CHAPTER XV.
A VISIT TO GIBRALTAR.
Breakfast on the following morning was a kind of solemn feast, foralthough Devoran and Kenwyn were present, hardly a word was spoken. Thegloom of the previous day's exploration seemed to penetrate everything,yet the subject was, by mutual consent, studiously avoided.
The meal was nearly over when Lancarrow, the wireless man, knocked andentered the cabin.
"Message just received, sir," he announced unconcernedly.
Captain Restronguet opened the envelope and scanned its contents.Although his eyes lightened with satisfaction he said not a word tillthe man had retired.
"News of the 'Vorwartz,' gentlemen," he exclaimed. "She is reported tobe operating off the entrance to Valetta Harbour, Malta. Holed thetorpedo-boat-destroyer 'Tamar,' did considerable damage to the oil-tankvessel 'Petrolia,' so that the ship had to be beached in Bighi Bay.After that she slipped off. An aero-hydroplane followed her for an hourin an easterly direction. The 'Vorwartz' then dived much deeper and waslost sight off."
"What is she doing in the Mediterranean, sir?" asked Devoran. "Thatdoesn't look as if she's returning to Sumatran waters."
"Unless she goes through the Suez Canal," added Kenwyn.
"She won't try that game," said Captain Restronguet. "There's notenough water in the canal. If she does we have been saved an unpleasanttask, for the authorities will blow her to atoms."
"Now what is to be done, sir?" asked the chief officer.
Captain Restronguet paused a few moments before replying.
"The shafting is now all right, Mr. Devoran?"
"Yes, sir, I remained till the work was completed. That was at halfpast one in the morning."
"Excellent!" commented the captain. "There is now only one course leftopen to us. We must proceed to the eastern part of the Mediterraneanand continue our search for this modern pirate. I'll send a message tothe Admiralties at London, Paris, and Berlin informing them of mywhereabouts and of my intentions. We may have a chance of sending therelics of 'La Flamme' ashore at Gibraltar, Mr. Hythe. Perhaps you wouldcare to hand them over to the proper authorities?"
"With pleasure," replied the sub.
"There is no time to be lost," continued the captain, rising from hischair. "What is the weather like, Mr. Devoran?"
"Hazy, sir."
"Excellent! We may have a run on the surface; the extra ten knots maybe of extreme importance."
"Must we go astern through this channel?" asked the sub, as he followedhis host to the fore conning-tower. "There is not enough width toturn."
"Oh, no; we rise vertically to the surface," replied CaptainRestronguet. "Coming here it was different. I could not depend uponsinking the 'Aphrodite' immediately over the gulley. Besides, I hadreasons for bringing the craft in while submerged."
The discharging pumps were soon at work, and with hardly a jerk theheavy mass of water-tight metal casing rose majestically from the sandybed of Machichaco Bay. When just awash her fore hatch was opened andthe rails and stanchions shipped.
Hythe went on deck. The haze was sufficiently dense to prevent objectsfrom being seen at a distance of more than a cable's length ahead. Thecliffs and the lighthouse were invisible. Although there was hardly anywind and the "Aphrodite" was lying almost motionless on a perfectly calmsea, the noise of the sullen rollers breaking in-shore showed howdangerous this exposed bay was to any craft that attempted to send aboat ashore.
Beyond that ceaseless roar no sound disturbed the quietude. As far asthe crew of the submarine were concerned they might have been floatingpeacefully in the midst of the wide Atlantic instead of almost withinhailing distance of the Iberian shore.
The centre scuttle of the "Aphrodite's" for'ard conning-tower was openedso that the quartermaster could take verbal directions from his superiorofficer. Captain Restronguet stood just in front of the conning-tower,while two men, detailed for special duty as look-outs, were stationed inthe bows, clad in oil-skins to protect them from the spray that wasbound to come inboard as soon as the vessel gathered way. Abaft theafter conning-tower Mr. Devoran had taken his stand, while right aftwere more men whose duty it was to report the presence of any vesselthat, of swifter speed than the submarine, might overtake her.
