The noon meal was served to all hands. By the time it was well over the mouth of the Bay was in sight, the broad Atlantic rolling in beyond.
The sea, when reached, proved to be almost smooth. It was ideal weather for such a cruise.
Then straight East, for an hour they went, getting well out of the path of coasting vessels.
“Hullo! What in blazes does that mean?” suddenly demanded Hal, pointing astern at starboard.
The “Pollard” lay tossing gently on the water, making no headway. Hardly ten seconds later the “Hudson” signaled a halt.
Then followed some rapid signaling between the gunboat and the submarine that had stopped. There was some break in the “Pollard's” machinery, but the cause had not yet been determined.
“Blazes!” muttered Jack, uneasily. “It couldn't have happened at a worse time. This looks bad for our firm, Hal!”
The “Farnum” now lay to, as did the “Hudson,” [pg 147] for the officer in command of the “Pollard” signaled that his machinists were making a rapid but thorough investigation of the unfortunate submarine's engines.
Finally, a cutter put off from the “Hudson,” with a cadet midshipman in charge. The small boat came over alongside, and the midshipman called up:
“The lieutenant commander's compliments, and will Mr. Benson detail Mr. Hastings to go over to the 'Pollard' and assist?”