"He may undo all that you've done," added Dick.
"Yes, or get into that U-boat and make away with those navy plans." Jay had seen enough of Weddigen to give him the idea that the big fellow had ulterior motives behind his activities with the Bridgeford Salvage Company.
After half an hour's wait Captain Austin told Dick to go ahead and get ready for a descent to the U-boat.
"See how Weddigen's getting along. Maybe you can recover those plans yourself."
The captain had confided to the two divers, Jay and Dick, that the coveted plans were contained in a stout steel box that would be found in a locker in the submarine's wireless chamber just forward of the main turret.
Dick was glad of the chance to get the assignment. So far he had not had an opportunity to prove his ability as a diver to Captain Austin and he was anxious to make good. What a fine thing if he could be instrumental in reclaiming for the United States Government the long lost plans and scientific formulas! It had been hinted that among other things, the stolen plans included the formula for manufacture of the deadly gas that U. S. chemists had discovered just before the close of the war.
"I'll certainly do my level best," soliloquized Dick as he floundered along on the sea bottom in the direction of the U-boat.
Very soon he came in sight of it. The sun, shining strong on the surface of the sea, lit up the whole area of clear water so that he was able to see quite a distance in front of him.
Through the green haze of the sea he discerned suddenly the figure of another diver. He was dragging after him a long rectangular box of some kind. Undoubtedly it was Weddigen! But what was he doing and what was the chest that he dragged with so much effort?
"The plans!" gasped Dick. In an instant it was clearly revealed to him. Weddigen had succeeded in getting into the submarine and had salvaged the stolen plans!