CHAPTER XXIX.
THE LAST OF BELLMAN'S CREW.
"Up anchor, quick!" shouted Lieutenant Selby, springing into the conningtower. The shrill whistle of the bos'un's pipe sounded at the samemoment and in a second the ship that had been so still and inert was amaelstrom of activity. The anchor was broken out and long before it waslanded home at the catheads the _Tarantula_, a long line of white foamstreaking aft from each side of her sharp bow, was steering through thewater in pursuit of the flying submarine.
Lieutenant Selby's first action after they were under way had been toorder the searchlight played on the chase and kept on her. Fortunatelythe phosphorescent glow left on the water by the submarine, as shedashed away, made her course as plain as day and the man operating thesearchlight had no difficulty in finding her.
As the light played about her the watchers on the _Tarantula_, made outtwo forms standing on her railed-in back.
"Bellman!" exclaimed Frank as his eyes fell on the taller of the two.
"Foyashi, the scoundrel," was Lieutenant Chapin's recognition of theshorter one.
"We'll get 'em if we blow the _Tarantula_ up," exclaimed LieutenantSelby tensely, as he shouted down to the engineer, "more steam, Mac."
The pace was terrific, moreover it was dangerous navigation, buteveryone aboard well knew that they would have to catch the submarinebefore she got out of the waters where she did not dare to dive, andthere was not a man aboard that was not willing, in the heat of thechase, to take the chance of running aground.
Lieutenant Selby himself had taken the wheel from the man who had heldit when the chase began and like greyhound and hare the destroyer andthe submarine raced along.
"Try them with the bow gun," suggested Lieutenant Chapin to hisassociate.
"A good idea, old man," was the reply, and old Bob Adams, a seamy-facedveteran, was called aft and promised unlimited tobacco and spendingmoney if he could hit the submarine and "wing" her. Old Adams was a manof few words and didn't change his usual habit of silence, as the gunwas made ready for him. It was a Hotchkiss rapid-fire capable ofpiercing steel-armor at half-a-mile and the submarine's broad glisteningback offered a good mark.
"Are you ready, Adams?" asked the lieutenant, as after a lot ofsquinting and adjustment the old man stood with the firing cord in hishand.
"Bin ready, tew minuts," was the reply.
"Go ahead then."
The Hotchkiss spat viciously, but the water spurted up a good ten feetof the mark.
The shot had missed.
Old Adams didn't change a muscle of his face, though he knew every eyeon ship but that of the helmsman was on him. He spat over the side,ruminatively, and then pointed the gun, once more.
By this time Bellman and his companion had seen there was mischiefbehind and had ducked through the slide of their craft and screwed itdown. The lieutenant rightly interpreted this as a signal that in a fewminutes the submarine would dive. If once she did so the chances againsttheir getting her again would be remote in the extreme.
"Get her this time, Adams," he beseeched.
"I'll do my best, sir;" said the old salt as the gun cracked once more.
This time a cheer went up. The submarine had been hit.
"Again! Let her have it!" yelled Lieutenant Selby, carried away byexcitement.
Again and again the Hotchkiss viciously cracked and spat fire and everytime brought the _Tarantula_ nearer to the crippled diver. It wasevident that the submarine could not last much longer. Already her speedwas a mere crawl. One of Adams' projectiles must have penetrated to herengine-room or else,--as was more likely,--her crew had mutinied.
Suddenly the slide on her back opened and through it poured a crowd ofthe little brown men who had been employed at Bellman's Island. Theycried, they screamed appeals of aid to the pursuing ship, which had ofcourse ceased firing as human figures appeared.
"They want us to take 'em aboard, sir," said old Adams, who had servedin the far East and understood their appeals. "They say they are sinkingand that their engineer is killed."
"Lower the boats," ordered Selby, "we'll get them off. I won't see mendrown if I can help it."
A coatless man suddenly appeared among the searchlight illumined crowdon the back of the submarine. It was Bellman. By his side was Foyashi,also coatless and desperate.
"Back, you yellow dogs. Get back below!" yelled Bellman, flourishing arevolver.
A beseeching cry went up.
"We'll go to the bottom together," shouted Bellman, apparently besidehimself. The next instant his revolver cracked and two of the littlebrown men fell across the steel plates. What happened then was like anightmare to the boys who stood watching in horrified amazement. Thewhole swarming crowd of panic-stricken men seized Bellman and Foyashiand paying no attention to their despairing cries hurled them overboard.
In vain the wretches tried to clasp the sides of the wounded submarineand haul themselves back on deck. They were knocked off each time bytheir crazed followers. Before the boats from the _Tarantula_ couldreach them they both had disappeared. In the submarine's engine-room JobScudder, too, lay dead--killed beside his engines at Adams' firstsuccessful shot.
