"By the condition of the floats," answered the captain. "You will notice that the two floats within range of the submarine's action are being dragged down. If the floats should be in a normal condition, or float on their true water line, which you can readily observe by glasses, it is evident that the submarine is free."
"And then that would be the time they would use the howitzers?" suggested Alfred.
"But how could they reach the submarine?" asked Ralph. "Do they know just where the vessel is now?"
"Yes, they can locate it within a hundred feet; but that would be near enough for their purpose," replied the captain.
"Do you mean," asked Alfred, "that they would send the shell from the howitzer anywhere near them, and that it would destroy the submarine even though it didn't hit it?"
"Yes; the detonating or rupturing effect of the high explosive in the shells is such that even though the explosion would take place a hundred feet from the hull, it would put it out of commission at once, and, in all probability, crush in the sides like an egg shell," said the captain.
"Why are they signaling?" asked Ralph, as the wig-wagging began.
"I think that's l'Orient in sight on the port side," replied the captain, after gazing in the direction indicated.
"Then the cruiser will take the position of the chaser?" said Alfred.
"Quite likely," answered the captain.