Lord Hastings waited in some anxiety lest his maneuver had not been swift enough. Momentarily he expected to feel a shock that would tell him the Austrian torpedo had struck.
But no shock came and Lord Hastings breathed easier.
Then he bethought himself of some other plan and consulted Jack, the submarine, meanwhile, remaining far beneath the water.
“Other means having failed,” said Jack, “I should say, use the searchlight and seek him out.”
“I guess that is what will have to be done,” Lord Hastings agreed.
He approached Frank’s compartment, and himself took charge of the torpedo there, leaving Jack waiting at the periscope.
“We will run due west a quarter of a mile,” said Lord Hastings to Frank, “and when I give the word flash your searchlight in all directions. The flash should blind the lookout on the enemy, and I will follow the sweep of your light with the torpedo. The moment I catch sight of the enemy I’ll launch it, and we’ll rise instantly.”
Frank signified that he understood, and rapidly the submarine steamed ahead.
“Now!” cried Lord Hastings suddenly.
Frank released the powerful rays of the searchlight, and swept the sea to his right.