It was a desperate situation, yet as hour after hour went by and nothing unusual happened, they became accustomed to it, and Andy even cracked a joke on the point.
"We're getting a free tow," he said, with a grin. "Wonder if they won't be sending in a bill to the Government for the job."
The course of the Tokio had been northward, but now the big cruiser turned almost due east.
"She is running for Fisherman's Bay," said one of those on the Holland XI. who happened to know the California coast thoroughly.
"Is it deep there?" asked Oscar.
Before the man could reply all on board of the submarine craft heard a grating sound.
"We are dragging on the bottom!" gasped Andy.
Orders were passed to George Dross and the new Holland came up close to the side of the Japanese warship.
Had they remained longer under the big craft they might have been crushed between the rocks on the bottom and the keel of the cruiser.
Presently the big cruiser came to a standstill, and a minute later those on board of the Holland XI. heard the roar of her mighty guns.