"The wind was blowing the wrong way," Hetherton explained.
"That must be the answer," Frank admitted. "Well, Jack, what do you say? Shall we make an effort to get the boat to-night?" Jack hesitated.
"We may as well," he said at last. "Of course it will have to be taken from the land, for we can't work the destroyer around the reef in the darkness. Even if we got around safely, we should be discovered."
"Right," said Frank. "Then let's be moving. I take it, however, we will need boats to reach the submarine."
"Our prisoners probably have left all the boats we need," Jack returned.
"That's so," said Frank. "Funny I didn't think of that. Will you be our guide, Cutlip?"
"Glad to be," was the reply. "I want to redeem myself in some way."
"Let's be moving, then," said Frank, starting for the door.
"Hold on," said Jack "We've got to take a force with us, you know. Mr. Hetherton, I'm going to leave you in command of the ship this time. I shall command the shore party."
Lieutenant Hetherton's face fell, but all he said was: