The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet Part 11

"Yes," replied the captain.

"Well, one of the boxes broke open when it came down the pa.s.sageway, and when I saw what was in it I pushed it way under the base of the tank on the left side," said Alfred.

"The revolvers are all right, but we may have some trouble in getting cartridges," replied the captain. "But wait," he continued, "I am sure I carried cases of them down the pa.s.sageway."

"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes near there,--rather long, slim boxes, are they not?" asked Alfred.

"Yes; with a red label on the corner," interrupted Ralph. "I can put my hands on a box any minute."

"Then you are with me and will carefully follow out my instructions?"

inquired the captain, looking at them intently.

"We will follow you in whatever you ask us to do," replied Ralph.

"You must remember that the business we are about to engage in means life or death. Once begun we cannot go back. We have no line of retreat.

While it is most hazardous, the feat would be a wonderful one," said the captain.

"No; we are not afraid. Both of us have been in some dangerous places and have come out all right. We have confidence in you," said Alfred slowly and deliberately.

"Thank you for that," replied the captain. "We must begin the preparations at once, for at the present time when all is confusion we can get the opportunities that may not be offered later on."

"The boat seems to move," said Alfred.

A perceptible swaying motion was now observed. The vessel was still lying at the inclined position heretofore described. As they were about to crawl out of their cabin, they heard the voice of the sub-lieutenant:

"Connect the forward motor!"

They drew back into the room. "What is that for?" asked Ralph.

Before the captain could reply came the second order:

"Reverse!"

The motor buzzed, but no effect was produced on the boat.

"That seems singular," observed Alfred.

"Not at all," answered the captain.

"Why not?" asked Ralph.

"The stern of the submarine is out of the water," answered the captain.

The power was shut off, and again turned on. It was now obvious that they were dangling in the water with the prow of the boat held fast in the entangling nets. As they glanced out the door they could see the faces of the seamen moving to and fro with terror depicted on their countenances.

"They may well fear the results," said the captain. "But we have a duty to perform, and I might as well advise you of several things which we should do and observe. We must try to obtain the weapons and ammunition.

That will be the first duty. Does either of you know where the electric switches are?"

"Yes," answered both of the boys in one breath.

"I mean the switch in the hold," said the captain.

"Yes," said Alfred. "The one I mean is close to the dynamo on the switchboard, behind the steps leading to the conning tower."

"That is correct," answered the captain. "The control switch for the lighting is in the conning tower, however, and I call your attention to this, as it may be of service to us in our work."

"I can see, now, that to keep that in our control would be the main thing," said Ralph.

"The officer has not yet given any orders to put the boxes in the pa.s.sageways aside, and he will not do so, probably, until they are able to ascertain whether or not the ship will free itself; under the circ.u.mstances, Alfred, I must delegate you to secure a half-dozen of the revolvers, or remove them from the box so that we can secrete them later," said the captain.

As Ralph crawled from the cabin and moved toward the main gangway, the captain added: "If you remember where one of the ammunition boxes is you might smuggle it into this room, but proceed very cautiously."

Ralph soon made his way back, carrying with him one of the revolvers.

"There are a dozen in the box," he said, "and I brought one over to show you. You see, it is the kind from which the cylinder can be removed.

Wouldn't it be a good idea to take the cylinders out of all that we can't use?"

"Capital idea," said the captain. "If you can find any wire, put it where you can quickly place your hands on it."

"I found a box of ammunition also," continued Ralph, "but I haven't tried whether it would fit the revolvers."

An examination revealed the fact that the cartridges were not of the same calibre. It was, indeed, a terrible disappointment.

"Here it is," said Alfred, as he slipped into the door of the room.

"Ah, this is a different size; you have the right ones, fortunately,"

said the captain.

"Now, let me give you a few words as to the next,----"

A p.r.o.nounced lurch in the vessel's position interrupted the captain. The seamen were now rushing around frantically, and talking excitedly.

"Hold your tongues!" shouted the sub-lieutenant.

The vessel was, evidently, moving. Occasionally, there would be a heavy, rasping sound, and the rear end of the boat would seem to settle down a few feet.

"It's coming all right," said Ralph in excitement.

"Connect forward motor!" again shouted the sub-lieutenant.

The motor turned smoothly without producing a disturbing influence on the ship, indicating that the propeller was still in the air.

"I fear that the sub-lieutenant does not know his business any too well," remarked the captain.

CHAPTER VIII