In compliance with Jack’s suggestion, the ballast tanks were again filled. Gradually the “U-13” descended to the bottom. As the deck began to tilt forward, as it had done when the craft was first stopped, Harry threw into operation every pump that could be used to empty the water from the ballast tanks. The boat rose rapidly.
With a jerk that nearly threw the boys off their feet, the “U-13” came to a rest. The gauges still showed the same depth as before.
Ned’s face turned ashen as he sank upon a locker. The others gathered around him, expressing sympathy. The boy was clearly distressed.
“Never mind, Ned!” spoke up Frank. “We’re coming out all right! The only trouble is that we haven’t tried the right thing yet!”
“But I can’t seem to think of a thing to do in this case,” protested the other. “I’m all out of ideas! I’m sorry that we tried to follow that other submarine. I wish we had taken Jimmie’s advice!”
“Never mind that now, Ned. We’re close to the surface. If it becomes necessary, I will volunteer to be shot out of the torpedo tube. I can rise to the surface, swim about until I get my wind again, and then dive and cut the rope. That will release the whole ship!”
“Jimmie, that’s awfully good of you to offer that, but I feel that I should be the one to do it,” was Ned’s reply.
“No, sir!” declared Jimmie promptly. “You’re in no condition to attempt anything like that. You’re worried, and your heart action is not right just now. My mind is a blank, and my heart is as sound as a bullet! I’m just the one for the job!”
As if the matter were understood, Jimmie began divesting himself of his clothing. He deposited his jacket on the locker beside Ned.
“Harry,” he said, turning to his chum, “will you see that the torpedo tube is connected up and in working order? You might try a discharge for practice. We can spare a little of this air!”