CHAPTER XXVI.THE SINKING OF THE "TOPAZE.""This is indeed news!" exclaimed Captain Sedgwyke. Then in a lower tone he added, "Captain Restronguet, will you do me a favour? If we fall in with the 'Vorwartz' will you stand off and give the 'Topaze' a chance to distinguish herself? If so you will earn the gratitude of every officer and man on board."The captain of the "Aphrodite" hesitated a few moments."Captain Sedgwyke," he replied, "you have asked a hard thing. Had any other captain made me a similar request I would have declined. But I owe you a debt of gratitude for having picked us up out of the sea. I will do as you request. I will give you an hour's uninterrupted action from the time the 'Vorwartz' is within four miles of us. One thing I would suggest, the 'Vorwartz' is the attacking vessel; you will not have to pursue her, so, since speed is not a vital consideration, keep your torpedo nets out.""I, too, am indebted to you," said Captain Sedgwyke. "In an hour I hope to be able to help to uphold the glorious traditions of the Flag under which I serve.""You have my best wishes," added Captain Restronguet as he turned to go over the side into the waiting boat. "At the end of the hour it will be my show; but should you require any assistance before then either communicate by means of wireless--I will order the coil to be adjusted as soon as I get on board--or else give four blasts in quick succession should anything happen to put the wireless out of gear.""Are you taking Mr. Hythe?""Certainly; he is officially lent to the 'Aphrodite'; and Mr. Jenkins will accompany us, since I am morally responsible to His Highness, the Sultan of Zanzibar, for his safety."The two captains shook hands, and Captain Restronguet and the sub entered the waiting boat, which had to pass over the upper edge of the torpedo nets that had to be lowered beneath the surface for the purpose.Barely was the cruiser's boat clear of the "Topaze" when the order came "Out nets.""Captain Sedgwyke is acting upon my suggestion," observed Hythe's companion. "It is the best plan, but honestly I favour the chances of the 'Vorwartz.'""You have a bias towards the advantage of submarines," said Hythe. "At the same time you must remember Karl von Harburg has, for the first time, to try conclusions with a British ship whose guns are sighted by trained seamen-gunners.""We shall see," observed Captain Restronguet oracularly, and both men relapsed into silence until the boat ranged alongside the "Aphrodite.""'Vorwartz' is now only eleven miles off, sir," announced Devoran. "We've cleared for action, I presume you will go straight for her, sir?""No," replied Captain Restronguet. "We are going to run away.""Run away, sir?""Yes; in a moment of weakness I promised the captain of yonder cruiser to give him a free hand for one hour from the time the 'Vorwartz' gets within four miles of her. He wishes to distinguish himself. Accordingly we will run northward and put a good two miles between us. That, I think will be a safe distance, for on no account must we let the 'Vorwartz' spot us, or she will be off like a startled hare."Hythe took up his position in the wake of the foremost conning-tower, whence he could command an uninterrupted view of the "Topaze." The British cruiser made a fine picture in the dazzling moonlight in spite of her ugly lines and the absence of masts and funnels. Already her boat had returned, but, instead of being hoisted to the davits, was made fast astern, while the remaining boats were being hurriedly yet methodically lowered into the water, one man being placed in each to act as boat-keeper. These were taken in tow of a motor-cutter, so that they would be safe from any explosions against the side of the ship.This done, the "Topaze" trimmed her fringe of nets, and forging slowly ahead, bore down in the supposed direction of the on-coming "Vorwartz."There was no attempt at concealment. Her so-called masthead light, hoisted on the slender signalling-mast abaft the conning-tower, was burning brightly; Hythe could see the green starboard lamp throwing its reflection upon the scintillating water. It was part of Captain Sedgwyke's plan to deceive the "Vorwartz." The latter, thinking she had fallen in with a large tramp, would doubtless either fire a torpedo at her to wantonly send her to the bottom, or else rise to the surface and demand her to surrender. In the first case the torpedo would, he hoped, explode harmlessly against the net. The submarine would then rise to enable the scoundrel Karl von Harburg to witness the sinking of his latest victim. In the event of either of these possibilities taking place the "Vorwartz," once on the surface, would be the target for twenty powerful quick-firing guns, and since the "Topaze" nearly headed the list of results in the Gunlayers' Test for the whole of the British Navy, the destruction of