"I'm responsible for this, sir, and I hope to be able to rectify matters. Can I descend in the submarine?"
"The submarine? You must be mad. Do you know the depth? Eighty odd fathoms, representing the tremendous pressure of 224lbs. to the square inch."
"The submarine is tested to 230lbs., sir."
"Much as I esteem your devotion, and much as I value the missing wireless gear, I cannot give my consent."
"Sir, I know the risk, and will take every precaution. With the electric grab there is no need to descend to the extreme depth."
"Mr. Palmer, I know you to be a levelheaded and calculating officer. I'm proud of you. If you will give me your word of honour to work cautiously, I'm willing to withdraw my refusal. Now, pick your crew; five men will be sufficient, and what is more, they must be volunteers, fully acquainted with the risk they are running."
"I'm with you," said Gerald, calmly.
"Thank you," replied Palmer, quietly, holding out his hand, which Tregarthen grasped firmly for a few seconds. It was a simple action, with a wealth of meaning behind it. Both men understood.
The remainder of the volunteer crew were quickly forthcoming. The difficulty was to pick and choose, since every man capable of service in the submarine signified his willingness to take part in the enterprise; but at length Palmer, Tregarthen, and three seamen fell in on the quarter-deck as the heroes of a desperate venture.