t from the first day."

"I'd like to get ahead of him some way," said Alfred.

The captain looked at the boys for a few moments, then quietly put his
hands on their arms, as he said: "Getting ahead, or getting even,
doesn't pay, as a rule; but I have known where a few have been able to
overcome a great many, as a duty, for that is what makes men strong."

Alfred's eyes fairly bulged, as he gazed at the captain. "Isn't it a
duty to capture this submarine?"

The captain leaned forward and held up a warning hand. Ralph rose up and
glanced around. "Why can't we do it?" he asked.

"There is only one thing lacking; yes, it has been in my mind from the
first moment we came aboard, but we cannot do it without weapons. With
them in our possession we might succeed. Why, if we could have had them
this afternoon it would have been an ideal time to make the attempt,"
said the captain.

"I have something to tell you," said Alfred, as he lowered his voice.

"What is it?" asked the captain.

"I know where there is a box of revolvers," he replied.

"Where?" asked the captain, agitated visibly.

"Do you remember the two big upright drums which I was pinned against
when the ship went up?" asked Alfred.

"Yes," replied the captain.

"Well, one of the boxes broke open when it came down the passageway, and
when I saw what was in it I pushed it way under the base of the tank on
the left side," said Alfred.

"The revolvers are all right, but we may have some trouble in getting
cartridges," replied the captain. "But wait," he continued, "I am sure I
carried cases of them down the passageway."

"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes near there,--rather long,
slim boxes, are they not?" asked Alfred.

"Yes; with a red label on the corner," interrupted Ralph. "I can put my
hands on a box any minute."

"Then you are with me and will carefully follow out my instructions?"
inquired the captain, looking at them intently.

"We will follow you in whatever you ask us to do," replied Ralph.

"You must remember that the business we are about to engage in means
life or death. Once begun we cannot go back. We have no line of retreat.
While it is most hazardous, the feat would be a wonderful one," said the
captain.

"No; we are not afraid. Both of us have been in some dangerous places
and have come out all right. We have confidence in you," said Alfred
slowly and deliberately.

"Thank you for that," replied the captain. "We mus