"Captain, you have a long head."
"Thanks, Andy, no compliments. Let's go to dinner." And there the subject was dismissed.
Thirty-six hours later found the new Holland on her way southward.
Cuba was passed without special incident and then they ran into the Caribbean Sea.
At the canal entrance a special message awaited them, urging them to come on with all possible speed.
"The enemy are coming to the western coast as fast as they can," said Oscar, after reading the message to Andy. "It is feared that they intend to bombard the Hawaiian Islands on the way over, and capture Honolulu and other important seaport towns."
"Can't we head them off?"
"Perhaps that is what we will be called upon to do," answered the young captain of the Holland XI.
The weather was very hot everywhere and in the interior of the submarine craft it was stifling.
"This isn't so much fun," grumbled old George Dross. "I expect some day you'll find nothing but a grease spot left o' me."