"No; there are no stations there that can receive crafts of this kind. I do not know to what point they may take us; possibly to the mouth of the Thames, and from there to some point where the vessel will be interned," answered the captain.
"How deep is the channel here?" asked Ralph.
"Probably not to exceed 120 feet," was the reply.
"Not more than that in the middle of the Channel,—half way between England and France?" asked Alfred in surprise.
"No; the Channel is very shallow," answered the captain.
"No wonder then," said Alfred, "that the submarines are having such a hard time getting through, even though they don't have the nets!"
Having passed the cordon of nets the chaser turned and slowly steamed past the submarine. The lieutenant stepped to the side of the bridge and said:
"I suppose, Captain, you can now make the pier-head at Ramsgate, where you will get a ship to convoy you to the harbor. Good luck to you! Adieu!"
The boys waved their caps in salute, as the chaser began to move, and the crew lined up to give the final goodbye.
The captain smiled and replied: "I think I have ample assistance on board; give my regards to the admiral."