In the distance he could make out a small boat dashing madly toward him. Quickly he gave the signal to rise, and when the submarine again floated upon the surface of the water, he ascended to the bridge.
As the boat drew nearer he recognized its occupants; and then, for the first time, he realized that they were followed. Prompt action would be required when they were on board and he knew it.
With a hoarse bellow he called the crew to their places, and advanced to the side of the vessel to lend a hand to the officers when they should arrive.
At last they reached the side, under a volley from the pursuing German launch. Lord Hastings clambered aboard and Frank and Jack followed in rapid succession. As they set foot on deck the latter shouted:
“Below! Quick!”
All made a mad dash and in a moment the entrance through the conning tower was hermetically sealed behind them.
“Submerge!” cried Lord Hastings; and as the D-16 once more sank from view, her commander wiped the beads of perspiration from his forehead with his sleeve.
“Whew!” he exclaimed. “Pretty close! Pretty close! But we are all safe, and that’s enough!”
“Right, sir,” said Jack. “And enough’s a plenty!”