguet coolly. - -"No, sir," replied Kenwyn. - -"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. - -"'Vorwartz' is making off, sir," announced Mylor, who had relieved the -observer at the electric detector. - -"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." - -"No reply, sir," announced the second officer after a wait of nearly two -minutes. - -"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." - -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. - -"She's settling down by the bows," exclaimed one of the spectators of -the ocean drama. - -"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. - -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. - -"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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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. - -"I am standing by," replied Captain Restronguet. "You gave a signal for -urgent aid, sir." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"She's going!" ejaculated Devoran. - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - A PILOT UNDER COMPULSION. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Do you think he's heard that the 'Aphrodite' was not smashed up after -all?" asked Hythe. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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 L30,000 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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Me pilot," he explained, with a deep bow and a flourish of his hat. -"Me pilot 'pointed by Republic. Me take you in." - -"Is it safe to cross the bar?" asked Captain Restronguet eagerly. - -"Yes, senhor; me take you in for so many milreis," and he held up the -fingers of both hands four times. - -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. - -"I'll make it gold to the value of eighty milreis if you put me inside -the bar to-night," said Captain Restronguet. - -"Me take you up to Marromea--that am de port--for dat," exclaimed the -pilot gleefully. "How much you draw?" - -"Twelve feet," replied Captain Restronguet. - -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." - -"Too ver' much," he exclaimed, shaking his head. - -"I can reduce it to seven feet." - -"How can do? You no throw cargo oberboard?" asked the astonished -Portuguese. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Mercy, senhor!" whined the fellow falling on his knees. - -"Get up, you idiot!" said Captain Restronguet sharply, but all to no -purpose; the pilot maintained his entreaties at the top of his voice. - -"I believe he imagines he's on board the 'Vorwartz'," suggested Hythe. - -"Perhaps," agreed the captain, then addressing the pilot he told him -that he was in no danger, and that he was on the "Aphrodite." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"No shoot, senhor capitan!" howled the wretched man. "Me take you ober: -no shoot." - -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. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - IN THE BALLAST TANK. - - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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 _vise_ them. - -"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. - -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. - -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. - -"Clear for diving, Mr. Devoran!" he shouted. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"Man the aerial torpedo tube, Mr. Kenwyn," ordered the captain. "Give -them a sixteen pounds charge." - -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. - -[Illustration: "WITH A WHIZZ AND A ROAR THE PROJECTILE LEAPT THROUGH THE -WATER."] - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"What does the detector say, Mr. Kenwyn?" asked Captain Restronguet for -the tenth time that morning. - -"Eighty-three miles, sir." - -"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." - -"It is wide enough for a large craft to pass unnoticed," said Devoran. - -"Not the actual channel; if we went half a mile to port or starboard we -would be hard and fast aground." - -"Is it likely that the 'Vorwartz' has taken to a backwater?" asked -Hythe. - -"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 Shire--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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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. - -"Full speed astern," was the next order, but beyond churning up the -brownish black ooze the propellers failed to do the slightest good. - -"Lay out an anchor, Mr. Devoran," exclaimed his superior officer. "Be -sharp, for the tide is falling." - -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. - -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. - -"Can the ballast tank be got at from the inside, sir?" asked Hythe, -struck by an inspiration. - -"Not without flooding one of the sub-divisions of Number Three -Platform," replied Captain Restronguet. "But why do you ask?" - -"I thought perhaps I might put on a diving-dress, and enter the tank and -examine the valves." - -"It's feasible," observed Captain Restronguet. "If you attempt it and -succeed I shall be still more indebted to you." - -"Then I have your permission?" - -"Certainly." - -"Look here, Hythe," exclaimed Kenwyn. "If you tackle the job I'm with -you." - -"Thanks," replied the sub. "The sooner we start the better." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"I would like a cold bath," exclaimed Kenwyn as the two officers -rejoined their comrades. - -"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." - -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. - -Before night he was lying unconscious in his bunk, prostrate with -blackwater fever. