Had he gotten the launch close enough to observe the bubbles it is possible that the young ensign could have followed the enemy trail. Twice or thrice Dave believed that he had picked up glimpses of bubbles with the searchlight, but at last, with a sigh, he gave orders to shut off speed and drift. Inaction became wellnigh insupportable after a few moments and Darrin called for slow speed ahead.
"There she is again" he cried. "There's her periscope. The scoundrel is standing out to sea."
Over the starboard quarter the searchlight signals of two other launches were observed.
"What's taking place?" came the signaled question from one.
"Fired a few shots at a vanishing turret, but missed," Dave ordered signaled back. "Enemy standing out to sea. Am following."
"Will follow also," flashed back the answer.
"And one of their gunners will bag the game at the first chance," groaned Runkle. "The jinx is sitting tight on my chest to-night!"
"It might be, if there were any such animal as a jinx," laughed Darrin. "Your missing was just plain bad luck, Runkle. Your shooting was good."
"The periscope is being pulled inboard, sir," called one of the seamen who stood by with Runkle.
"I see it. There she goes, under again," Dave answered.