The _Tarantula_ anchored there for the night and the boats rowed aboutseeking for the lost men but their bodies did not reappear and doubtlessthe swift current swept them out to sea. Early the next day the boys andthe officers rowed over to the submarine, whose crew was now installedon board the _Tarantula_ and searched her thoroughly. She had settled inshallow water and access to her was easy through the top plate.
Their diligence was rewarded by the discovery in a steel bound chest,that evidently had belonged to Bellman, of the long missing formula ofChapinite. They found, too, unmistakable proofs that the governmentwhich the authorities had suspected all along had really been the man'semployer. How he drifted into their service, was, of course, onlysurmise. The submarine was laden with four gross of straw-wrapped boxescontaining enough of the explosive to have blown up the navies of theworld, if mixed with the right quantity of gunpowder. At LieutenantSelby's suggestion the boxes were weighted and sunk to the bottom of theGulf of Mexico the next day where they still lie. It was too dangerous acargo to carry in the form the daring Bellman had packed it.
As for Pork Chops and Quatty, before the _Tarantula_ sailed their heartswere made glad by presents of rifles, revolvers and ammunition andpermission to take possession of the canoes and all the duffle the boyshad left at Camp Walrus. Pork Chops had been so fascinated by Quatty'stales of life among the Seminoles that he had decided to cast in his lotwith him and, on condition that Quatty gave him a proper introduction tothe tribe, to go shares on the _Carrier Dove_ with him after theyfetched her from her anchorage.
Ben Stubbs and the boys, in the _Tarantula's_ launch, early the next daywent back to the sand-spit where the _Golden Eagle II_ had been beachedand dismantled her, as soon as the inspection of the submarine wascompleted. Packed in sections she was placed aboard the destroyertogether with the field wireless which was fetched from Camp Walrus, byLathrop and the negroes.
That evening just as the group of herons, to which the boys had grown soaccustomed, were circling above their roosting-places, the _Tarantula_with a long blast of her siren, swung out of the channel into theshimmering gold of the Gulf. Behind them lay the black outlines of thehalf-submerged submarine. Forward on deck, squatted the little brown menwho were to be set ashore at the first convenient port, as they all hadplenty of money to get back to their own country.
The _Tarantula's_ destination was Hampton Roads, from where the boys andLieutenant Chapin were to hurry to Washington and relate the wholestory. As for Billy Barnes, he was already busy writing out what hecalled "The biggest beat of the ages, the recovery of Lieutenant Chapinand the Loss of the Mysterious Submarine."
"It's good for a whole front page," he declared, "with pictures of allof us and 'by William Barnes,' at the top."
"What ar
e you thinking of, Frank, old boy?" asked Harry as the destroyerplunged steadily forward through the night,--homeward bound.
Frank laughed, although his thoughts had been grave.
"That we have earned a holiday," he said, "let's go on a hunting trip,some place."
"Where?" inquired Harry.
"Oh, anywhere--what's the matter with Africa?"
"Great! hunting by aeroplane!" exclaimed Harry, "and we'll take thebunch along. Hurray! for the BOY AVIATORS IN AFRICA; or, ON AN AERIALIVORY TRAIL."
THE END.
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OAKDALE ACADEMY SERIES
Stories of Modern School Sports
By MORGAN SCOTT.
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BEN STONE AT OAKDALE.
Under peculiarly trying circumstances Ben Stone wins his way at Oakdale Academy, and at the same time enlists our sympathy, interest and respect. Through the enmity of Bern Hayden, the loyalty of Roger Eliot and the clever work of the "Sleuth," Ben is falsely accused, championed and vindicated.
BOYS OF OAKDALE ACADEMY.
"One thing I will claim, and that is that all Grants fight open and square and there never was a sneak among them." It was Rodney Grant, of Texas, who made the claim to his friend, Ben Stone, and this story shows how he proved the truth of this statement in the face of apparent evidence to the contrary.
RIVAL PITCHERS OF OAKDALE.
Baseball is the main theme of this interesting narrative, and that means not only clear and clever descriptions of thrilling games, but an intimate acquaintance with the members of the teams who played them. The Oakdale Boys were ambitious and loyal, and some were even disgruntled and jealous, but earnest, persistent work won out.
OAKDALE BOYS IN CAMP.
The typical vacation is the one that means much freedom, little restriction, and immediate contact with "all outdoors." These conditions prevailed in the summer camp of the Oakdale Boys and made it a scene of lively interest.
THE GREAT OAKDALE MYSTERY.
The "Sleuth" scents a mystery! He "follows his nose." The plot thickens! He makes deductions. There are surprises for the reader--and for the "Sleuth," as well.
NEW BOYS AT OAKDALE.
