now backed, still holding the
crushed propeller in its iron grasp, and as it moved away from the
Scarabaeus, it extracted about forty feet of its propeller-shaft; then,
opening its massive jaws, it allowed the useless mass of iron to drop
to the bottom of the sea.

Every man on board the Scarabaeus was wild with amazement and
excitement. Few could comprehend what had happened, but this very
quickly became evident. So far as motive power was concerned, the
Scarabaeus was totally, disabled. She could not direct her course, for
her rudder was gone, her propeller was gone, her engines were useless,
and she could do no more than float as wind or tide might move her.
Moreover, there was a jagged hole in her stern where the shaft had
been, and through this the water was pouring into the vessel. As a
man-of-war the Scarabaeus was worthless.

Orders now came fast from Repeller No. 1, which had moved nearer to the
scene of conflict. It was to be supposed that the disabled ship was
properly furnished with bulk-heads, so that the water would penetrate
no farther than the stern compartment, and that, therefore, she was in
no danger of sinking. Crab A was ordered to make fast to the bow of
the Scarabaeus, and tow her toward two men-of-war who were rapidly
approaching from the harbour.

This proceeding astonished the commander and officers of the Scarabaeus
almost as much as the extraordinary attack which had been made upon
their ship. They had expected a demand to surrender and haul down
their flag; but the Director-in-chief on board Repeller No. 1 was of
the opinion that with her propeller extracted it mattered little what
flag she flew. His work with the Scarabaeus was over; for it had been
ordered by the Syndicate that its vessels should not encumber
themselves with prizes.

Towed by the powerful crab, which apparently had no fear that its
disabled adversary might fire upon it, the Scarabaeus moved toward the
harbour, and when it had come within a quarter of a mile of the
foremost British vessel, Crab A cast off and steamed back to Repeller
No. 1.

The other English vessels soon came up, and each lay to and sent a boat
to the Scarabaeus. After half an hour's consultation, in which the
amazement of those on board the damaged vessel was communicated to the
officers and crews of her two consorts, it was determined that the
smaller of these should tow the disabled ship into port, while the
other one, in company with a