We must also get an
idea of the length of the hull. Then, having gotten our figures, we'll
have to glide back a little way, so as to give a right-angle broadside
on at the hull of the derelict. Before firing the torpedo we'll first
have to go far enough below water so that we'll know we're in fair line
with that sunken hull yonder, for we've got to make our one loaded
torpedo do the trick."
"You've got the figures down all right," nodded Lieutenant Danvers,
thoughtfully. "The risky part is in trying to run over that derelict's
sunken hull in order to locate it and make your soundings. Now, you
run a big chance of running plumb on to some other stump of a mast.
The 'Hastings' may easily get an injury, from the stump of another
mast, that may tear a real hole in our plates and send us all to the
bottom."
"There's danger to be considered in any submarine game really worth
the while," assented Captain Jack Benson, coolly. "Do you feel then,
Mr. Danvers, that we should be satisfied to drive back to Dunhaven and
content ourselves with wiring the Navy Department news of the derelict
and of her present position?"
Lieutenant Danvers thoughtfully gazed at the young submarine commander's
face.
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