The sub came to the conclusion that the situation was a desperate one. He was rapidly becoming weaker; his clothes, now thoroughly waterlogged, seemed like leaden weights. He had lost all sense of direction; he knew not where the "Aphrodite" lay. It seemed as if he were left with a frantic, drowning man in the lone sea. But not for one moment did Hythe intend to abandon the man he had so gallantly attempted to rescue. If only he could prevail on Gwennap to keep fairly still a chance yet remained; but the man showed no signs of ceasing to struggle.
"Let go!" shouted Hythe, as loudly as he could, as Gwennap's huge fist seized him by the shoulder, followed by an iron grip on his coat-sleeve. In his effort to shake himself clear the sub sank. As he did so Gwennap's grip became a close embrace. Down, down, down; it seemed as if Hythe had sunk a full twenty feet ere the downward motion ceased. His lungs seemed ready to burst with the pressure. Even if he would he could not now free himself from the relentless grasp.
Once more his head appeared above the surface. He drew in a deep, reviving draught of air, even though it was salt-laden; then with a sudden effort he wrenched his right arm clear, drew back his fist, and planted a tremendous blow upon Gwennap's temple, and his struggles ceasing he was now practically harmless.
"Pity I didn't think of that before," thought Hythe dimly. "I wonder if I've killed him, but there was no other way."
"Cheer up, Hythe!" exclaimed a hearty voice that the sub recognized as Devoran's. Turning his head the well-nigh exhausted rescuer saw close to him the chief officer and O'Shaunessey, who, having divested themselves of the greater portion of their clothing, had dived overboard to aid their comrades.
"That's right, you hang on to me," continued Devoran, "O' Shaunessey will look after that lubber. The captain will give him a dressing-down when we get aboard again."
Hythe was too done up to inquire why Gwennap should be reprimanded. He was only too glad to rest his hand upon Devoran's brawny shoulder.
"We'll be all right in a brace of shakes," said the chief officer encouragingly. "The water's quite warm, and we are fresh enough. They are turning the 'Aphrodite' and will bring her to windward of us."
Ten minutes later, the submarine, with her upper platform barely three feet out of water, glided slowly up to the group of immersed men. Ropes were thrown and caught by Devoran and O' Shaunessey, and by this means Gwennap and Hythe were hauled on board. Captain Restronguet was waiting to congratulate his guest upon his heroic action, but instead he sprang forward and grasped Hythe by the arms, just in time to prevent the sub from falling helplessly to the deck.
CHAPTER XIII.