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - THE "PRIDE OF RHODESIA." - - -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. - -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. - -Just below the town of Kaira, where the Shire 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. - -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. - -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. - -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 Shire -River, were to be allowed to descend to the Zambezi and attempt to cut -off the "Vorwartz" on her return. - -"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." - -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. - -Just then Carnon, who since Kenwyn's illness had been appointed solely -for duties in connexion with the detector, approached and saluted. - -"The detector, sir, has gone wrong," he reported. - -"Gone wrong? What do you mean? Have you been tampering with the -instrument?" - -"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." - -Captain Restronguet, Devoran, and the sub hastened to the compartment in -which the detector was fixed. The indicator board was absolutely blank. - -"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." - -"We know her position up to ten minutes or a quarter of an hour ago, -sir," said the first officer. - -"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." - -"And there's Kenwyn to be taken into account." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Shall I have the boat lowered to investigate, sir?" - -"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." - -"Why, they're Chinese!" exclaimed Hythe. - -"Chinese? Then they must be some of the crew of the 'Vorwartz'," said -Captain Restronguet. "Evidently von Harburg has met with disaster." - -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. - -"Do you think that a catastrophe has occurred to the 'Vorwartz,' sir, or -were these men merely attempting to escape?" asked the sub. - -"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." - -"And the 'Vorwartz' could otherwise be capable of action?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"What's that, sir?" asked Polglaze, suddenly holding up his hand and -listening attentively. - -"Lay on your oars, men," ordered the sub. - -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. - -"It's that brute of a von Harburg coming downstream, sir," exclaimed -Carclew. "We're fairly trapped." - -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. - -"Give way, men," ordered Hythe. "We may do it yet." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"What boat is that?" hailed a tall, sparsely-built man dressed in a -white uniform. - -"The 'Aphrodite' submarine, Captain John Restronguet," replied Hythe -without hesitation. "What airship is that?" - -"The 'Pride of Rhodesia,' of Salisbury. Is Captain Restronguet in the -boat?" - -"No," replied Hythe. "He is on board the 'Aphrodite' lying at the -junction of this river with the Zambesi." - -"And who are you, sir, might I ask?" - -"Arnold Hythe, Sub-lieutenant of the Royal Navy." - -"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?" - -"Seen anything of her?" asked Hythe. "We are exploring this river in -the hope of finding her brought up." - -"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.'" - -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. - -"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?" - -"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." - -"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." - -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 _bona fide_ craft belonging to the British Empire Aero-League, he -thought it advisable to decline the invitation to board the airship. - -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. - -"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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"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'?" - -"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." - -"Dropping, you say? I understand that you cannot do otherwise than -allow the bombs to fall simply by the action of gravity?" - -"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." - -"And your quick-firers?" - -"Three-pounders." - -"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?" - -"I don't know," replied Captain Jones. "Why--do you?" - -"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." - -Captain Restronguet led the way below to where the aerial torpedo gun -was housed. - -"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." - -"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." - -"Hear! hear!" exclaimed Hythe, while Captain Restronguet brought his -hand down heavily upon his friendly rival's shoulder. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"By the by, how do you combat with the deadly night airs?" asked Captain -Restronguet. - -"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?" - -"Oh, we dive," was the reply. "Our air supply is quite independent of -outside atmosphere. But night is approaching, we must return." - -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. - -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." - -"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." - -"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.'" - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - CAPTURED. - - -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. - -"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." - -"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 Shire and were reported to the Admiralty -as having reached Sena yesterday." