--for such it was--were better
equipped as to the number of the crew. The Rhinds had this advantage,
carrying a captain and four men, in addition to Rhinds himself and his
secretary. Yet Jack and Eph relieved each other regularly at the wheel,
catching long naps between. Hal and Mr. Farnum did the same thing with
the engine room, and the "Hastings" kept well in the van through the
day, and also through the long night that followed.

Two hours after daylight the "Oakland" signaled to the submarines to run
up close to this "parent vessel," the gunboat.

"Further orders, of course," muttered Jack, who was at the wheel at the
time. "Well, we're not such a very long run, now, from the reported
location of that derelict."

The fleet was wholly out of sight of land. The wind was fresh and the
sea lively with short, choppy waves, crested by white-caps. Yet, for
boats as staunch as these submarines, sea was not a difficult one for
boat handling.

One after another, while still going at full speed, the submarines drew
close to the "Oakland." One after another, as signaled, the boats put
in within easy hailing distance of the gunboat.

"The 'Hastings' will keep to the same South West, by South course, but
at a distance of two miles off this vessel's port bow," came the order.
"The 'Thor' will take up similar position, two miles off the port side
of the 'Hastings.'"

The three remaining torpedo boats were assigned to positions
corresponding on the starboard side of the "Oakland."

In this order the boats went ahead at a speed reduced to fourteen miles.
The front of the line extended over some ten miles; in reality the line
of vision extended much further than that. Unless the semi-submerged
derelict had moved much faster than such derelicts usually do, it was
difficult to see how the wreck could get through this line of
exploration.

Jack Benson pressed a signal that brought Hal Hastings up on deck.

"Rouse Eph and Mr. Farnum," ordered the young skipper. "We've got to
have all hands on, now. And call Lieutenant Danvers, also. He's not
allowed to help us, but he'll be anxious to see what is going on."

As soon as Eph Somers reached deck Jack Benson turned the wheel over to
him. Then the young captain got his marine glasses, stationing himself,
most of the time, beside the deck wheel.

"If it's in any way possible," muttered Jack, "I want to be the first to
sight that derelict. I want the honor of sinking he