One of the Chilians had a rope. None of them answered Matt's question, but proceeded without delay to put lashings on his hands and feet. Carl was treated in a similar manner, and thus the two chums were rendered absolutely powerless to do anything for themselves, or for their friends. And where were their friends? they asked themselves.
As soon as Matt and Carl were secured, the leader of the treacherous Chilians left the torpedo room with one of the others.
"Here iss a fine keddle oof fish?" wheezed Carl. "Der nexdt dime vat ve see some fellers on der pottom oof a poat, py shinks ve vill leaf dem vere dey are. Ach, vat a lot oof sgoundrels!"
"Hello, there!" came the voice of Gaines from the tank room. "Did that bullet do you any damage, Matt?"
"No. Where are you, Gaines?"
"Here, in the tank room, lashed hard and fast. We heard a noise, and Speake went up to investigate. He didn't come back. Those rascally Chilians have turned on us."
"Who was in the periscope room?"
"Dick."
"Any one else below with you?"
"No. I'm alone."