Carl, who had been inspecting the periscope, was thrown violently against the rounded wall over the locker. Speake, just reaching up to turn the electric switch that sent a current through the wires of the projector, went head over heels against one of the bulkheads. As for Dick, he pulled off a remarkable stunt at ground and lofty tumbling, winding up with his head under the periscope table and his heels in the air.
Yells came in muffled volume from below, proving that Gaines and Clackett were likewise having their troubles.
The Grampus righted herself almost as quickly as she had flopped over. This, taking place before those aboard had had a chance to adjust themselves, still further complicated matters.
When every one was finally right side up, Dick jumped to the speaking tubes.
"How are you down there, Gaines?" he called.
"I turned a handspring over the motor," came back the voice of Gaines, "but I guess I didn't damage anything."
"I stood on my head in one of the accumulators," added Clackett through the tank-room tube. "We turned turtle there for about half a minute. What caused it, Dick? I heard an explosion, too."
"That bally old torpedo must have gone off," answered Dick. "No use hunting for it now."
"I don't believe it was that torpedo that exploded," said Speake. "What could have set it off?"
"Der vale shlowed oop a leedle," explained Carl, "und id run indo him. I bed you somet'ing for nodding dere iss vale all ofer der pay."