Little idea had he, at that moment, how
prophetic his words were likely to be!
In half an hour, as planned, the "Oakland," after firing a warning gun,
steamed away from her moorings. Gradually the gunboat's speed
increased, until the full sixteen miles were being made--miles, instead
of knots, since gasoline boats, like these submarines, are usually rated
by miles instead of by the longer "knot."
It was a rattling rate of speed to exact from these little craft, when
it was considered that the gait would have to be continued, without
break, for at least twenty-four hours.
Eph was at the wheel, at the start, and Jack standing back by the
conning tower. Mr. Farnum had gone below, for a nap, as he intended to
relieve Hal in the engine room after a few hours.
"Benson," remarked Danvers, approaching the submarine boy, "I guess your
remark of a few minutes ago exactly defines this trip."
"What remark?" asked Jack.
"You spoke of it as a lightning cruise. It is going to be one, indeed,
for these little submarine craft."
"Our boat can stand it, I think," smiled the submarine skipper.
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