“What are we to do, sir?”
“Well, we are to try and establish the location of mines, draw maps of the fortifications, which may have been changed somewhat since the maps the admiral has were drawn, and learn anything else of value we can.”
“I thought there would be fighting,” said Frank, somewhat disappointed.
“Well, there is always liable to be fighting,” said Lord Hastings. “In fact, any time you are around I am positive there will be fighting of some kind.”
“And when do we start, sir?” asked Jack.
“As soon after nightfall as we are ready.”
“But why wait for night?” asked Frank. “We are going under the water, aren’t we?”
“Yes,” replied his commander, “but we are likely to have to come to the surface at any time, and there is no need of taking unnecessary risks.”
“That’s true, too,” said Frank. “But Great Scott! Night is a long ways off.”
“In the meantime,” said Lord Hastings, “I don’t know of anything better than to watch the progress of the battle.”