"Why, they're Chinese!" exclaimed Hythe.
"Chinese? Then they must be some of the crew of the 'Vorwartz'," said Captain Restronguet. "Evidently von Harburg has met with disaster."
As the submarine passed the aimlessly drifting raft a fairly close view could be obtained of the dead Chinamen. They were dressed in blue cotton suits after the style affected by Chinese seamen serving in European vessels, but there was no mistaking the Tartar features and the slanting eyes. That they were stone dead there could be no doubt, for there were several birds hovering around the raft in a manner that their natural timidity would not permit if the two bodies showed signs of life.
"Do you think that a catastrophe has occurred to the 'Vorwartz,' sir, or were these men merely attempting to escape?" asked the sub.
"Coupled with the fact that our detector has failed to give any indication of the 'Vorwartz,' I am inclined to favour the first theory," replied Captain Restronguet. "Since our apparatus is, as far as I can tell by careful examination, in perfect working order, I can only put its unresponsiveness down to the failure of the electric current on board the 'Vorwartz.' That, of course, would account for the failure of our detector."
"And the 'Vorwartz' could otherwise be capable of action?"
"To a certain extent. But without electricity she can have no means of compulsion, no means of offence, unless we except the use of fire-arms. However, before to-morrow is past we ought to discover her whereabouts. I am not proceeding further to-day as night is approaching. As soon as we find a suitable depth we'll descend till morning."
Another night passed without interruption. The detector was still silent, but the "Aphrodite" was now within a few miles of the spot where the "Vorwartz" had last given notice of her presence.
It was not a desirable day. Torrential rains were falling, while the atmosphere was too close to wear oilskins without the greatest discomfort. Consequently on the "Aphrodite" rising to the surface her crew save three had to remain below.
Captain Restronguet, Hythe, and Carclew were in the for'ard conning-tower, Devoran, Carnon the quartermaster, and Polglaze occupied the after conning-tower, so as to maintain a careful look out on all sides. Three men, braving the heavy downpour, were stationed for'ard, where they took turns in casting the lead.