“Trouble enough and then some,” replied Herc gloomily.
In response to Tom’s questions, Ned rapidly rehearsed what had happened and their apprehensions regarding it.
“Phew!” whistled old Tom, when he had heard him out. “Things look like squalls and no mistake, and here we are, as helpless as so many babies. If only we had a boat. A good fast one, too. One like that fellow has, for instance.”
He indicated a motor launch which was scooting across the water, her red and green side lights shining through the dusk like bright jewels.
“Yes, if we only had her,” began Ned, and then: “Hullo, she’s coming this way. Wonder if it’s news?”
Rapidly, and watched with what interest you may suppose, the strange launch approached the submarine, finally chugging up alongside and coming to a stop.
“Bother it all, it’s only one of those reporters,” grunted Herc, in an audible aside.
The young fellow in the boat, which he was running himself, heard, being possessed of sharp ears. But, instead of being offended, he burst into a merry laugh.
“Yes, only one of those reporters,” he chuckled. “That’s right. But in this case I have come to give information, not to ask it. Is Mr. Lockyer on board?”
“No, we are sorry to say, he isn’t,” replied Ned gloomily.