They drew back into the room. "What is that for?" asked Ralph.
Before the captain could reply came the second order:
"Reverse!"
The motor buzzed, but no effect was produced on the boat.
"That seems singular," observed Alfred.
"Not at all," answered the captain.
"Why not?" asked Ralph.
"The stern of the submarine is out of the water," answered the captain.
The power was shut off, and again turned on. It was now obvious that they were dangling in the water with the prow of the boat held fast in the entangling nets. As they glanced out the door they could see the faces of the seamen moving to and fro with terror depicted on their countenances.
"They may well fear the results," said the captain. "But we have a duty to perform, and I might as well advise you of several things which we should do and observe. We must try to obtain the weapons and ammunition. That will be the first duty. Does either of you know where the electric switches are?"