"Thought you"d have cottoned to it before now, Pinney. I am Captain Restronguet, but only for a few moments more. After that I am plain Hugh Tretheway--and I do not feel altogether sorry. But get your masthead derrick swung out: we"ve plenty of gear for you to take."
For nearly an hour the task of unloading the "Aphrodite" continued, for the personal effects of the officers and men reached considerable dimensions. It seemed really marvellous where the stuff had been stored within the limited accommodation of the submarine.
"That"s all, sir," announced Devoran.
"Very good. Now, men, on board the tug."
One by one the men pa.s.sed over the narrow gangway between the two vessels. As the first was about to leave the "Aphrodite"s" deck he drew himself up and gravely saluted the green and white flag still flying at the stern of the submarine. His example was followed by the others, while Captain Restronguet, for the last time in his official capacity, promptly returned the salute--a final tribute of devotion to a brave and gallant leader.
After the men the officers boarded the "Wayfarer," till Captain Restronguet alone remained on the deck of the "Aphrodite." The submarine was battened down with the exception of the main hatch close to which the captain stood with his hand resting on a lever actuating the sea-c.o.c.ks.
Then with a swift deliberate motion he thrust the metal rod hard down, saluted his flag, and walked slowly up the gangway.
"Cast off there, Captain Pinney, unless you want to be dragged down," he exclaimed. "The "Aphrodite"s" sinking."
The men of the tug hastened to unfasten the securing hawsers. The for"ard one was soon cast off, but by the after one three men purposely impeded the efforts of the "Wayfarer"s" deckhands. The three men were Hythe, O"Shaunessey, and Jenkins.
The tug"s engine-room telegraph bell clanged, the water churned under her squat counter, and, as she slowly forged ahead, the strain on the after-rope swung her stern close to the "Aphrodite"s" deck.
Simultaneously Hythe and O"Shaunessey vaulted over the low bulwarks and leapt upon the submarine, Jenkins making a good third. Before Captain Restronguet and his companions could grasp the situation the three men gained the open hatch. They were not a second too soon, for the water was rising over the deck and lapping against the coamings of the hatchway.
With a clang the metal covering fell. The "Aphrodite" was heremetically sealed, with her captors safe within.
"Start the motors, Jenkins," exclaimed the sub triumphantly.
"O"Shaunessey, bring that lever hard down."
Seven fathoms deep the submarine sank, then as her motors began to purr rhymically, Hythe pointed her head due east.
Early next morning, before it was light, Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe dexterously brought the submarine into Portsmouth Harbour, and, confident that the importance of his errand would justify the unearthly visit, boldly called upon the Commander-in-Chief.
Forgetting his dignity in his anxiety to hear what had actually occurred to the "Aphrodite"--for, as usual, vague rumours had been floating round--Sir Peter Garboard made his appearance clad in a dressing-gown.
"You"re back again, Mr. Hythe? Tell me, is it right that Captain Restronguet has scuttled the "Aphrodite"?"
"Hardly that, sir; she is at this moment alongside the North Railway jetty. You see, sir, I stole her."
"You stole her? Explain yourself."
Hythe explained, pointing out the difficulty in which he had been placed in his desire to do his duty.
"Rest easy on that score, Mr. Hythe," said the Admiral good-humouredly.
"From a strictly legal point of view your action is justifiable. The submarine was a derelict after the captain had abandoned her, and as a naval officer you did right by taking possession of her. But have you had breakfast?"
The sub was perforce obliged to partake of a repast with his superior officer, who kept him busily employed the whole while in answering questions. Presently the Admiral"s secretary entered.
"Ah, good morning, Holmes; anything startling?"
"No, sir. Captain Restronguet has apparently vanished into thin air.
All inquiries at Falmouth have proved fruitless. But I expected to find Mr. Hythe here."
"How so?"
"Because there is a telegram sent to him, care of the Commander-in-Chief, sir," replied the secretary.
The sub took the proffered envelope and opened it, with a muttered apology to his superior officer.
"That"s all right!" he exclaimed with a sigh of relief. "Read this, sir."
Sir Peter read it aloud:--
"Hythe, care of C.-in-C., Portsmouth. Thoroughly glad you acted as you did. Aphrodite is the nation"s. Still I have kept my vow.--Tretheway."
"Tretheway, who is he, Mr. Hythe?"
"Tretheway, sir, was Captain John Restronguet, until yesterday commander of what is now the latest and most powerful acquisition to His Majesty"s Navy--the "Aphrodite.""
THE END.