Going to the rail he tossed bag and instruments over into the sea.
Then the last boat was lowered, the seamen who remained behind jumping as soon as their work was completed, and being picked up from the water.
"Ve shall but a few hours of rowing haff," declared Captain Kennor. "It vill not so hard be upon uss."
Dave was thinking of another prospect, but did not voice his thought. The men in the captain's boat gave way at the oars, Kennor steering. The other boats had already pulled well clear of the coming foundering, and now the captain's boat followed. The "Rigsdak" was likely to remain afloat for some minutes yet.
"I thought so," muttered Darrin, pointing to where a gray conning tower was emerging from the sea.
Captain Kennor gave an order in his native tongue, and the men in his boat ceased rowing.
"Dey vill uss hail, so ve need not be too far avay," he explained to his passengers.
After the conning tower the gray back of the sea pest rose into view. The manhole of the tower was opened and an officer appeared, followed to the deck by a few seamen, two of whom stationed themselves by a gun that popped up into view.
"Come alongside!" shouted the officer, in English, through a megaphone.
Again Captain Kennor's oarsmen gave way, their skipper heading for the submarine.