The captain entered the tower, and pulled the lever, Attention! There was no response to the signal below the word. He again rang, with the same result.
The Periscope[ToList]
"I will open the hatch," said the captain.
It was quickly swung open. The sub-lieutenant appeared at the hatch with haggard face and staring eyes. "The captain has gone mad!" he shouted.
"I will go down if you want me to; I am not afraid," said Ralph.
The captain looked at him for a moment, and glanced down into the hatchway. "Why do you not obey my signals?" he asked.
The sub-lieutenant stared at the captain, but did not make a reply. "Answer my question!" shouted the captain.
The officer raised his face, threw up his hands, and fell back across the low railing, which served as a guard at the foot of the stairs.