rpedo compartment. One
by one they came forward in response to the call until the entire
crew was assembled. Then the submarine skipper stepped forward.

"Men of the _Dewey_," he began, in slow even tones, "I want first of
all to thank every man here for the splendid work he has done since
we left God's country. We have established a record that, whether
we live or die, will become an essential part of the history of the
United States. The crew that we started with is intact, save for
one brave man---Jack Hammond---who, on his own petition, was the
first to be shot out of our stranded submersible in hopes that he
might bring us succor. What has happened to him it is impossible to
say, but what he has done, you can do, and it is the only thing you
can do." He spoke hopelessly. "I have tried every means I can
think of to float the _Dewey_, and we have been unable to move so
much as an inch. We are helpless---foundered. We are breathing
the last of our reserve stores of fresh air. By to-morrow morning
they will probably be exhausted, and you know what that means."

He paused for a moment amid a death-like silence, and then continued:

"There is but one course open to us. We shall draw lots. Then, in
turn, we shall attempt to make our escape while there is yet time.
Each man may have his own preference; you may either go out through
the torpedo tube as did Jack Hammond, or you may go through the
conning tower. Each man will please write his name on a slip of
paper and deposit it in this code book box. Officer Cleary will draw
the names from the box and Officer Binns will read them."

Slips of paper were produced by the ship's executive officer and
passed around the circle. Hardly a word was spoken during this
procedure, the usual debonair Bill Witt slouching against the hull
of the _Dewey_, a picture of abject despair. It took only a few
minutes to prepare the slips and they were collected by Officer
Cleary, who in turn deposited them in the code box. Captain McClure
stirred them around for a moment and then directed Officer Cleary to
begin drawing.

Every man in the group viewed the proceedings with a tense face. Not
a word was spoken as the executive officer thrust his hand into the
box and drew out the first slip and handed it to Officer Binns.

"Joe Sampson," read the navigating officer as he handed the slip
to Commander McClure, who, with pencil and paper, was ready to write
the names of his me