Evidently the mine was imbedded in the sandy bottom, for it refused to move, the men jerking this way and that to free it from its resting place.
All at once it did come away, and with a suddenness that caused the men to sit down in the bottom of the boat, losing control of the line.
“Clumsy! Look out or you will lose it again,” cautioned the ensign.
Quickly pulling themselves up, they began hauling in on the line. Very slowly the sphere moved upward, at last appearing above the surface of the water, shining and almost menacing Dan thought as he gazed at the object.
“Now be careful in getting it over the side,” warned the officer.
The diver had put what he considered to be a strong hitch on the mine with the end of the hauling rope. On account of the depth at which he was working, however, the darkness compelled him to operate solely by the sense of feeling.
The mine was now swaying on the gunwale of the rolling small boat, the waves from the rising sea breaking over into the cutter as well as into the other boat, until the men were standing in the salt brine.
“Look out! There she goes!”
With a great splash the mine struck the water, having slipped its lashings, and quickly sank out of sight.
“Warn the diver!” shouted the ensign.