Slowly but surely the mine was made. All that day the work went on.
It was noon of the succeeding day, however, before it was finished. Then the cartridges were placed.
Great bales, made of soft burlap filled with sand, were placed under the keel and over the dynamite to act as a cushion and reduce the shock.
Then the wires were connected, and the three divers went aboard the Dolphin.
They removed their diving suits, and Frank faced Clifford and Hartley, who were pale and somewhat excited.
Now that the critical moment had come, each really shrank from the mighty risk. Yet neither could justly be called a coward.
“Well?” said Hartley.
“Well!” exclaimed Clifford.
Then there was a period of silence. Frank looked keenly at the two men.
“What shall it be?” he asked. “I shall leave it all with you.”