These precautions were additional to the use of the submarine detectorthat indicated the approach of any craft at a distance; for whentravelling at high speed the swish of the waves against her lean bowswas apt to be misconstrued by the men stationed at that electricallyrecording device.
Giving a glance at the standard compass to assure himself that he hadmade due allowance for the abnormal deviation Captain Restronguet gavethe order for half speed ahead. Like a greyhound the "Aphrodite" leaptforward at a reduced speed of eighteen knots.
Within ten minutes the belt of haze had been left astern, and the sunshone brilliantly upon the clear blue water.
Hythe remained on deck some hours till the rounded point of Cape Ortegalhove in sight. Here the sea in calm weather is always agitated by a longheavy swell, while in gales the waves are dangerously steep. As aprecautionary measure Captain Restronguet ordered the look-out men tomake themselves fast with life-lines and the open hatches to be batteneddown. Although he suggested to the sub the advisability of going below,the captain, for some reason that he did not think fit to communicate,remained on deck. Scorning to make use of oilskins he stood graspingthe handrail surrounding the conning-tower, and gazed fixedly at thehorizon on the starboard bow. Whatever he expected to see his hopes inthat direction were unfulfilled, and at five o'clock, after thetumultuous water had been left astern, he rejoined his guest in thecabin.
"We are so far fortunate in being able to keep on the surface," heremarked. "We are now off Cape Finisterre and right in the regular mailand ordinary trading routes. But up to the time I left the deck we hadnot sighted a single sail."
Twice during the day the "Aphrodite" had to dive to avoid being sightedby passing vessels, for although Captain Restronguet made no secret ofhis whereabouts he did not think fit to allow the submarine to be seen.
Just before midnight the captain called to Hythe as the latter was aboutto turn in.
"We are going to dive to eight fathoms," he announced. "It is advisablesince we are approaching the Straits of Gibraltar. Perhaps you wouldcare to have a look on deck before going to bed?"
On gaining the upper platform Hythe found that the "Aphrodite" wasrunning nearly awash, with no navigation lights. Even the lamps in theconning-towers were screened. It was a pitch-dark night, although theatmosphere was clear. The water was exceptionally smooth for theAtlantic seaboard of the coast of Spain and Portugal.
Away on the starboard hand were several large vessels, each showingtheir green navigation lights, denoting that they were bound north. One,brilliantly illuminated, was evidently a liner on which the passengerswere keeping a late night, for the distant strains of a string band werejust audible above the subdued noise of her powerful engines.
"You know this coast, I suppose?" asked Captain Restronguet. "Do yourecognize yonder light?"
The sub looked intently in the direction indicated. Through thedarkness shone a fixed white light which increased and diminished inintensity, attaining its maximum glare every thirty seconds.
"Yes, Cape Trafalgar," he replied. "And we are within twelve miles ofit."
"Otherwise it would appear to be a flashing light," added CaptainRestronguet. "I see your knowledge of the various lights isexceptionally good. Had it been daylight we might have found time tolet you have a sight of some of Nelson's relics, for we are passing overthe scene of that ever-memorable victory. The bottom of the sea here isstrewn with the remains of the French and Spanish vessels that wereeither sunk in action or foundered in the storm that arose after thefight was over."
"I have seen enough of naval disasters for the time being," remarkedHythe.
"You will soon get use
d to sights of that description," said the captainwith a shrug of his shoulders. "Some day, all being well, I hope tovisit the remains of the Russian vessels sunk at Tshushima. Not simplyfor idle curiosity, but with a definite motive. But it blows cold, so Ithink we may as well descend."
When Hythe awoke next morning the "Aphrodite" was at rest. Throwingback the metal slide over his cabin scuttle he looked out. The submarinewas below the surface and in a fairly crowded anchorage, for dimly inthe sunlit water he could distinguish more than one mooring chain and amushroom anchor deeply embedded in the ooze.
