The Rival Submarines

by Percy F. Westerman

"Here we are, then," exclaimed Captain Restronguet. "But how are we going to get out again? However, that problem can wait. All ready, Mr. Devoran?"

Under the fore hatchway every available man was waiting, armed with automatic rifles. The field gun was dismounted, in order to facilitate its transport ashore, tackles being in readiness to hoist it on deck. Up the hatchway the men swarmed, and taking advantage of every bit of cover afforded by the base of the conning-tower and other projections on deck, opened a rapid, well-aimed fire upon the Somalis.

So intent were the Englishmen on shore with the work they had in hand that hitherto they had not noticed the arrival of the "Aphrodite," but with the rattle of musketry so close to where they stood they could not fail to notice that help was at hand.

With a ringing cheer the shipwrecked men redoubled their fire, for hitherto they had been compelled, except when it became necessary to repel a rush, to husband their cartridge supply.

Soon the volleys from the submarine's deck became too much for the liking of the Somalis. The accurate fire bowled dozens of them over like rabbits, and the rest promptly bolted for the shelter of the sand-dunes, whence they began to work round to join their forces with their brethren on the other side of the creek, where the chances of sending a score of unbelievers to perdition were considerably greater.

Turning the "Aphrodite's" bows towards the shore Captain Restronguet ordered easy ahead till her forefoot grounded on the stiff clay soil that formed the banks of the creek. Polglaze and Mylor immediately jumped overboard, the water reaching almost to their chins, and walked ashore, dragging the end of a three-inch rope. This they fastened to a bolt passed through a hole in the forefoot of one of the stranded vessel's boats, and the "Aphrodite" going astern pulled the ponderous wooden craft down the beach into the water.

As soon as it was brought alongside the field gun was placed into it in sections. The gun's crew, under Hythe's orders, followed, and the boat was hauled ashore by Polglaze and Mylor, who had taken the precaution to bend a rope to the painter.

Although lacking the dash that characterizes the British bluejacket, the men of the "Aphrodite" ably supported their young commander; and Hythe was surprised at the resolute bearing of the submarine's crew immediately under his orders.

The moment the boat's keel touched the ground the brave fellows heaved the heavy portion of the gun over the side and upon the beach. In twenty-five seconds the wheels were placed upon the axles and the lynch-pins thrust home. The gun, its muzzle protected against damage by a piece of stout canvas, was raised in an almost vertical position by means of ropes and levers, while the carriage was backed close to the heavy steel cylinder. Then, with a crash, the gun was allowed to drop into its proper place, and within a minute the quick-firer was "assembled" and ready for action.

Up the soft, sloping sand dunes the men raised the gun, Hythe himself staggering under the weight of a wooden case filled with projectiles. Wheeling, the men brought the muzzle of the powerful weapon to bear upon the foe, and the first of the belt of shells was placed within the breech-block.