Having passed the cordon of nets the chaser turned and slowly steamed past the submarine. The lieutenant stepped to the side of the bridge and said:
"I suppose, Captain, you can now make the pier-head at Ramsgate, where you will get a ship to convoy you to the harbor. Good luck to you! Adieu!"
The boys waved their caps in salute, as the chaser began to move, and the crew lined up to give the final goodbye.
The captain smiled and replied: "I think I have ample assistance on board; give my regards to the admiral."
"How far is it to Ramsgate?" asked Ralph.
"It cannot be more than twenty-five miles, and at the rate we are now going we should reach the head at five this evening. That will be the end of our troubles, as the naval officials will take care of this vessel from that point," said the captain.
"Well, I shall be glad of it," replied Alfred.
It was a glorious day, the sun was shining brightly, and the air, although somewhat cool, was not at all disagreeable. The boys insisted on taking their turns at the wheel, the course being given by the captain as west by north. Everything was moving along in fine shape, and Alfred was at the wheel, while Ralph was peering through the periscope, for this interested them from the moment they boarded the ship.
"Where is that steamer bound?" asked Ralph, who noticed a large two-funnel steamer crossing the field of the periscope.
"It belongs to the Australian line," replied the captain.
"Aren't we in the barred zone?" asked Alfred.
"I was about to remark a moment ago that it does not seem as though the German edict of a restricted zone makes much difference in the sailing of vessels," replied the captain.
While speaking, the submarine seemed to slow down, and the captain turned toward the conning tower. "I wonder what is up now?" he asked.
Alfred's head appeared at the door and shouted: "They don't seem to answer my signals."
The captain entered the tower, and pulled the lever, _Attention!_ There was no response to the signal below the word. He again rang, with the same result.
"I will open the hatch," said the captain.
It was quickly swung open. The sub-lieutenant appeared at the hatch with haggard face and staring eyes. "The captain has gone mad!" he shouted.