Frank and Stanhope were both much exhausted with the struggle, and both were glad to get their diving suits off.
Barney and Pomp welcomed them effusively.
“Begorra, Misther Frank!” cried the Celt, “shure I was shakin’ in me skin fer yez! But I niver yit seen yez outdone!”
Frank laughed at this.
“It was a close call, Barney,” he declared; “but we were lucky enough to pull out of the scrape.”
The Dolphin’s engines now were reversed, and she easily pulled out of her predicament.
So far as could be seen, she was not seriously injured.
The spirits of the voyagers revived greatly, and the boat now went on its way rapidly.
But some one was constantly at the wheel. No chances were taken now.
The searchlight threw its radiance for a full mile ahead. This enabled all obstructions to be seen and avoided.