"This must be Gib.," he thought, as he prepared to dress.
Although breakfast was laid, Captain Restronguet was busy writing asHythe entered the cabin.
"Excuse me while I finish," said the former apologetically. "Here is acopy of this week's 'Gibraltar Herald'; it was published only yesterday,so it is fairly recent. Perhaps you might care to look at it?"
Hythe took the journal wonderingly. How could it have come into CaptainRestronguet's possession? He sat down and opened the pages. Most of thenews consisted of matter interesting only to the members of the colony,such as descriptions of social functions of such minor importance thatthe edition of the smallest weekly at home would scorn to make use of;but about one half of the back sheet was devoted to general news.
Three quarters of a column were occupied by a more or less accurateaccount of Karl von Harburg's doings at Malta. Since CaptainRestronguet had exposed the fellow's identity the owner of the"Vorwartz" no longer attempted to screen himself by attributing hisillegal acts to his rival; on the other hand the _denouement_ seemed tohave emboldened him, for hitherto he had confined his active attentionssolely to German national property. Now he was fast developing into apirate, attacking all nations without any consideration. Yet, curiouslyenough, he never attempted to take booty, and on this account hismotives were the subject of the keenest discussion.
Already international squadrons, representing Great Britain, France,Germany, Italy, Austria, Russia, and Greece were co-operating with aview of exterminating the modern buccaneer, while from Cape Tarifa toCenta a powerful flotilla of the latest type of submarines formed acordon at the maximum depth attainable with safety beneath the surface.These in turn were supported by a number of destroyers and protectedcruisers, while overhead aero-hydroplanes flew by day and naval airshipssoared by night, the latter keeping their searchlights playingvertically downwards in the hope of locating and annihilating thevampire of the seas.
The tension between England and Germany had, according to the paper,been considerably relaxed, and both the Atlantic Fleet and the High SeasFleet had returned to their respective ports; but at the same time theBritish Prime Minister had spoken strongly in the House, urging the oftneglected precept that "A nation armed is a nation at peace."
The only other item of news that interested Hythe was a report thatthere had been seismic disturbances in the Mediterranean, and that Maltahad experienced two severe shocks. The sub knew Malta well; besides, hehad relations living there, his maternal uncle holding a shoreappointment under the Admiralty. Although the effects of the tremorwere felt at Bizerta, Tripoli, Syracuse, Messina, Reggio, and even asfar north as Rome, Vesuvius and Etna showed no signs of increasedactivity, while Stromboli had ceased for several days to emit smoke.This phenomenon had been debated upon by men of science, but nosatisfactory explanation had been arrived at.
"Have you found anything sufficiently interesting to make you forget myrudeness, Mr. Hythe?" asked Captain Restronguet, as he put his writingmaterials into his desk and locked it up. "I had to finish thisdispatch, as you so kindly consented to take it ashore for me."
"I have been wondering how you obtained the paper, sir?"
"Easily done. We arrived in the bay about four this morning. Carclewimmediately left the 'Aphrodite' and walked ashore, landing on theNeutral Ground about four hundred yards beyond the Advance Lines. Hedivested himself of his diving-dress and hid it, and as soon as the gunwent--the signal for the gates of the fortress to be opened, as youknow--he mingled with the crowd of locked-out Scorps, Spanish tradersand pedlars, and walked unceremoniously into the town. Coming back,however, he had a nasty time, for the sentries had their suspicions,taking him for a smuggler, and it was as much as he could do to slipinto the water without being seen."
"How do you propose to set me ashore?" asked Hythe.
"Perfectly openly," replied his host calmly. "I have the Governor'spermission to send a representative ashore. You will land at the stepson the inner side of the New Mole at ten this morning. Kenwyn andGwennap will accompany you as far as the landing in order to help youoff with your gear. They will then return, so that no inquisitiveindividual will have an opportunity of examining or possibly stealing mypatent helmet. At six p.m. sharp, Kenwyn and Gwennap will meet you atthe same place. By the by, would you like O'Shaunessey to go with you?"
