Part 29 (1/2)

waited Danvers signed to the officer on the ”Oakland's” bridge to keep an especial eye on the floating torpedo

As the ”Oakland” slowed up, a cutter, in charge of an ensign, put away fron,” shouted Lieutenant Danvers, ”we shall feel obliged if you can lie alongside of that torpedo, and render the war-head harmless We believe the torpedo to be fully loaded, and ready for instant action”

”I'll do what I can, sir, and as pro his superior officer

A fewpart 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 ti distance of her Pollard rival

”What's wrong? What has happened?” de 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 unboat, went at once before a council counboat

The titnesses told their story speedily and clearly

”Can you swear that the torpedo was fired froowan, president of the naval board

”I cannot, sir, but all the evidence points to the truth of , while some of the submarines were in line with us, yet all were too far away to drive a torpedo that far Besides, as I have stated, the 'Thor' turned briefly toward us, at just the ti around promptly”

All of the naval officers present showed, in their faces, the horror they felt over the situation

”It does not see around at his associates, ”that there can be any doubt as to our course The evidence, though wholly circu as it could be”

”Besides which, sir,” advanced Mr Danvers, ”The 'Thor' was provided with a stated nuowan; ”just as was the case with each of the other submarine boats”

”Then, if you search the 'Thor,' and find but three torpedoes aboard, now--”

”That will be all the evidence needed” adowan ”We willbut three torpedoes aboard the 'Thor,' ill place everyone on board under arrest, and send the 'Thor' into port under charge of one of our own naval crews Gentlemen, there is no need of further delay Commander Ellis, I will ask of you a cutter, a crew, a corporal and a file of marines”

”The boat and unboat's co fro the board rose and hooked their swords to their belts, for they were going on an official visit