Dick pulled off one of his shoes and swung it reflectively in his hand.
"I don't think it is possible that that Jap steamer got away from Sandoval," said Glennie. "The officers on that mail boat must have got it wrong."
"Our old raggie is bound to find out just how much truth there is in the yarn, anyhow," continued Dick. "We're what you might call on the last leg of our cruise, and the little old Grampus has covered the east coast of two continents and is well up the west coast. We have dodged trouble in pretty good shape, so far, and Matt don't intend to let the Sons of the Rising Sun put us down and out at this late stage of the game."
"The Japs can't put Motor Matt down and out," averred Glennie, with suppressed admiration. "He has met them at every point, and has given them the worst of it. They'll never be able to destroy the Grampus. Mark what I say, my lads, Motor Matt is going to 'make good' with ground to spare, and chalk up another victory for the motor boys."
Dick and Carl would have cheered this warm sentiment, but before they had a chance to do so, a wild yell came from Speake.
"Tumble up here, you fellows! Quick, now!"
Speake, as he spoke, crushed himself against the side of the conning-tower hatch, in order to make room for those in the periscope room to pass him and reach the deck.
Startled by the words and wildly excited manner of the helmsman, Dick, Carl, and Glennie lost not an instant in rushing up the ladder and dropping over the side of the conning tower.
"Where's Matt?" cried Dick.