"We were just in time," said Ralph. "How is Alfred?" he asked.
"Only stunned," replied the captain. "I think he hit the conning tower as the vessel up-ended."
"Poor fellows," said Ralph, "I suppose it's all up with them."
"They are gone beyond all help. But we did the best we could," answered the captain. "Here, take this fellow first," continued the captain, addressing the officer in charge of the boat.
The boys were soon dragged in, and the officer gazed at the captain most earnestly, as he said: "Why, Captain, we heard just before we left the dock about you and two boys capturing a submarine; was that the submarine? What has happened?"
"That is a long story, but you shall hear it as soon as we get aboard. Where are you bound?" asked the captain.
"For the Mediterranean," replied the officer.
"Where is your first port?" asked the captain.
"Havre," was the answer.
"Couldn't be better," replied the captain. "Ah! I see Alfred is coming around all right."