"You heard what he said!" shouted Glennie. "Clear the propeller and sink the boat! I'll help King if he needs help—but your duty is clear."
The ensign whirled about and jumped from the bowlder. As he disappeared, Dick saw his revolver glistening in his hand.
[CHAPTER XI.]
HAND-TO-HAND.
From what Matt could see of the island as the Grampus drifted into the cove, and from the further observations which he made while standing on the rocks and helping Dick, he knew that it could not be very extensive. Probably it would have covered an acre of ground, if measured in a square, but its surface was vastly greater than that, inasmuch as it consisted of barren hills and valleys.
Matt's intention, when he left the submarine, was to climb to the highest point and take a look around. He was still worrying about the mysterious steamer, and the no less mysterious Japs. From what he had heard and read of the Japanese, he understood that dogged persistency was a national trait. If the Sons of the Rising Sun had made up their minds to destroy the submarine, it would take more than one rebuff to discourage them. That they were still on the trail of the Grampus Matt had not the least doubt, and if they should happen to sight the boat in the cove, and make an attack while the propeller was being cleared, they would stand a fair show of success.
In looking for the steamer Matt did not intend to confine his gaze to seaward, but to give fully as much attention upstream as below.
He had already selected the hill he was going to climb, and picked out the narrow valley that would lead him to its base.
A little scrambling over rough ground brought him to the valley. Projecting rocks, weather-stained and wind-worn, rose to right and left. Flocks of gulls arose out of them, alarmed by his approach, and winged away across the river.