But all to no purpose.
The keen nose of the Dolphin, like that of some stranded monster of the sea, still held its position.
But before noon the incessant waves had carried away a portion of the port bulwarks.
This was the beginning of the end. From that moment the Dolphin broke up rapidly.
Soon little was left of her but a few of her steel ribs; much of the wreck was washed high upon the sands.
It was a sad party which sat on the storm-driven shore and watched the miserable demise of the famous submarine boat.
“It’s too bad!” was all Stanhope could say.
He had carefully preserved the metal case containing the confession just the same.
It would no doubt be a long time, however, before he could make use of it.
Valentine Tucker must languish behind bars for some time yet.