But an incident now transpired to put a stop to the entire project. This happening was a most startling and unlooked for one.
Suddenly the Dart received a shock which seemed to fairly hoist it a dozen feet from the bottom of the sea.
Everybody on board were thrown from their feet.
Then followed a distant rumble and a vibrating motion which lasted for full a minute.
In some way the shock had disconnected the lever, and the electric lights were extinguished.
All was darkness aboard the submarine boat.
For a few moments a literal panic reigned.
Frank Reade, Jr., was the first to recover.
He ran into the pilot-house and quickly produced light. By this time the others had recovered.
“For the love of Heaven! what has happened?” gasped Von Bulow.