A few minutes later the working part of the torpedo's war-head had been removed by the boat's crew, and the torpedo itself was taken in tow.
"Now, Ensign, run in alongside, and take me on board," announced Lieutenant Danvers. "Mr. Benson, you'll go over to the 'Oakland' with me, of course?"
By this time the "Thor" had come about, and up within hailing distance of her Pollard rival.
"What's wrong? What has happened?" demanded John C. Rhinds, in a hoarse, croaking voice.
None aboard the "Hastings" took the trouble even to look in the direction of the speaker.
"Can't you hear, aboard the 'Hastings'?" insisted Rhinds.
But he had no better result than from his first hail.
In the meantime, Danvers and Jack, on reaching the gunboat, went at once before a council composed of the naval board and the commander of the gunboat.
The two witnesses told their story speedily and clearly.
"Can you swear that the torpedo was fired from the 'Thor,' Lieutenant?" inquired Captain Magowan, president of the naval board.