Two hours later, following a thorough exploration of the submarine, Lord Hastings announced that he could navigate it without trouble.
"Fortunately," he said, "I find that it will be possible for two men to handle the engine room. We three and Edwards will take our turns at the wheel and doing whatever else is to be done, relieving in the engine room when it is necessary. Of course we are short-handed, but I believe we can pull through. Perhaps, if we are fortunate enough to fall in with one of the enemy, we can borrow a few men. We can concoct some story that will pass muster and thus account for the loss of the others of our crew."
Jack smiled.
"I guess it can be done, sir," he replied.
The dead Germans had been buried by this time and the three British officers had donned their uniforms, which, fortunately, were not bad fits.
"To tell the truth, I don't care much about these uniforms," declared Frank, "but if they are going to help out any I suppose I can stand mine for a while."
"You don't necessarily have to be in love with them," responded Jack.
"And now, sir," said Frank, "would it not be well to be moving? There may be some of these men prowling about the sea some place and they may return."
"Yes; there is no use lingering here," replied Lord Hastings. "Are the men at their posts?"
"Yes, sir."