“Divil a bit!” screeched Barney. “I’ll have yez off yet!”
But just at that moment something happened which terminated the friendly wrestle almost instantly.
There was a sudden severe shock, and the two jokers were thrown half-way across the cabin.
When they picked themselves up, both were dumbfounded to hear the electrical machinery buzzing furiously.
The submarine boat was swaying madly, and they had hard work to keep their feet, so violent was the motion.
“Massy Lordy!” gasped Pomp; “wha’ am de mattah, chile?”
“Matther!” ejaculated Barney. “Shure, the divil is carrying us away.”
“I don’ fink dat am jes’ a fac’!”
Barney sprang into the pilot-house instantly.
He tried to press the lever which shut off the speed current. It would not answer to his touch.