"We got the whole of the gold on deck, sir," replied the man. "If it hadn't been for those jabbering Dagoes hindering us we would have had the whole lot ashore by now."
"Time to be off," remarked Captain Restronguet. "It will be dark in less than twenty minutes. Leave the stuff there; it won't be touched."
Hastily the "Aphrodite's" men made their way back to the banks of the Zambezi, bringing Kenwyn with them--the second officer was already on the road to recovery, and the spell ashore did him a considerable amount of good.
As soon as the crew regained the "Aphrodite" she was battened down and submerged. The wearied crew sought slumber, but it was long ere Captain Restronguet, Devoran, and Hythe retired to rest, for the first officer had to be told in detail of the momentous events of the day.
Captain Jones did not relinquish his task at that point, for anxious to aid his successful rival to the utmost of his ability he kept the "Pride of Rhodesia" floating over the captured submarine. All night the airship's searchlights played upon the "Vorwartz" and the store of gold lying on the shore, but the precaution, though desirable, was unnecessary.
Early on the following morning all hands assisted in warping the "Vorwartz" into deep water. The bullion and species were then taken on board by means of the "Aphrodite's" whaler, and, bidding the captain and crew of the "Pride of Rhodesia" a hearty farewell, the two submarines commenced the descent of the river.
Two days later the "Aphrodite," with the captured "Vorwartz" in tow, recrossed the dangerous bar. Five miles off-shore the British cruiser "Pique" was awaiting them, and handing the prize over to the care of the latter, Captain Restronguet ordered full speed ahead.
All Cape Town was bubbling over with excitement when the "Aphrodite" dropped anchor in Table Bay. The shipping was gay with bunting, flags were flown from the Government buildings and most of the houses. Bands were playing and people shouting themselves hoarse, while the renowned submarine was literally wedged in between tiers of boats filled with curious and enthusiastic spectators.
The Admiralty had telegraphed to the Commander-in-Chief of the Cape offering Captain Restronguet a commission in the Royal Navy as Inspecting Officer of Submarines; Lloyd's had asked his acceptance of a sword of honour; the Crowned Heads of Europe bestowed decorations with lavish hands, while the President of the United States of America telegraphed his congratulations, and begged Captain Restronguet to be the honoured guest of the greatest Republic on earth.
But the captain of the "Aphrodite" showed no enthusiasm at these honours. Some he could not with courtesy decline, but he strenuously refused to accept the proffered commission. His sole object, he avowed, in calling at Table Bay was to make necessary arrangements with the authorities for the disposal of the "Vorwartz" and the distribution of the prize-money.