"Yes, if the shell of the submarine had been pierced, and we were really going down it would not be long before the hull would lose its equipoise and turn around, or it might stand on end, due to the distribution of water throughout the interior," was the reply.
"I understand now," said Alfred. "You think we are still floating, but do you think we are on the surface?"
"We are, undoubtedly, submerged, for it is evident that the smooth motion of the propeller comes from the electric motors and not from the internal combustion engines, which are used solely while running on the surface," remarked the captain.
After hours more of interminable waiting, they heard a noise close at hand. With something like a snap the door opened and a flood of light streamed into their compartment from the electric bulbs without, and, looking up, they saw, at the ceiling of their room, a small electric bulb.
"Why is it we didn't hunt for that?" whispered Ralph, looking up.
"But I can't see any way to turn it on," said Alfred.
"That lights only from the outside," said the attendant. "Here is something to eat," he continued in English.
"What time is it?" asked the captain.
"Half past one o'clock," was the reply.
They had been in that cramped prison pen five hours.