"Don't fire on them unless I do. They're helpless."
The "Reed," first to approach the submarines, steamed in between them. Then as the "Grigsby" raced up, she received this message from Dalzell:
"Wish you would take charge of the nearer submarine. I'll handle the other."
On both enemy craft, as seen under the searchlight, the German crews had come out on deck. It was clear that they wished to surrender without further loss of life.
So Dave ordered a launch cleared away, with a prize crew armed to the teeth, Ensign Andrews in command.
"You men get as far forward as possible," Andrews shouted to the huddled enemy. "Be careful not to have any weapons about you. We'll accept you as prisoners of war, but any attempt at treachery will be sternly punished!"
As he spoke the ensign rested one hand on the barrel of a machine gun in the launch's bow. Instantly the Germans began to move forward, only their four officers remaining near the conning tower.
"Stand by to catch a line and make fast," called the ensign, as the launch, under headway, lay in close.
Though they plainly understood, not one of the German officers made a move to catch a rope. Instead, one of them called to the huddled seamen, two of whom came back to take the line.
Making fast, Andrews stepped aboard, followed by some of his armed crew.