“The water here is deep enough to permit us to go almost to the bank,” said Lord Hastings. “After that we shall have to swim.”
When the D-16 had approached the bank as near as Lord Hastings deemed possible with safety, the commander turned the bridge over to Frank and announced that he and Jack would go ashore.
“But is there not fear of your being discovered?” asked Frank.
“We shall have to take that chance,” was Lord Hastings’ reply. “Now you stay right here with the submarine until daylight. If we have not returned, you will know that we have fallen into some difficulty, and you will return and report.”
“Very well, sir,” replied Frank.
Lord Hastings and Jack lowered themselves quietly into the cold water, and struck out boldly for the shore. They had to swim no more than a minute, when they felt the gradual rise of the land under their feet. Stepping softly, they continued their way, and soon stood upon dry land.
“Which way now, sir?” asked Jack.
“It doesn’t make much difference,” was the reply. “We’ll go to the left.”
They started out cautiously.
“Keep your eyes open,” Lord Hastings instructed, “and your hand upon your guns. I don’t fancy falling into the hands of the Turks.”