"Rather," remarked Hythe. "At that time I----"
A column of mingled flame and water bursting apparently from the fo'c'sle of the "Topaze" effectually checked the sub's remarks. To the watchers on the "Aphrodite" it seemed as if the bows of the cruiser were lifted clear of the water. Then came a deafening detonation, like the noise of thunder above one's head.
The cruiser rocked violently two or three times, then seemed to settle on an even keel, while her quick-firers blazed away in a frantic, aimless manner, for several of the projectiles could be observed striking the water a mile apart.
"Any wireless message?" asked Captain Restronguet coolly.
"No, sir," replied Kenwyn.
"She's withstood the shock, thank heavens!" ejaculated Hythe, then, "No, she hasn't, by George! There's 'Out Collision Mats,'" he added, as a bugle rang out from the stricken ship.
"'Vorwartz' is making off, sir," announced Mylor, who had relieved the observer at the electric detector.
"Hard lines on us," exclaimed Captain Restronguet. "What are we to do? The hour is not anything like up, and no signal of distress from the 'Topaze.' Send them a message, Kenwyn. Wireless, please."
"No reply, sir," announced the second officer after a wait of nearly two minutes.
"Then her wireless is disabled by the shock. Speak her in Morse, Kenwyn. Ask whether Captain Sedgwyke will release us from the remainder of our period of inaction, as the 'Vorwartz' is now making off in a southerly direction."