"I—I don't know," was the reply, "but I fear that we are in serious danger!"
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE SUPREME TEST.
"Open the side window panel and turn on the searchlight!"
The order came from Mr. Barr five minutes after the Peacemaker struck. Naturally enough, everyone on board was seriously alarmed; but in the face of danger the Boy Scouts took their example for action from the naval officer and the inventor.
Although deadly pale, Mr. Barr kept his voice as cool as an icicle. Ensign Hargreaves, while fully realizing the danger, yet steeled himself to calmness; and both Rob and Merritt simulated the courage of their elders.
Rob hastened to obey Mr. Barr's command. After a few seconds of manipulation the slide drew back, exposing the large plate glass panel. To bring the powerful searchlight into play was the work of but a moment.
As its white rays pierced the gloomy depths of the ocean like a scimitar of light, all on board peered intently from the panel and strove to make out what it was that the diving boat had struck.