With Sylvester's assistance Farrar contrived to lower the senseless motor-engineer down the hatchway into the fore-peak, the bowman making no attempt either to break out or to help his comrade. Under the mistaken impression that the latter had been murdered, he cowered in the farthermost corner of the recess formed by the boat's flaring bows, nor did he stir till long after the hatch had been replaced and secured.
"Now you had better take over, Slogger," suggested the Moke, as the chums returned to the cockpit. "I'm no hand at this game," and he indicated the unattended steering-wheel.
The sub glanced at the compass bowl, and then steadied the boat on her course.
"Sorry," he replied. "I'll have to be popping below to the engines. Didn't bargain for that, but one must take things as they come. I'll put you through a lightning course of helmsmanship. She's right now—with the lubber's line immediately on the point west.... Now she's off it; so turn the wheel to starboard.... There, she's back again."
"Horrible strain watching the compass," complained the Moke.
Farrar took the wheel out of his companion's hands.
"Now," he continued, "she's on her course, You'll notice her head's pointing to a certain star. Keep her on that for a few minutes at a time and occasionally check the direction of the compass. A few quarter-points out won't make much difference, but remember that star has a movement of its own. That's right; you're getting the hang of it. I'll nip below and see how things are going. Whistle if you want me; this voice-tube communicates with the motor-room."
For the best part of two hours nothing unusual occurred. The motor-boat was not doing her best, but considering that the sub had to deal with a strange engine, it was not to be wondered at. Farrar estimated her speed at twenty knots, a rate that if maintained ought to bring the fugitives within sight of the Italian coast shortly after daylight.
Presently Sylvester chanced to glance astern. As he did so he caught sight of a white light blinking rapidly.
"Say, Slogger, old man!" he shouted to his chum in the motor-room. "Come on deck, will you?"