The derelict, irradiated by the bright rays of the searchlight, was pointed out to the two investigators. They regarded it with interest, not unmixed with graver feelings. A little harder bump against those water-logged sides and what tragedy of the ocean might not have resulted?
“Confound you!” exclaimed Mr. Lockyer impulsively, shaking his fist at the sinister object, as it heaved and rolled in a heavy, sodden way. “You came near to putting us out of commission. I’d like to send you to the bottom, where you belong.”
“Come, Lockyer,” laughed Captain McGill; “instead of feeling revengeful, you ought to offer a vote of thanks. This derelict has not only shown to us that your boat is as staunch and tough as she is swift and handy, but she is going to give us another opportunity we were wishing for.”
“What is that, sir?” asked Lockyer, though he half-guessed the other’s meaning.
“Why,” responded the naval officer, “fate or luck, or whatever you like to call it, has thrown this derelict in our path. She is a serious menace to navigation. A less fortunate ship might strike her and be sent to the bottom. By the time a regular derelict destroyer could be notified, she might have drifted off out of ken. Now, however, we have a chance to rid the ocean of her forever.”
“You mean——,” began Mr. Lockyer.
“That you carry torpedoes, Lockyer, and we were wishing an opportunity to test them. Here is a chance ready to our hands. What do you think of it?”
“That it would be a magnificent revenge, sir,” was the prompt rejoinder.
A chorus of laughter and approval went up from the other officers. After a hasty consultation, it was agreed to gauge the distance and depth of the derelict, and then, withdrawing to a distance of four hundred yards, launch one of the Lockyer’s deadly implements at her. The boys’ eyes fairly shone with excitement, as they heard this. Torpedo work was very much to their liking.
“Mr. Parry, you will take Boatswain’s Mates Strong and Taylor, and Bos’un Marlin, and attend to the torpedo launching. Mr. Stark, you will take the wheel. I will give you the signal when to fire, Mr. Parry.”