"Too bad! We might run into something, and then——"
Oscar did not finish, but Gilson, who was a general all-around helper on the submarine craft, understood what was in his mind.
"We'll go to smash, eh?"
"Yes, Gilson. But be careful what you try to do."
"Can't we turn the electricity off?"
"We can if the switch is all right."
It may be mentioned here that all on board wore rubber shoes, so that no electricity might ever shock them through the feet while walking in dangerous places.
Together the young captain and Gilson hurried to where the switchboard was located, between the engine room and the tiny compartment built for the lookout.
"Ginger!" came from Gilson. "Burnt out! That was a strong stroke of lightning, and no mistake!"
Gilson was right. The switchboard was completely wrecked and lay in a black mass on the floor. It had been burning, but the fire was now out, for it could not communicate with the steel plates of the new Holland.