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"Acknowledge, Mr. Devoran," said Captain Restronguet. - -Clambering on to the top of the conning-tower the first officer -signalled that attention was being paid to the message. - -"'Vorwartz' is lying on the other side of the hill," semaphored Mylor. - -"What's that? Impossible!" exclaimed the captain, for both he and Hythe -had read the message correctly. "Ask them to explain more fully." - -"'Vorwartz' is in a river flowing behind this hill." - -"Boat's crew to return instantly," ordered Devoran at Captain -Restronguet's request. "Leave Kenwyn and his two men." - -"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." - -"And the 'Pride of Rhodesia' is devoting her attentions to the right -bank also," added the sub. - -"Let her," said Captain Restronguet with a hearty laugh. "This seems -almost too good to be true." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"She's hard aground, I think," observed Hythe. "The river has fallen in -spite of the rains, and she's fairly caught." - -"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." - -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." - -Another hour passed. Still no signs of activity were noticeable on -board the rival submarine. - -"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." - -"Very good, sir," replied Hythe. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"One of the villains; shall we nab him unawares, sir?" asked one of -Hythe's men in a whisper. - -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. - -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. - -The man was mad. - -"Karl von Harburg?" whispered Hythe interrogatively. - -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. - -"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?" - -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. - -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. - -"What has happened?" asked Captain Restronguet breathlessly. - -"One survivor only, I think," replied Hythe. "There he is. He's -absolutely off his head." - -"Are you sure there are no more on board?" asked the captain. - -"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." - -"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!" - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"Bowl him over," shouted Captain Restronguet, breaking into a run. - -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." - -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. - -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. - -"Attract his attention," ordered Captain Restronguet. "Try to entice -him towards the bows and give those fellows a chance to board." - -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. - -"By Jove!" he exclaimed. "I never had gold thrown at me before!" - -His remark attracted the attention of the men nearest to him. - -"Keep it up, old sport," shouted Carclew. "We don't mind." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"All clear now, sorr," shouted O'Shaunessey. "Sure, you can come aboard -aisy and comfortable. We'll heave a line." - -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. - -"At last, sir," exclaimed Hythe. - -"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." - -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." - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - THE UNSUCCESSFUL COMPETITORS. - - -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." - -"Hope they won't start dropping bombs on us," exclaimed Polglaze. - -"No fear of that," said Captain Restronguet reassuringly. "They've seen -our ensign. They're dipping theirs, by smoke!" - -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. - -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. - -"The best man has won, sir," exclaimed Captain Jones, raising his white -cap. "I heartily congratulate you." - -"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?" - -"Her crew?" repeated the Captain of the "Pride of Rhodesia." "Why, -haven't you bagged the whole crowd of rascals?" - -"Only one," replied Captain Restronguet. "Much to my sorrow and regret." - -"Never say die," was the cheerful response. "Now you've captured the -'Vorwartz' what are you going to do with her?" - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"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." - -"You are awfully good," replied Captain Restronguet. "I shall be only -too happy to avail myself of your services." - -"And the sooner the better," added Captain Jones. "Five additional -helpers, all used to plenty of hard slogging, will soon make a show." - -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. - -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. - -"What prompted the rogues to make such a hasty flight, do you think, -sir?" asked Hythe. - -"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." - -"You mean to pursue your search?" asked Captain Jones. - -"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet with conviction. - -"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." - -"I will gladly accept your offer," replied Captain Restronguet without -hesitation. "When will it be convenient for you to start?" - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -"Cast off there," shouted Captain Jones. - -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. - -"Guess we'd best descend at once," said Captain Jones. - -"Descend--why?" asked Captain Restronguet. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"We are a trifle too late, I see," exclaimed the senior officer from the -gunboats, as salutes were gravely exchanged. - -"Third in the field," commented Captain Jones, pointing to his airship. -"This is the lucky individual--Captain Restronguet." - -"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." - -"The business is not finished yet," said the "Aphrodite's" captain. "We -were on the point of following up the rascals." - -"Some have escaped, then?" - -"All save one, and he's as mad as a hatter." - -"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." - -"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." - -"Has the news of the capture been sent home?" - -Captain Restronguet consulted his watch. - -"I believe I am right in assuming that already the newsboys are selling -special editions in the streets of London." - -"Smart work!" ejaculated the commodore admiringly. - -"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." - -"What do you propose doing with the 'Vorwartz,' may I ask?