Fortune was with the D-17 this night, for the submarine approached within less than a hundred and fifty yards of the German battleship without being perceived. There, at a command from Lord Hastings, she became stationary.
“No. 1 torpedo!” commanded Lord Hastings suddenly, and gave the range.
Jack touched a little button, and the signal board flashed red.
“Attention!” was the next command that glowed in letters of fire.
The British sailor at No. 1 torpedo stood ready to release his instrument of destruction.
There was a slight pause. Then:
“Fire!”
Followed a slight metallic click as the engine of death sped on its way over the water.
Contrary to the expectations of the others, Lord Hastings did not immediately give the command to submerge. Instead, he stood perfectly motionless, peering into the periscope. There was silence aboard the D-17, broken finally by Frank, who could stand the suspense no longer:
“Did we hit her, sir?”