Then the water closed over them. Jack felt himself slipping down and down into the watery grave that awaited them.
No strength can combat the power of frenzy. Though Jack Benson struggled, he realized that it was a losing battle. The girl's arms seemed locked in a deathless grip around his own.
By the time that the first of the midshipmen reached the spot there was no trace either of Jack Benson or of the girl whom he had sought to save.
CHAPTER XXII
JACK SIGNALS THE "SAWBONES"
Though he realized the deadly peril of the situation, Jack Benson, when he found himself in that frantic embrace, slipping below the waters, did not lose his head.
"She'll weaken before I do," was his first thought.
He had taken in no water. A strong, expert swimmer, the submarine boy could hold in his breath for some time to come.
"If I could only free one hand, now!" thought the submarine boy.
He tried, but some instinct in the girl made her resist his efforts.