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"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. - -"There's their boat," bawled Captain Jones, into the ear of his -successful rival. - -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. - -"See any tracks?" asked Captain Restronguet. - -Hythe, to whom the question was addressed, was minutely studying the -ground through a powerful pair of binoculars. - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -"Are you prepared to have a bullet through the envelope of the airship?" -asked Captain Restronguet. - -"No, I'm not," replied Jones bluntly. "Why?" - -"We offer a tempting mark. If any of those rogues spot us and open -fire----" - -"There they are!" exclaimed Hythe. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - THE FATE OF VON HARBURG. - - -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. - -"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." - -"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." - -"How many, do you think?" - -"Not less than thirty all told." - -"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." - -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. - -Captain Restronguet and Hythe exchanged glances. The look was -significant. Captain Jones whistled softly. - -"There's murderous work down there," he remarked. - -"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." - -"We must investigate," said Captain Restronguet. - -"Don't fancy it somehow," objected Captain Jones. - -"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?" - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -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." - -"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." - -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. - -"What's to be done with them, sir?" asked Carnon, pointing to the gold -ingots. - -"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." - -"To England!" ejaculated the sub. "I thought you had----" - -"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." - -"And the 'Aphrodite,' sir?" - -Captain Restronguet's brow clouded. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"The gunboats haven't gone yet," announced Captain Jones, as the broad -Zambezi came in sight once more. - -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. - -"Portuguese Government gunboats, by Jove!" he exclaimed. "What's their -little game, I wonder?" - -"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'." - -"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." - -"They won't trouble me," replied Captain Restronguet grimly. - -"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." - -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. - -"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." - -"Did you come to blows?" asked Captain Restronguet. - -"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." - -The Portuguese officer in charge advanced and punctiliously raised his -cap, a courtesy that Captain Restronguet returned. - -"We haf come to take possession of the pirate, senhor," announced the -former. - -"To take possession of what?" asked the "Aphrodite's" captain. - -"Of pirate ship, over thar." - -"You're too late, my friend," announced Captain Restronguet affably. - -"Too late? How so?" asked the perplexed Portuguese. "She thar. Me -come to take possession in name of Republica." - -"You go to blazes!" retorted Captain Restronguet, beginning to lose his -temper. "She is my prize." - -"By what authority you hold her?" demanded the Portuguese. - -"By what authority--we had the permission of the Portuguese Government -to ascend the Zambezi." - -"Yes; to destroy pirate, not to capture. Since she captured is in -Portuguese waters she property of Republica." - -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. - -"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. - -"No, I'll deal with him in quite a different way," was the reply. - -"Why you laugh? Me no be laugh at," exclaimed the irate Portuguese. -"Me representative of Republica." - -"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." - -The Portuguese officer's face paled under his yellow skin. - -"Fever? How say. Madre de Dios!" and he agilely skipped back a couple -of paces. - -"Yes, very bad case, senhor. Perhaps you would care to see our hospital -arrangements?" - -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. - -"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?" - -"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." - -"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." