r of the motors as the last
precious stores of "juice" were turned into the engines and the
propellor shafts began to revolve amid the hum of machinery.

"Reverse and back away at full speed," was the next order flashed to
the engine room.

And then, while the _Dewey_ was straining in every steel sinew, her
commander reached forward and touched off the four torpedoes in rapid
succession.

The little submersible seemed torn by an internal explosion. As each
torpedo shot out into the water the vessel shook under the force of
the explosion, rocking to and fro under the concussion.

"We're off; we're off," shouted McClure as he bent over the depth
dial. The hands of the indicator began to spin around and the _Dewey_,
relieved of every pound of ballast, shot upward like a rocket.

"Hurrah, hurrah!" the cry reverberated through the ship.

In another two minutes the American submarine had gained the surface,
her hatches were thrown open and the men swarmed out on deck---to
life and freedom!

CHAPTER XVIII

IN THE RAT'S NEST

Trapped in the German wireless station with a burly Prussian at the
other end of the business-looking revolver, Jack Hammond was
completely at the mercy of his captor. For a moment the American
lad debated in his mind the advisability of knocking the weapon out
of the hand of the German; but he noted the forefinger firmly
pressed on the trigger and knew full well the least show of resistance
would take him out of life altogether.

"Where come you from?" asked the German in his best and gruffest English.

Jack declined to answer, but instead sat staring insolently at the
towering figure. His reply was a shrug of the shoulders.

From the wireless operator on the floor came a low moan as he slowly
regained consciousness. The fellow had been merely stunned. Now
he rolled over and struggled into a sitting posture.

The two Germans conversed together for a few minutes in their own
language. Jack, who had studied German at Brighton before the war,
was able to gather from their conversation that the wireless operator
was telling his companion of the surprise attack. Soon the wireless
man was able to get upon his feet and as he did so glowered at Jack
as though he would like to leap upon him.

Again they tried to question him; but he refused to answer their
questions. This only angered them the more. The wireless operator
shuffled over to a closet in the corner and returned in a