Even if the power was at hand and could be employed, it would tear a terrible hole in her.
It certainly looked as if the Dolphin was a total loss.
A more disheartening reflection than this can hardly be imagined. Frank was quite discouraged.
However, he would not give up hope.
He continued his examination of the craft, and finally reached the conclusion that there was only one way in which the Dolphin could be saved.
It was a chance out of a hundred, but Frank decided to take it.
The section of reef had many cavities.
In the largest of these Frank believed a torpedo could be placed and exploded.
This would tear the reef to pieces and doubtless dislodge the Dolphin; but, of course, there was the chance of blowing a hole in her and instantly sinking her.
But even if she were safely dislodged, it was possible that the hole in her outer hull would cause her to take so much water that she would sink.