The result this time was the same. After ascending several fathoms, the submarine encountered ice and stopped.
“Well, there is no help for it,” said Lord Hastings. “We’ll have to try and break through. Submerge to ten fathoms, Mr. Templeton.”
Jack repeated the command and the D-17 dived deeper. At the proper depth, the vessel’s course was checked. Then Lord Hastings ordered that the craft be brought to the surface with as much force as possible.
The water was sent from the tanks with a rush and the D-17 seemed to leap upward. A few moments later there was a violent shock and all aboard were thrown from their feet. The submarine had failed to break through.
“Again!” cried Lord Hastings and gave the signal to submerge.
A second attempt met with no better result and Lord Hastings immediately commanded a third trial.
“We’ll have to get through now or we’ll probably drown,” he said quietly. “I am afraid we have strained our seams. We’ll need an overhauling immediately we put into Petrograd—if we are fortunate enough to get there.”
“And what do you suppose has happened to our periscope?” demanded Frank.
“Oh, that has been smashed to bits before now,” said Lord Hastings quietly. “However, we can rig up another one if it is necessary before we get to port.”
“All ready for the next trial, sir,” Jack put in at this juncture. “We are down five fathoms.”