Bob whirled to a speaking tube.
“We’re going to make a record dive, Clackett,” he called into the tube, “and Captain Nemo, junior, has placed me in charge——”
“Bully for the captain!” came back the voice of Clackett, echoing weirdly distinct in the periscope room.
“Our submergence will be two hundred and ten feet,” went on Bob. “You and Carl, Clackett, will put the steel baulks in place. I’ll have Dick and Gaines help you.”
Another order was called to the engine room, and presently there were sounds, forward and aft, which indicated that the metal props, to further strengthen the steel shell, were being dropped into their supports.
“Cassidy,” said Bob, “see that the double doors of the hatch are secured.”
“Aye, aye, sir,” answered the mate, darting up the conning-tower ladder.
“Speake,” ordered Bob, through another tube, “see that the tension indicators are in place.”
“Double doors of the hatch secured,” reported Cassidy a moment later.
“Pressure sponsons in place,” came rattling through the tube from Clackett.