Working quickly, the Red Envoy pried open the back of the professor’s watch. He found the key, and unlocked the drawer. Reaching within, he seized a large envelope that lay there.
One minute later, the only person in the study was Professor Whitburn. The old professor still reclined in his chair, with the semblance of death upon his features.
CHAPTER XXIX
IN THE SUBMARINE CHAMBER
THE water had risen in the submarine chamber. Arlette had dragged Harry from the floor, and had laid him against the steps that led up to the steel door.
Harry Vincent opened his eyes, and gazed about him. His senses slowly came back; little by little he realized the danger of the situation.
The water, already four feet deep, was still rising. It had reached the base of the high-set machine which Professor Whitburn had designed as a torpedo tube.
Arlette was momentarily elated at Harry’s recovery. Then the hopelessness of the situation impressed itself upon her; and she broke down utterly.
She collapsed, limp and helpless, upon the stone steps. The flashlight rolled toward the rising water. Harry caught it just in time.
Harry watched the water pour in; he tried to estimate how long it would be before the room was entirely submerged. He had been half unconscious for several minutes. He had no way of judging the time.