It had been not a half mile distant when they came to the surface, but they had not looked in that direction or noticed it.
It was now not fifty yards from the Dolphin and bearing directly down upon the submarine boat. It looked as if there was a deliberate purpose to run the boat down.
Frank Reade sprung into the pilot-house and switched the propeller valve, at the same moment turning the rudder sharp about.
The engines responded instantly and the Dolphin switched about, not an instant too soon.
The big ship’s hull just grazed her stern. It was certainly a very close call.
Indignantly Frank threw open the pilot-house window and shouted:
“Ahoy, there, do you mean to run us down?”
Only a mumbling reply came back as the ship went on. Men were seen in her chains and at her after rail.
The ship lay over to the wind and showed her stern. Instinctively all looked for the name.
And before this could be seen, Captain Hartley, who had been staring at the vessel, cried: