The D-17 submerged another five fathoms and proceeded at a snail’s pace. Jack kept his eyes glued to the course ahead.
Half an hour later the vibrations of the engine ceased. Then Jack made his way aft to where Lord Hastings and Frank were conversing.
“Unless I am badly off in my calculations,” said Lord Hastings, “we should now be able to come to the surface beyond the mine field.”
“And as soon as we do, some German warship will send us to the bottom,” remarked Frank dryly.
“So they will—if they see us,” returned his commander. “We must make it a point that they do not see us. That’s all.”
“All very well, sir,” said Jack, “but if we go up now they are sure to see us—and they won’t mistake us for one of themselves this time.”
Lord Hastings smiled quietly.
“Then we won’t go up now,” he replied as he looked at his watch and noted that it was half past five. “It’ll be dark in less than an hour. We’ll remain here until then.”
This ended the conversation and the commander of the D-17 went to his cabin, leaving Jack in command.
The time passed slowly, but darkness came at last; and with its coming Lord Hastings emerged from his cabin, attired in the uniform of a German lieutenant-commander.