A new element creeps into Oakdale with another year's registration of students. The old and the new standards of conduct in and out of school meet, battle, and cause sweeping changes in the lives of several of the boys.
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DREADNOUGHT BOYS SERIES
Tales of the New Navy
By CAPT. WILBUR LAWTON
Author of "BOY AVIATORS SERIES."
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THE DREADNOUGHT BOYS ON BATTLE PRACTICE.
Especially interesting and timely is this book which introduces the reader with its heroes, Ned and Herc, to the great ships of modern warfare and to the intimate life and surprising adventures of Uncle Sam's sailors.
THE DREADNOUGHT BOYS ABOARD A DESTROYER.
In this story real dangers threaten and the boys' patriotism is tested in a peculiar international tangle. The scene is laid on the South American coast.
THE DREADNOUGHT BOYS ON A SUBMARINE.
To the inventive genius--trade-school boy or mechanic--this story has special charm, perhaps, but to every reader its mystery and clever action are fascinating.
THE DREADNOUGHT BOYS ON AERO SERVICE.
Among the volunteers accepted for Aero Service are Ned and Herc. Their perilous adventures are not confined to the air, however, although they make daring and notable flights in the name of the Government; nor are they always able to fly beyond the reach of their old "enemies," who are also airmen.
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BORDER BOYS SERIES
Mexican and Canadian Frontier Series
By FREMONT B. DEERING.
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THE BORDER BOYS ON THE TRAIL.
What it meant to make an enemy of Black Ramon De Barios--that is the problem that Jack Merrill and his friends, including Coyote Pete, face in this exciting tale.
THE BORDER BOYS ACROSS THE FRONTIER.
Read of the Haunted Mesa and its mysteries, of the Subterranean River and its strange uses, of the value of gasolene and steam "in running the gauntlet," and you will feel that not even the ancient splendors of the Old World can furnish a better setting for romantic action than the Border of the New.
THE BORDER BOYS WITH THE MEXICAN RANGERS.
As every day is making history--faster, it is said, than ever before--so books that keep pace with the changes are full of rapid action and accurate facts. This book deals with lively times on the Mexican border.
THE BORDER BOYS WITH THE TEXAS RANGERS.
The Border Boys have already had much excitement and adventure in their lives, but all this has served to prepare them for the experiences related in this volume. They are stronger, braver and more resourceful than ever, and the exigencies of their life in connection with the Texas Rangers demand all their trained ability.
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BUNGALOW BOYS SERIES
LIVE STORIES OF OUTDOOR LIFE
By DEXTER J. FORRESTER.
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THE BUNGALOW BOYS.
How the Bungalow Boys received their title and how they retained the right to it in spite of much opposition makes a lively narrative for lively boys.
THE BUNGALOW BOYS MAROONED IN THE TROPICS.
A real treasure hunt of the most thrilling kind, with a sunken Spanish galleon as its object, makes a subject of intense interest at any time, but add to that a band of desperate men, a dark plot and a devil fish, and you have the combination that brings
strange adventures into the lives of the Bungalow Boys.
THE BUNGALOW BOYS IN THE GREAT NORTHWEST.
The clever assistance of a young detective saves the boys from the clutches of Chinese smugglers, of whose nefarious trade they know too much. How the Professor's invention relieves a critical situation is also an exciting incident of this book.
THE BUNGALOW BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES.
The Bungalow Boys start out for a quiet cruise on the Great Lakes and a visit to an island. A storm and a band of wreckers interfere with the serenity of their trip, and a submarine adds zest and adventure to it.
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BOY INVENTORS SERIES
Stories of Skill and Ingenuity
By RICHARD BONNER
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THE BOY INVENTORS' WIRELESS TELEGRAPH.
Blest with natural curiosity,--sometimes called the instinct of investigation,--favored with golden opportunity, and gifted with creative ability, the Boy Inventors meet emergencies and contrive mechanical wonders that interest and convince the reader because they always "work" when put to the test.
THE BOY INVENTORS' VANISHING GUN.
A thought, a belief, an experiment; discouragement, hope, effort and final success--this is the history of many an invention; a history in which excitement, competition, danger, despair and persistence figure. This merely suggests the circumstances which draw the daring Boy Inventors into strange experiences and startling adventures, and which demonstrate the practical use of their vanishing gun.
THE BOY INVENTORS' DIVING TORPEDO BOAT.
As in the previous stories of the Boy Inventors, new and interesting triumphs of mechanism are produced which become immediately valuable, and the stage for their proving and testing is again the water. On the surface and below it, the boys have jolly, contagious fun, and the story of their serious, purposeful inventions challenge the reader's deepest attention.
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FRANK ARMSTRONG SERIES
Twentieth Century Athletic Stories
By MATHEW M. COLTON.
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FRANK ARMSTRONG'S VACATION.
