“Exactly; and if we are so fortunate as to get close enough before being seen, we will launch a torpedo immediately. But we must make the first one count, or we may get the worst of it.”
Lord Hastings ceased talking and peered intently into the periscope.
“Ten minutes more undiscovered,” he said, “and we will have him.”
Five minutes passed, six, seven, and then Lord Hastings gave an expression of deep disgust.
“We have been discovered,” he said. “Submerge five fathoms.”
Jack gave the command and the periscope of the D-16 disappeared from view of that of the enemy.
“Sheer off to starboard,” ordered Lord Hastings. “Should we maneuver aright, we may bring up with her.”
The D-16 sheered off and dashed forward some distance ere Lord Hastings gave the command to rise that he might take another observation.
When the periscope was again above water. Lord Hastings looked quickly around, but could see nothing of the enemy; but even as he looked, the periscope of the enemy’s vessel bobbed up less than half a mile away.
Quickly Lord Hastings gauged the range and shouted: