The French cruiser was coming closer, and now another shell was hurled forth, but this flew wide of the mark.
"We must go down," said Captain Oscar, and at once those on deck tumbled into the interior of the submarine boat. Then the steel hatch was closed, the railing sank out of sight, and the new Holland sunk beneath the surface of the ocean.
By examination it was found that the boat contained six inches of water, and this was immediately forced out by the electric pump. Then Oscar entered the engine room and held a consultation with George Dross.
"Are we safe in descending twenty-five feet in these waters?" he asked.
A chart was examined and it was found that they might descend forty feet without danger of running aground, providing they kept in the old channel.
"Then put on all speed, descend thirty feet, and bring up behind that French cruiser," was the young captain's order.
"You will sink her?" questioned Andy.
"If we can."
"But the commodore's orders——"
"Orders from the Secretary of the Navy are to sink any foreign vessel that opens fire on us. The government has half a million dollars locked up in this vessel, and Uncle Sam doesn't intend to lose her."