officers
could not conceal the real state of affairs, but there was no sign of a
panic. The officers did not even take the precaution to warn the
passengers that they should apply or keep the life belts close at hand.

"That is the policy I suggested from the first," said the captain. "That
boat must have been three miles away, at least, and a careful gunner
would come pretty close to hitting the mark at that distance, and those
fellows know it."

"Then why do you think the interesting or dangerous time is now coming?"
asked Alfred.

"Because the safety of the ship now depends on the ability of the
observers to report the moment a periscope appears in sight. If the
submarine is close enough to fire a torpedo, it is near enough to be a
fine target for the gunners aboard, and, as the submarine would not be
likely to attempt a shot unless it had a broadside to aim at, you can
see that such a position would expose her to the fire of the guns both
fore and aft," responded the captain.

CHAPTER XIV

TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE

"What do you make the reckoning?" asked the captain, as the navigating
officer lowered his instrument, and turned to the book.

"Fifty, ten north," was the reply.

"On the line?" asked the captain.

"Twelve minutes east," answered the officer.

"Then we are forty miles due north of Havre," responded the captain.

"What did you mean by being 'on the line?'" asked Ralph, addressing the
captain.

"The zero line, or the point where all calculations east and west are
reckoned from, runs north and south through Greenwich, in England, a
place a little east of London. We are about fifteen miles east of that
line," replied the captain, "and one hundred and eighty miles south of
London."

But all were now interested in the further developments which might be
expected. The wireless was constantly receiving messages, and
occasionally the commander received messages which were, evidently,
interesting reading, judging from the comments made. Most of the
information related to the activities of the undersea boats, and only
in that region where they were now approaching.

The vessel was proceeding slowly, when suddenly the officer in the
crow's nest sent down a signal that vitalized the gunners. The guns
swung around instantly. Away off to starboard was the faintest ripple,
for the water was comparatively smooth.

Two shots rang out almost simultaneously from the fore and aft guns. It
wa