t begin the
preparations at once, for at the present time when all is confusion we
can get the opportunities that may not be offered later on."

"The boat seems to move," said Alfred.

A perceptible swaying motion was now observed. The vessel was still
lying at the inclined position heretofore described. As they were about
to crawl out of their cabin, they heard the voice of the sub-lieutenant:

"Connect the forward motor!"

They drew back into the room. "What is that for?" asked Ralph.

Before the captain could reply came the second order:

"Reverse!"

The motor buzzed, but no effect was produced on the boat.

"That seems singular," observed Alfred.

"Not at all," answered the captain.

"Why not?" asked Ralph.

"The stern of the submarine is out of the water," answered the captain.

The power was shut off, and again turned on. It was now obvious that
they were dangling in the water with the prow of the boat held fast in
the entangling nets. As they glanced out the door they could see the
faces of the seamen moving to and fro with terror depicted on their
countenances.

"They may well fear the results," said the captain. "But we have a duty
to perform, and I might as well advise you of several things which we
should do and observe. We must try to obtain the weapons and ammunition.
That will be the first duty. Does either of you know where the electric
switches are?"

"Yes," answered both of the boys in one breath.

"I mean the switch in the hold," said the captain.

"Yes," said Alfred. "The one I mean is close to the dynamo on the
switchboard, behind the steps leading to the conning tower."

"That is correct," answered the captain. "The control switch for the
lighting is in the conning tower, however, and I call your attention to
this, as it may be of service to us in our work."

"I can see, now, that to keep that in our control would be the main
thing," said Ralph.

"The officer has not yet given any orders to put the boxes in the
passageways aside, and he will not do so, probably, until they are able
to ascertain whether or not the ship will free itself; under the
circumstances, Alfred, I must delegate you to secure a half-dozen of the
revolvers, or remove them from the box so that we can secrete them
later," said the captain.

As Ralph crawled from the cabin and moved toward the main gangway, the
captain added: "If you remember where one of the ammunition boxes is you
might smuggle it into t