Part 26 (1/2)
”Better take it frolass will be more dependable than your naked eye”
The ”Thor,” also, was heading straight for the derelict So far, the Rhinds boat was still nearer
It began to look, however, as if the ”Thor's” engines were not quite as fast as those of the other Rhinds boat, the ”Zelda”
”Are we going to make it?” breathed Eph, the perspiration of sheer strain standing out on his forehead
”Yes!” al, is it?” persisted So Benson
It was the grit, the dogged determination of the born commander--the natural leader of men
A moment later Jack turned a white face toward the shi+pbuilder
”Mr Farnuot to have more speed”
Farnum did not even wait for the second sentence He dived below All of a sudden the ”Hastings” was seen to take a notable leap forward Then she settled down to atower Jacob Farnuht hand he clutched a doubled-up handkerchief, hich he made frequent dabs at his face
The shi+pbuilder knew that the present speed, with its dangerous overheating of the engines, spelled blank disaster if continued for long
Hal Hastings, down below, standing like a white wraith beside his engines, realized the sa skipper, for whoe--”win!”
Eph didn't stop to realize it He orrying about straight steering, and he couldn't worry aboutat a time
Lieutenant Danvers must have knoas patent to every otherHe was a Navy officer, trained not to display emotion
”Good!” came from Captain Jack's lips Yet, in the intensity of his strain it was a groan, rather than a note of exultation ”We're cutting into the 'Thor's' water”
A few ly across the Rhinds boat's course, well ahead
”Noe'll show you!” quavered Jack Benson, as he briefly shook his fist back at the wicked rivals
”If we don't blow the lid off this sea-turtle!”Somers, to hi the course around
”Now, drive straight toward the derelict, Eph!” breathed the young co ”I leave the deck in your hands for a , steady, as you are!”
As Farnu his way the shi+pbuilder understood and darted down the stairs
After hied Jack Benson Below, both becaled On one of the trucks they dragged a torpedo forward, fitting it in the tube
As he closed the after port behind the torpedo, Jack bent over to place Jacob Farnu lever