We
believe the torpedo to be fully loaded, and ready for instant action."
"I'll do what I can, sir, and as promptly as possible," replied the
ensign, saluting his superior officer.
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.
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