"We will go to the surface and see if any craft is in sight."
Going to the surface did not consume long, and the waters were swept by the powerful searchlight.
Far out from land was an English despatch boat.
"I'll wager that is the messenger's ship," cried Oscar. "We'll run closer and make sure."
Again they went down, and now the light was put out, and they swept up to the despatch boat as silently as a black ghost.
When within a hundred yards of the craft they came up and the light was turned directly upon the despatch boat's deck.
Every man on the deck could be seen distinctly, and looking through his night glass, Oscar made out a form he had seen before.
"That messenger—and in the uniform of a lieutenant!" he cried.
He ordered the Holland below, but not before the despatch boat fired two four-pounders at the submarine craft.
The four-pounders were powerless to hurt the Holland, further than to make a dent in her starboard side.