The sub hesitated for a moment before replying. Captain Restronguet hadmade no conditions regarding his trip ashore. He trusted entirely tothe honour of the young officer. There was nothing to prevent Hythe andO'Shaunessey from remaining at Gib. if they felt inclined. The sub knewO'Shaunessey to be a sharp and diligent man, but unfortunately he had agreat failing. Had it not been for a few delinquencies in the shape ofoverstaying his leave the Irishman might have been a petty officer bythis time. Consequently, since the man might get into one of thenumerous grog-shops and fail to return to time, Hythe decided not totake him.
"Very good, Mr. Hythe," replied Captain Restronguet in even tones,although the sub detected a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I quiteunderstand, and I think your judgment is good in this respect. Now letus fall to; breakfast will be getting quite cold, and I do not want myemissary to start on a journey with discomfort."
"Where are we lying now?" asked Hythe, in the course of the meal.
"In the Commercial Anchorage, on a line with the Devil's Tower open ofthe North Front," replied the captain. "I thought it best to do so,rather than trespass within the limits of the Admiralty Anchorage. Youwill have more than a mile to walk, but the tides close inshore areweak, and by keeping close to the Old Mole you will find littleinconvenience.
"Here are the documents," he continued, as soon as breakfast was over."This one, to which is attached the chart from 'La Flamme,' is for theFrench Minister of Marine. It will be safely forwarded. This is forthe Governor; the others are of a private nature, and will be sent in bypost in the ordinary way."
"I heard say you are going ashore, sir," said O'Shaunessey, who wasstanding in the diving-gear compartment. "Wud ye take this letther forme? Sure, 'tis for me ould mother."
"I will, O'Shaunessey," replied Hythe. He almost wavered in hisresolution not to take the A.B. with him; but since the Irishman did notseem at all anxious to enjoy a spell on land the sub adhered to hisformer plans.
Guided by a watertight compass held by the chief officer, Hythe, withhis dispatches in a weighted metal case, set out on his lengthysubmarine walk. Without a hitch the three men gained the base of thenorthernmost Mole, and walking under the keels of several merchantvessels made fast alongside, they arrived at the landing indicated byCaptain Restronguet.
As soon as Hythe emerged from the water, greatly to the interest of aswarm of bluejackets and civilians who had been apprised of the arrivalof the mysterious submarine, Kenwyn and Gwennap divested him of hisdiving suit, and, being unable to speak by reason of their helmets,raised their right hands in token of farewell.
Being ashore seemed quite unfamiliar to the young officer, although hewas well acquainted with that landing place. Briskly he ran up thesteps, made his way through the admiring and attentive crowd, and shapeda course for the Governor's Palace.
"So you are returning to the submarine?" asked the Governor, when theinterview was at an end. "I believe the Admiralty have telegraphed thatyou can exercise your discretion in the matter."
"Yes," replied Hythe. "I think it necessar
y to do so, both from anofficial and a private sense. I can assure you, sir, that anythingapproaching the craft in mechanism and scientific wonder has never yetbeen seen."
"My Lords are naturally anxious for details," remarked the Rear Admiralin charge of the Naval Establishments at Gibraltar, who had made it apoint of being with the Governor on the occasion of Hythe's visit. "Infact, speaking in a strictly confidential manner, I may as well tell youthat they would like to open negotiations with Captain Restronguet forthe purchase of the vessel. Could you approach him on this matter?"
"I am afraid it will be of no use, sir," replied the sub. "But, ofcourse, I will do my best. Captain Restronguet is a man of ironresolution, and he has more than once told me that he has sworn to sinkthe 'Aphrodite' rather than hand her over to the Admiralty."
"That is a pity," said the Governor. "Why is this? He is anEnglishman?"
