But the head of a swimmer rising from the
boat could not be observed at any very great distance. Yet the swimmer
could make out the hull or masts of a hostile vessel some miles away.
This new trick is likely to make submarine boats much more valuable to
the countries owning them. Now, I want to try something else, and see
whether I can do it."
The shore boat put in when called. In the bow was a hundred-pound
anchor, with plenty of cable to pay out after it. Captain Jack entered
the boat, looked over the anchor tackle, then returned to shore.
"Come to me where I stop," he directed the men in the boat. With that,
after getting his bearings fully, he swam out, counting his strokes as
he went.
"It's about here that I came up," he called, pausing and treading water
easily. "Bring the boat here."
Clambering aboard, he directed the casting of the anchor overboard. Then,
poising himself at the bow, he made a strong dive, vanishing under the
water.
"What's he going to do now?" asked Mr. Melville, curiously.
"I'd rather wait than guess," smiled Mr. Farnum.
For just an instant Don Melville looked, as he felt, green with envy.
Some moments passed. Then, not far from the spot where the "Pollard" had
gone down, her conning tower appeared once more. That was followed by
the emergence of the platform deck and upper hull above the water. In
another moment the tower manhole was opened, and Jack Benson, with a wave
of the hand, stepped out, his bathing suit changed for his uniform.
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