The shock was so unexpected that the Americans for the moment knew not what to do. Then another ship was blown up, and the few which remained had to withdraw to New York Harbor, where they were under the protection of the guns of the numerous forts.
CHAPTER III.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
"Andy, I am going to see the Secretary of the Navy, and at once."
"About your submarine boat, Oscar?"
"Yes."
"I thought you had written to him about it."
"So I have, but the Old Harry knows what has become of the letter."
"More than likely they thought your scheme that of a wild-brained inventor and cast the letter aside."
"So I've been thinking. I start for Washington to-morrow."