How Frank's summer experience with his boy friends make him into a sturdy young athlete through swimming, boating, and baseball contests, and a tramp through the Everglades, is the subject of this splendid story.
FRANK ARMSTRONG AT QUEENS.
We find among the jolly boys at Queen's School, Frank, the student-athlete, Jimmy, the baseball enthusiast, and Lewis, the unconsciously-funny youth who furnishes comedy for every page that bears his name. Fall and winter sports between intensely rival school teams are expertly described.
FRANK ARMSTRONG'S SECOND TERM.
The gymnasium, the track and the field make the background for the stirring events of this volume, in which David, Jimmy, Lewis, the "Wee One" and the "Codfish" figure, while Frank "saves the day."
FRANK ARMSTRONG, DROP KICKER.
With the same persistent determination that won him success in swimming, running and baseball playing, Frank Armstrong acquired the art of "drop kicking," and the Queen's football team profits thereby.
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MOTOR MAIDS SERIES
Wholesome Stories of Adventure
By KATHERINE STOKES.
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THE MOTOR MAIDS' SCHOOL DAYS.
Billie Campbell was just the type of a straightforward, athletic girl to be successful as a practical Motor Maid. She took her car, as she did her class-mates, to her heart, and many a grand good time did they have all together. The road over which she ran her red machine had many an unexpected turning,--now it led her into peculiar danger; now into contact with strange travelers; and again into experiences by fire and water. But, best of all, "The Comet" never failed its brave girl owner.
THE MOTOR MAIDS BY PALM AND PINE.
Wherever the Motor Maids went there were lively times, for these were companionable girls who looked upon the world as a vastly interesting place full of unique adventures--and so, of course, they found them.
THE MOTOR MAIDS ACROSS THE CONTINENT.
It is always interesting to travel, and it is wonderfully entertaining to see old scenes through fresh eyes. It is that privilege, therefore, that makes it worth while to join the Motor Maids in their first 'cross-country run.
THE MOTOR MAIDS BY ROSE, SHAMROCK AND HEATHER.
South and West had the Motor Maids motored, nor could their education by travel have been more wisely begun. But now a speaking acquaintance with their own country enriched their anticipation of an introduction to the British Isles. How they made their polite American bow and how they were received on the other side is a tale of interest and inspiration.
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MOLLY BROWN SERIES
College Life Stories for Girls
By NELL SPEED.
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MOLLY BROWN'S FRESHMAN DAYS.
Would you like to admit to your circle of friends the most charming of college girls--the typical college girl for whom we are always looking but not always finding; the type that contains so many delightful characteristics, yet without unpleasant perfection in any; the natural, unaffected, sweet-tempered girl, loved because she is lovable? Then seek an introduction to Molly Brown. You will find the baggage-master, the cook, the Professor of English Literature, and the College President in the same company.
MOLLY BROWN'S SOPHOMORE DAYS.
What is more delightful than a re-union of college girls after the summer vacation? Certainly nothing that precedes it in their experience--at least, if all class-mates are as happy together as the Wellington girls of this story. Among Molly's interesting friends of the second year is a young Japanese girl, who ingratiates her "humbly" self into everybody's affections speedily and permanently.
MOLLY BROWN'S JUNIOR DAYS.
Financial stumbling blocks are not the only things that hinder the ease and increase the strength of college girls. Their troubles and their triumphs are their own, often peculiar to their environment. How Wellington students meet the experiences outside the class-rooms is worth the doing, the telling and the reading.
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GIRL AVIATORS SERIES
Clean Aviation Stories
By MARGARET BURNHAM.
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THE GIRL AVIATORS AND THE PHANTOM AIRSHIP.
Roy Prescott was fortunate in having a sister so clever and devoted to him and his interests that they could
share work and play with mutual pleasure and to mutual advantage. This proved especially true in relation to the manufacture and manipulation of their aeroplane, and Peggy won well deserved fame for her skill and good sense as an aviator. There were many stumbling-blocks in their terrestrial path, but they soared above them all to ultimate success.
THE GIRL AVIATORS ON GOLDEN WINGS.
That there is a peculiar fascination about aviation that wins and holds girl enthusiasts as well as boys is proved by this tale. On golden wings the girl aviators rose for many an exciting flight, and met strange and unexpected experiences.
THE GIRL AVIATORS' SKY CRUISE.
To most girls a coaching or yachting trip is an adventure. How much more perilous an adventure a "sky cruise" might be is suggested by the title and proved by the story itself.
THE GIRL AVIATORS' MOTOR BUTTERFLY.
The delicacy of flight suggested by the word "butterfly," the mechanical power implied by "motor," the ability to control assured in the title "aviator," all combined with the personality and enthusiasm of girls themselves, make this story one for any girl or other reader "to go crazy over."
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