"How did you get the torpedo?" queried Glennie, pushing the captain aside and drawing closer to the prisoner.
"I volunteered," went on the Jap, a note of ringing exultation in his low voice; "they passed me through the torpedo tube, and I cut the cable that secured the torpedo to the other submarine, and made a rope fast from our boat. It was hard work, all under water. Then I swim ashore, but I am weak and faint and try to hide. You have captured me. Do what you will. Banzai, Nippon!"
The Chilian could not understand English, and he was consumed with curiosity. Captain Pons understood, however, and the calmness of the prisoner, during his brief recital, filled him with rage. He tried to strike the Jap, but Glennie interfered.
"Let him alone, Pons!" cried Glennie. "He thinks he has done right. Anyhow, he's a prisoner, and a prisoner should not be mistreated."
"Diable!" ground out the captain. "He make ze brag zat he steal ze torpedo! S-scoundr-r-el! He should be hang', by gar!"
Glennie turned to Motor Matt.
"You heard, Matt?" he queried. "The Japs passed this fellow out through the torpedo tube of the Pom while the boat was under water. He made a line fast, cut the cable securing the torpedo to our submarine, and then swam ashore. A rare piece of work!"
"Ask him about that torpedo attack on the Grampus," said Matt. "See if you can find out anything about the intentions of the other Japs."
"You are one of the Sons of the Rising Sun?" queried Glennie, again addressing the prisoner.
A gleam darted through the Jap's eyes.