The air was full of electricity, and as soon as he recovered he realized that what Andy had mentioned had happened. The Holland XI. had been struck by lightning.
Staggering to his feet he made his way toward the engine room.
He had scarcely entered the compartment when he stumbled over the body of George Dross.
"Dross!" he murmured. "Are you dead?"
No reply came back and the engineer lay like a log where he had fallen.
Oscar had scarcely made his unwelcome discovery when he noticed that something was wrong with the engines of the new Holland.
The submarine craft was running at a furious rate of speed, the indicator showing several points beyond the danger limit.
"My graciolus! This won't do!" he ejaculated, and leaped to the controlling lever.
As his hand touched the lever a spark of fire flew from the end of it to a wheel close at hand.
Oscar received a shock, but not such a one as he would have gotten had his hand remained on the bar of steel.