the modern pirate seemed certain.Captain Sedgwyke was a man who scorned to take a mean advantage; and since he would not encroach upon the distance limit set down by his chivalrous rival, he ordered the helm to be put over, thus keeping the "Topaze" within a radius of three cables' length, until the "Vorwartz" was within four miles of him. Seeing this Captain Restronguet gave the word for half speed ahead, until he placed a distance of two miles between him and the cruiser."Seven and a half miles, sir," announced Devoran."Then another two minutes will be the commencement of the hour's limit," said Captain Restronguet consulting his watch. "Mr. Kenwyn, will you please signal the 'Topaze' and give her the latest information as to her enemy's position." The second officer, adroitly working the flashing lamp, communicated the intelligence, receiving in reply an affirmative signal.Practically every officer and man, except those on urgent duty below, stood on the upper platform of the "Aphrodite." Telescopes and binoculars were brought to bear upon the cruiser that now looked like a phantom castle in the moonlight.Hythe felt his blood tingle in his veins. He realized that he was to be the spectator of a duel to the death between a cruiser and a submarine--the first engagement of such a character that had ever taken place in naval history."Four miles, sir," announced Devoran, as the position of the "Vorwartz" was reported to him by the seaman stationed at the detector. "She's coming straight for the cruiser, by Jove!""I thought she would swallow the bait," exclaimed Hythe."Let us hope she will swallow more than is good for her," added Kenwyn. "By Jove! The 'Topaze' has opened fire."A flash like distant lightning seemed to leap from the cruiser's deck, followed by another, and then by a regular salvo of quick-firers. Ere the first deep report reached the ears of the watchers on the "Aphrodite" the "Topaze" unscreened her search-lights and played them on a spot about four hundred yards on the starboard hand, where the shells were churning up a perfect cauldron of foam and spray."Good heavens! they've hit something!" exclaimed several voices. Those of the "Aphrodite's" crew who possessed glasses could see a dark mass, rent in deep furrows by the projectiles, appear amid the columns of foam; then throwing itself ten feet into the air the object disappeared from view.Captain Restronguet clenched his fists. He deeply regretted his action in allowing the captain of the "Topaze" a free hand. His quest was over. The rival submarine had been sent to the bottom with all hands, and he----"Cruiser signalling, sir," announced Kenwyn, who was perched upon the rounded top of the fore-conning-tower. "Reports having wasted ninety rounds of ammunition by firing at a whale, and requests to know whether the captain of the 'Aphrodite' has been guilty of a senseless joke?""Senseless joke, indeed!" ejaculated Captain Restronguet. "If those fellows in their excitement mistake a whale for a submarine they will be rudely awakened when the 'Vorwartz' does show. Senseless joke, indeed! Look here, Mr. Kenwyn, reply that my detector does not record the presence of whales, but it does record the presence of the 'Vorwartz.' She is now only--how many miles, Mr. Devoran?""Two and three quarters from us, sir.""Only three quarters of a mile from the 'Topaze,'" continued the Captain. "It was quite possible that that wilful waste of ammunition made the valiant Karl von Harburg turn tail; but evidently such is not the case. It has made the task of the 'Topaze' still more difficult, since the 'Vorwartz' is now aware that she is not about to tackle a merchant vessel."The "Topaze" had now shut off her searchlights, and was slowly circling to port. After the deafening cannonade there seemed an ominous silence in the air. The detector showed that the "Vorwartz" was still approaching."She will be within range shortly," remarked the sub. "I hope to goodness those nets will ward off the torpedoes. What charge do they carry, sir?""I believe I am right in saying a charge of eighty pounds of nitro-gelenite, which is equivalent to nearly a ton of gunpowder. You may remember how the shock of the explosion shook the 'Aphrodite' in the chase off Ushant?""Rather," remarked Hythe. "At that time I----"A column of mingled flame and water bursting apparently from the fo'c'sle of the "Topaze" effectually checked the sub's remarks. To the watchers on the "Aphrodite" it seemed as if the bows of the cruiser were lifted clear of the water. Then came a deafening detonation, like the noise of thunder above one's head.The cruiser rocked violently two or three times, then seemed to settle on an even keel, while her quick-firers blazed away in a frantic, aimless manner, for several of the projectiles could be observed striking the water a mile apart."Any wireless