"You are not going down with her, sir?" asked another.
"No," replied Captain Restronguet grimly. "I'm not at all that way inclined. Now, men, you have a couple of hours to make the necessary preparations, so dismiss and make the best of the time."
With that the captain went below and retired to his cabin. Hythe, bitterly disappointed at the failure of his attempt to swerve Captain Restronguet from his purpose, walked for'ard and remained by the fore conning-tower deep in thought.
"Say, Mr. Hythe, what is the cap'n thinking about?" exclaimed a voice, and turning the sub found himself face to face with Jenkins.
"The sun hasn't affected him, eh?" continued the aviator-in-chief to the Sultan of Zanzibar, touching his forehead significantly.
"I don't think so," replied Hythe. "It is, I believe, the outcome of a vow."
"Precious silly vow," remarked Jenkins. "He always was a queer customer when he was upset. Can't you prevent him?"
"I've tried," said the sub.
"Fair means or foul, I'd have another shot at it if I were you. I'll back you up."
The man's words stirred the sub to serious thought. A struggle between his sense of gratitude to this man who had so improved his knowledge of submarine work, and his duty to his king and country waged a fierce battle. The "Aphrodite" was Captain Restronguet's by right. He was wilfully abandoning it--an act that was also within his rights. On the other hand the possession of the "Aphrodite" by the British Navy would mean an undisputed supremacy in submarine welfare. This wonderful vessel would be the means of thwarting any projected invasion by a hostile state, whether by air or by sea.