"Yes, a native of Cornwall; but he is labouring under the impressionthat he has been slighted by the Admiralty. He offered his inventionsome years ago and was, he informs me, shabbily treated."
"Unfortunately that is not the only case," said the Admiral. "Themistake--for mistake it undoubtedly is--was possibly the work of somepetty official at Whitehall. I've known plenty of instances of thatdescription. However, Mr. Hythe, do your best in that direction, andfind means to communicate Captain Restronguet's decision as soon aspossible. He will not, I hope, sell the submarine to a foreign power?"
"No, sir; I think with all his prejudices Captain Restronguet does notforget he's an Englishman. Otherwise he would not be so open inexplaining a host of details connected with his vessel to me."
"Well, we must hope for the best," declared the Governor.
"And if Captain Restronguet succeeds in destroying this rascallyGerman's submarine--the 'Vorwartz,' is it not?--we shall have somethingto be thankful for."
Hythe made good use of the rest of the time allowed him ashore. Severalof his brother officers, whom he had known on previous commissions, soonhad him "in tow," but the sub strenuously declined to go aboard any ofthe ships. There might be some mistake, he might forget how the hourssped, and to miss his appointment at the New Mole was not to be thoughtof. He found an opportunity, however, of replenishing his scanty stockof clothing, and by means of a small "tip" enlisted the services of a"Scorp" to purchase a supplementary kit for O'Shaunessey. These he hadplaced in a small tin trunk, the lid of which was securely soldereddown, and engaging a porter he told the man to follow him to thelanding.
It was now close on the hour fixed for his return, but a sudden obstaclewas thrown in his way; he had forgotten the Customs.
An alert Customs Officer, who was no respecter of persons even thoughthey were in naval officer's uniform, peremptorily demanded to see whatthe trunk contained.
"Clothing only," replied Hythe, with considerable annoyance. "ValueFive Pounds; here is my bill."
"Must see what's inside, sir," replied the man. "Please to order yourporter to carry this box to the office. You will also step this way,sir."
"Look here, this is all rot!" exclaimed Hythe indignantly. "I'll payup, even though it's a blind rush; but I've an appointment to keep."
The Customs official was obdurate. The sub glanced at his watch. Ithad stopped. He had forgotten to wind it. By a neighbouring clock itwanted five minutes to six.
Hythe hesitated no longer. Turning he set off at full speed towards theGovernor's palace, the Customs man pelting at his heels and shouting tothe bystanders to stop him. The sub was a good sprinter, even thoughconsiderably out of practice by being cooped up in the limited quartersof a submarine. Dashing past the astonished sentry at the entrance tothe palace, before the soldier had time to salute, Hythe literallythrust his way into the Governor's presence and hastily told him of hisirritating and serious encounter with the officious Customs man.
"He is undoubtedly within his rights, Mr. Hythe," replied the Governor."But, at the same time, he is over zealous. That will clear you," andsitting down he wrote out and signed an order to pass Mr. Arnold Hythe'sbaggage.
One minute to six. With almost indecent haste the sub once more badethe Governor farewell and resumed his headlong pace.
Just outside the Dockyard Gate he overtook the Customs official, who waspuffing and blowing after his exertions on a fruitless chase.
"Very good, sir," exclaimed the man apologetically, "but you see dooty'sdooty. I'll clear your trunk in a jiffy."
Bubbling over with impatience Hythe set off at a rapid rate, with thewellnigh exhausted official at his heels. A fresh catastropheconfronted him, for upon arriving at the place where he had left theporter with his trunk neither was to be seen.
"He's a wrong 'un, sir," exclaimed the Customs man. "You had betterinform the police."
"Haven't time," exclaimed Hythe savagely, and without another word heran towards the steps at the New Mole. When he arrived it was tenminutes past six, and no signs of Kenwyn and Gwennap were to be seen.
"That's done it!" ejaculated the sub. "And Captain Restronguet said sixo'clock sharp."