"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes near there,—rather long, slim boxes, are they not?" asked Alfred.
"Yes; with a red label on the corner," interrupted Ralph. "I can put my hands on a box any minute."
"Then you are with me and will carefully follow out my instructions?" inquired the captain, looking at them intently.
"We will follow you in whatever you ask us to do," replied Ralph.
"You must remember that the business we are about to engage in means life or death. Once begun we cannot go back. We have no line of retreat. While it is most hazardous, the feat would be a wonderful one," said the captain.
"No; we are not afraid. Both of us have been in some dangerous places and have come out all right. We have confidence in you," said Alfred slowly and deliberately.
"Thank you for that," replied the captain. "We must begin the preparations at once, for at the present time when all is confusion we can get the opportunities that may not be offered later on."
"The boat seems to move," said Alfred.
A perceptible swaying motion was now observed. The vessel was still lying at the inclined position heretofore described. As they were about to crawl out of their cabin, they heard the voice of the sub-lieutenant:
"Connect the forward motor!"