[Illustration: THE PIRATES RUSHED FOR THE BOATS.]
The shock of the collision threw Fielding and his companions violently against the fore-bulkhead of their cabin; but, beyond a few bruises, no one sustained any injury.
The sub. realised what was amiss as soon as any of them.
"They've run her full tilt into an iceberg," he exclaimed.
The gravity of the situation required immediate action, for the confused shouts on deck mingled with the crushing of the ice and the turmoil of the agitated waters naturally led the prisoners to conclude that the cruiser was doomed.
"We're like rats in a trap," exclaimed Fielding. "Now what's to be done?"
"Get out," replied Cardyke promptly, "We can blow off the lock."
Seizing his revolver the mid. made his way to the door, when Oki laid a detaining hand upon his shoulder.
"No sink yet," said he. "P'r'aps pirates abandon ship. Then we take her. Wait; we can so easy get out when we want."