"Nothing, my dear Hythe. A promise with me is a promise, even if made in over-hastiness. I might regret it; but the fact remains that I have sworn never to hand my invention over to the British Government. Consequently I have sent for a Falmouth tug to remove the crew and their personal belongings. This done I mean to open the inlet valves of the 'Aphrodite' and sink her for good and all. At the spot I have indicated the depth is more than forty fathoms. The sea will hold my secret, and from the cliffs about the Lizard I can stand and gaze upon the tomb of my invention."
"But isn't this carrying a one-sided feud too far, sir? Surely my Lords have made ample reparation for a slight for which they were responsible yet perhaps ignorant?"
"Time is a great healer, Mr. Hythe; but the reminiscences of my early struggles with fate cannot be easily erased. But let us not discuss the matter further: it cannot alter my decision in the faintest degree. Ah! good morning, Mr. Devoran. All correct?"
"All correct, sir. We've still plenty of current left to take the 'Aphrodite' another two hundred miles if necessary."
"I don't think we shall require so much as that, Mr. Devoran. Will you please muster all hands aft. Stop the motors, so that the engineers can be present. I wish to say a few words."
As soon as the "Aphrodite" lost way the men came on deck, and formed up just abaft the after conning-tower.
"Men," began Captain Restronguet in stentorian tones, "our voyage is almost accomplished, our great task is completed and little remains to be done as far as your services are concerned. Circumstances compel me to take a drastic step. The 'Aphrodite' must never enter Falmouth Harbour. At noon we will fall in with a tug that most of you, I know, are familiar with--the 'Wayfarer.' I want every man to collect his personal effects and stow them into as small a compass as possible, ready to be transhipped on board the tug. As soon as all hands are clear of the submarine I intend to send her to the bottom."
Dead silence greeted this announcement. The men looked at each other in amazement.
"To sink her for ever, sir?" asked Polglaze, when he found his tongue.
"Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet.