“That’s sound philosophy,” chuckled Mr. Pauling. “I don’t think there’s any danger with Smernoff and of course there’s the advantage that he can use a diving suit.”
The time dragged slowly until sundown and as soon as darkness fell Rawlins summoned the Russian and prepared to go ashore on his dangerous mission.
“Just as soon as you get ashore, or even before, try this wired wireless,” Tom admonished him. “Then we’ll know if it works. It’s too bad you can’t keep it fastened to your set while you sneak over the island, but that’s impossible.”
Then, showing Rawlins how to snap the wire onto his set, the boys bade him good-by and the two men entered the air-lock. For a long time after they had left, those upon the submarine sat silent, the boys listening at their receivers, the men thinking deeply and in their minds planning their moves should Rawlins locate the camp of the “reds.” At last, after what seemed an interminable time, Tom heard Rawlins’ voice rather thin and faint, coming in over the wire.
“Safe ashore,” he said, “and talking mighty low. Can you get me all right?”
“Hear you finely,” replied Tom. “We’ll stick right here. Good luck!”
Minute after minute dragged by, the little clock upon the bulkhead ticked off an hour and no sound or word came from shore. What had happened? Had Rawlins found the camp? Had he been seen and captured? Was he even now struggling for his life? Had Smernoff betrayed him? The suspense was nerve-racking. It anything happened to Rawlins, if he failed to return, their quest would come to an abrupt end. They depended upon him for guidance, for advice, for diving. Never until now did any of them realize to what an extent everything depended upon him.
“If he’s not back soon I’ll take a landing party ashore,” declared Mr. Pauling. “We’ve got arms and a dozen men and more. I can’t stand this uncertainty much longer. They’ve been gone an hour and a half. I’m sorry he took Smernoff. I——”
At that moment Frank heard the long-hoped-for voice. “Coming back!” was all it said.
“Well, he’s safe at all events!” exclaimed Mr. Pauling fervently.