The excitement on board both vessels was most intense.
The sailors of the Southampton excitedly filled the shrouds. For a moment Captain Briggs and Frank gazed at the monster without being able to speak.
Then Frank made a start for the gangway. He was about to leap down into the boat with Stanhope, when Captain Briggs placed a hand upon his arm.
“We will help you!” he cried. “I will lower boats, and we will capture the monster.”
“I thank you,” replied Frank, hastily; “pardon my sudden departure.”
Then he dropped into the boat beside Stanhope. Barney and Pomp, on board the Dolphin, with wonderful sagacity, had started the engines so as to lessen the rowing distance.
“Quick, George!” cried Frank. “We must get back to the Dolphin as soon as possible. There is no time to lose.”
“You are right,” cried Stanhope, as he bent to the oars.
The light boat literally flew through the water. In less time than it takes to tell it, they sprang aboard the submarine boat.
Barney drew the boat aboard and secured it. Pomp had already started the Dolphin in pursuit of the whale.