The captain laughed.
"Thought you'd have cottoned to it before now, Pinney. I am Captain Restronguet, but only for a few moments more. After that I am plain Hugh Tretheway--and I do not feel altogether sorry. But get your masthead derrick swung out: we've plenty of gear for you to take."
For nearly an hour the task of unloading the "Aphrodite" continued, for the personal effects of the officers and men reached considerable dimensions. It seemed really marvellous where the stuff had been stored within the limited accommodation of the submarine.
"That's all, sir," announced Devoran.
"Very good. Now, men, on board the tug."
One by one the men passed over the narrow gangway between the two vessels. As the first was about to leave the "Aphrodite's" deck he drew himself up and gravely saluted the green and white flag still flying at the stern of the submarine. His example was followed by the others, while Captain Restronguet, for the last time in his official capacity, promptly returned the salute--a final tribute of devotion to a brave and gallant leader.
After the men the officers boarded the "Wayfarer," till Captain Restronguet alone remained on the deck of the "Aphrodite." The submarine was battened down with the exception of the main hatch close to which the captain stood with his hand resting on a lever actuating the sea-cocks.
Then with a swift deliberate motion he thrust the metal rod hard down, saluted his flag, and walked slowly up the gangway.
"Cast off there, Captain Pinney, unless you want to be dragged down," he exclaimed. "The 'Aphrodite's' sinking."
The men of the tug hastened to unfasten the securing hawsers. The for'ard one was soon cast off, but by the after one three men purposely impeded the efforts of the "Wayfarer's" deckhands. The three men were Hythe, O'Shaunessey, and Jenkins.