“You will take charge, Mr. Surles. Assume all the responsibilities of the officer of the deck.”
In all, five of the midshipmen had commanded briefly before the laying-to signal was given. Hal Hastings then appeared on deck.
“Captain Benson,” Hal stated, saluting, “I have inspected all the submerging machinery, and I find everything in good order. We can go below the surface at any time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hastings. All below!” ordered Jack crisply.
After the cadets and the ensign had filed below, Jack, having seen that all was in order, followed. He made all fast in the conning [pg 202] tower, then called Midshipman Surles up the stairway to the tower wheel.
“Do you think you can head due east and keep to that course under water, Mr. Surles?”
“Yes, sir.”
Going down to the cabin floor, Jack ordered two more midshipmen to the tower as observers.
“The rest crowd about me and ask questions while I handle the submerging machinery.”
Under the impetus from the electric motors, the propeller shafts began to throb. The next instant the submarine shot below, going down at so steep an angle that many of the middies were forced to reach for new footing.