On and on rushed the submarine, but there was no more sign of life from without than there had been at first. Nor could the boys understand how they themselves had been observed.
“Well, something will happen, sooner or later,” said Jerry, as he followed the course of the craft below them. “And if nothing else does it will be darkness coming on, so we’ll lose sight of her.”
“What about the search-light?” asked Bob.
“That will help some, but this submarine is about the color of water, anyhow, and it isn’t going to be the easiest thing in the world to follow her after dark, even with our powerful light.”
“Oh, boys, I do hope we won’t lose her!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass. “I may never have such a chance again to get in a submarine and look for those hermit crabs. Don’t lose her if you can help it.”
“I won’t,” answered Jerry, “but it isn’t going to be easy. Besides, she may, as I said, dive any minute!”
But at present the submarine seemed to have no such intention. She spun along through the water, with the airship following her overhead, Jerry keeping the speed of his craft at such a point as would not cause him to over-run the boat.
“Say, we’re forgetting all about my uncle!” exclaimed Bob at length. “What are we going to do about him?”
“I don’t see that we can do anything, Chunky, my boy!” exclaimed Jerry. “There’s no doubt that he and his daughter have been picked up by some steamer, and they may be in port before we get back home. In fact, after we try out this submarine a bit I think the best thing we can do is to put back to Cresville. I’m sure you’ll find your uncle and cousin waiting there for you.”
“I’m sure I hope so,” returned Bob. “Well, as long as there’s nothing for me to do, I think I’ll——”