Down amidships, on the main deck, a pretty girl had sat, balanced on the rail, her stalwart brother standing by to hold her securely.
Yet, in the excitement that followed, the girl uttered a shriek and tottered. Her brother's hold was loosened for the instant, in his own bewilderment. Before he could recover, the girl had plunged down toward the water. With a frantic yell, the brother leaned too far out to seize her. He, too, plunged over the rail.
How either escaped being drawn in toward the great hull was marvelous.
But now both appeared in the foam astern, bobbing on the water, yet far apart.
The "Farnum" was near by. Midshipman Osgoodby threw the helm over once more, then started in to get closer to them.
At the same time he passed the word below. Captain Jack Benson was the first to reach the tower.
In an instant the young submarine skipper threw the power off.
"We can't go closer without the danger of running 'em down," quivered the submarine boy.
The instant he had the power off Captain Jack threw the manhole cover of the tower open. As he bounded out on the platform deck several of the midshipmen followed, with Ensign Trahern and others.
No sooner had his feet touched the platform deck than Jack threw down his cap. His blouse followed, almost in the same instant. Racing to the rail, the submarine boy calculated his distance, then sprang overboard, striking out desperately.