Speake promptly repeated the order, and only a very short scope of cable was run out.
The nose of the submarine was brought up short and the stern moved around into the cove as though on a pivot.
“The anchor’s not fast!” cried Glennie. “It’s dragging!”
Bob had already discovered that. The anchor afforded sufficient resistance to keep the bow of the boat toward the entrance of the cove, but they were sliding stern first farther into the shoaling waters.
Dick hurried aft and began heaving the lead close to the stern. “Two and a half!” he cried.
“Great guns!” exclaimed Glennie. “Wouldn’t that knock you? It’s deepening!”
“Mark three!” shouted Dick.
“Three fathoms,” murmured Glennie, “and within two jumps of shore! The rocks must lie steep-to. The current’s responsible for that.”
The pull of the anchor continued to draw the boat around so that she was drifting broadside on.