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -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. - -"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." - -"Three cheers for Falmouth!" shouted Polglaze. - -"An' three cheer for Ould Oireland," added O'Shaunessey. "Faith! I'll -take me discharge an' boi the largest farm in all County Wexford." - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - HYTHE'S MASTERSTROKE. - - -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. - -"Send vessel to meet submarine 'Aphrodite' 4 miles S.S.E. of Lizard at -noon on the 12th inst--Restronguet." - -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. - -"Powerful strange," admitted Varco. "Why not wire to the Lizard and ask -'em if it's genuine, and how they picked it up." - -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. - -"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." - -Accordingly Captain Gregory Pinney made necessary arrangements for the -"Wayfarer" to proceed to sea early on the morning of the 12th. - -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 _The Cornish -Riviera Express_, he waxed eloquent over a friendly glass of double -cider. - -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. - -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. - - * * * * * - -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. - -"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." - -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. - -"Will nothing alter your decision, sir?" asked the sub almost -pleadingly. - -"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." - -"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?" - -"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?" - -"All correct, sir. We've still plenty of current left to take the -'Aphrodite' another two hundred miles if necessary." - -"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." - -As soon as the "Aphrodite" lost way the men came on deck, and formed up -just abaft the after conning-tower. - -"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." - -Dead silence greeted this announcement. The men looked at each other in -amazement. - -"To sink her for ever, sir?" asked Polglaze, when he found his tongue. - -"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet. - -"You are not going down with her, sir?" asked another. - -"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." - -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. - -"Say, Mr. Hythe, what is the cap'n thinking about?" exclaimed a voice, -and turning the sub found himself face to face with Jenkins. - -"The sun hasn't affected him, eh?" continued the aviator-in-chief to the -Sultan of Zanzibar, touching his forehead significantly. - -"I don't think so," replied Hythe. "It is, I believe, the outcome of a -vow." - -"Precious silly vow," remarked Jenkins. "He always was a queer customer -when he was upset. Can't you prevent him?" - -"I've tried," said the sub. - -"Fair means or foul, I'd have another shot at it if I were you. I'll -back you up." - -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. - -"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. - -"Sure, sorr, I think we wud manage ut, be dad," was the Irishman's -comment when Hythe unfolded his plan. - -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. - -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." - -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. - -"D'ye want me to pass you a hawser out astern?" bawled the master of the -tug. - -"No, thank you, Gregory Pinney," replied Captain Restronguet. "Lay -alongside, will you?" - -"An' who may you be?" demanded the skipper, somewhat astonished to find -himself hailed by name. "Mussy me! Why, it is Mr. Tretheway." - -"Good shot, Pinney! How's things at home?" - -"Pretty middlin', thanks, Mr. Tretheway. But what might I be wanted for? -Where's Captain Restronguet?" - -The captain laughed. - -"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." - -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. - -"That's all, sir," announced Devoran. - -"Very good. Now, men, on board the tug." - -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. - -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. - -Then with a swift deliberate motion he thrust the metal rod hard down, -saluted his flag, and walked slowly up the gangway. - -"Cast off there, Captain Pinney, unless you want to be dragged down," he -exclaimed. "The 'Aphrodite's' sinking." - -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. - -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. - -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. - -With a clang the metal covering fell. The "Aphrodite" was heremetically -sealed, with her captors safe within. - -"Start the motors, Jenkins," exclaimed the sub triumphantly. -"O'Shaunessey, bring that lever hard down." - -Seven fathoms deep the submarine sank, then as her motors began to purr -rhymically, Hythe pointed her head due east. - - * * * * * - -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. - -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. - -"You're back again, Mr. Hythe? Tell me, is it right that Captain -Restronguet has scuttled the 'Aphrodite'?" - -"Hardly that, sir; she is at this moment alongside the North Railway -jetty. You see, sir, I stole her." - -"You stole her? Explain yourself." - -Hythe explained, pointing out the difficulty in which he had been placed -in his desire to do his duty. - -"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?" - -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. - -"Ah, good morning, Holmes; anything startling?" - -"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." - -"How so?" - -"Because there is a telegram sent to him, care of the -Commander-in-Chief, sir," replied the secretary. - -The sub took the proffered envelope and opened it, with a muttered -apology to his superior officer. - -"That's all right!" he exclaimed with a sigh of relief. "Read this, -sir." - -Sir Peter read it aloud:-- - -"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." - -"Tretheway, who is he, Mr. Hythe?" - -"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.'" - - - - - THE END. - - - - - WILLIAM BRENDON AND SON, LTD., PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RIVAL SUBMARINES *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40866 - -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(tm) -electronic works to protect the Project Gutenberg(tm) concept and -trademark. 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