"Into the tube with you, now," whispered Jack. "Crawl well forward—right up to the forward end of the tube—so. Get hold of the crossbar of the cap. Hold on hard. Now, when we close the rear port, and open the forward cap, with a little rush of compressed air, the cap will open forward and up, dragging you out into the water. Now, then, got a good hold?"
"A grip like death itself," laughed Hal.
"Be ready, then."
Captain Jack closed the rear port of the tube, and turned on some compressed air, which also drove the forward port open and up. A moment later the submarine boy tapped at the door of the state-room.
"Has anything happened?" smiled Mr. Farnum.
"Hal Hastings is missing, sir," reported Jack.
"Missing?" demanded the boatbuilder, leading his guests out into the cabin.
Young Benson pointed to the pile of clothing, just as Hal had left it on the floor.
"Get to the surface," commanded Mr. Farnum. "We shall have to look into this."
Soon the conning tower of the "Pollard" reappeared above the waves.