Turning back, he regained the landing, leaped to the deck of the submarine, and bent over the hatch.
“How are you, down there?” he called.
“Finer’n silk!” came the jubilant voice of Speake. “We’ve got lashings on both men. Where’s the other chap?”
“He jumped ashore and got away. Come up here, Dick, you and Clackett. One of you bring a hatchet. Let Ysabel watch the prisoners, and you, Speake, go below and see if everything is in shape for a quick departure.”
“Goin’ to leave without Gaines, Bob?” asked Clackett.
“Not unless we have to. We’re going to hang out here until the last moment.”
Dick and Clackett presently showed themselves on deck. Bob had already discovered that the Grampus was moored to two trees with a couple of cables at the bow and stern. The boat was pointed upstream.
“Cast off the stern cable, Clackett,” ordered Bob, “and throw it aboard. One rope is enough to hold us. Go out on the bow, Dick,” he added, “and sit there with the hatchet. If you get an order to cut the cable, don’t lose any time in carrying it out.”
“Aye, aye, mate!” replied Dick.
Clackett went ashore and unfastened the rear cable from the tree. Bob drew it in, coiled it, and dropped it down the hatch.