message?" asked Captain Restronguet coolly."No, sir," replied Kenwyn."She's withstood the shock, thank heavens!" ejaculated Hythe, then, "No, she hasn't, by George! There's 'Out Collision Mats,'" he added, as a bugle rang out from the stricken ship."'Vorwartz' is making off, sir," announced Mylor, who had relieved the observer at the electric detector."Hard lines on us," exclaimed Captain Restronguet. "What are we to do? The hour is not anything like up, and no signal of distress from the 'Topaze.' Send them a message, Kenwyn. Wireless, please.""No reply, sir," announced the second officer after a wait of nearly two minutes."Then her wireless is disabled by the shock. Speak her in Morse, Kenwyn. Ask whether Captain Sedgwyke will release us from the remainder of our period of inaction, as the 'Vorwartz' is now making off in a southerly direction."But before Kenwyn could get to the flashing signal lamp four loud blasts from the motor fog-horn of the "Topaze" sent forth their cry for urgent assistance."She's settling down by the bows," exclaimed one of the spectators of the ocean drama."Full speed ahead," ordered Captain Restronguet. Within five minutes from the request for aid the "Aphrodite" was abreast the stricken vessel at less than a cable's length away. Her fore part, already deep in the water, showed unmistakable signs of the mortal blow she had received. Her armoured belt, that extended right to the bows, had already disappeared from view, but for nearly thirty feet on the starboard side and nearly opposite the for'ard nine-point-two-inch gun the lighter steel plates were rent and buckled in all directions. Over the gaping wound a collision mat had been placed, but one might as well attempt to stop a mill-stream with a mop-head.The order had already been given to abandon ship, and with the utmost precision and coolness the seamen were drawn up to await the approach of the cruiser's boats, that were now only a few yards off."Do you want me to pick up any of your crew, sir? I'll stand by if you desire it," shouted Captain Restronguet to a solitary figure on the steeply-inclined fore-bridge that the men of the "Aphrodite" recognized as Captain Sedgwyke."Thank you," replied the captain of the "Topaze." "We have enough room in the boats for the whole of the ship's company. Do you, sir, kindly take up the work that I had the misfortune to interrupt you in, and may you have better luck."Captain Restronguet gravely saluted the gallant yet ill-fated officer. At the same time, although anxious to set off in pursuit, he was loth to leave the cruiser until every man was saved."What are you waiting for, sir?" hailed Captain Sedgwyke, his voice barely audible above the hundred different noises emanating from the doomed cruiser, as the water, pouring in, broke down bulkheads, swept buoyant objects 'tween decks in a wild stampede against the partitions, and caused the imprisoned air to escape with a vicious hiss."I am standing by," replied Captain Restronguet. "You gave a signal for urgent aid, sir.""We thought the ship would sink before the boats could arrive," said the captain of the "Topaze." "There is no danger to life. Our consort the 'Pique' is on her way to pick us up."Still Captain Restronguet stood by. He was not so sure that the "Pique" might not share the same fate as the "Topaze" since the "Vorwartz," going south, was almost bound to fall in with the British cruiser from Delagoa Bay.Just then the "Topaze" gave a sudden lurch to starboard, heeling so much that the line of men still remaining on board was broken. But only for an instant, it was the unexpected lurch and not panic that caused the seamen to move out of position. Sharply they redressed line--and waited.Boat after boat received its full complement, and pushed off to a safe distance lest the cruiser in her final plunge should swamp them. Not until the last of his officers and men had taken to the boats did the gallant captain descend from the bridge.It was touch and go with him, for to gain the boat he had to wade up to his waist in water that swirled over the steeply sloping decks."She's going!" ejaculated Devoran.Heeling more and more the "Topaze" turned completely on end, so that the whole length of her keel plates and her four propellers were out of water. Then, slipping bows foremost, she disappeared from view in a smother of foam, leaving only an expanse of oil and petrol, a few floating pieces of timber and her boats to mark the grave of a splendid cruiser. Twenty seconds after she had disappeared the muffled sound of an explosion--the bursting of the air in one of her compartments--threw up a column of water that almost swamped the nearest boat, the gig in which Captain Sedgwyke had taken refuge. That was the last message from the "Topaze" as she sped to her ocean grave one hundred and eighty fathoms beneath the surface.CHAPTER XXVII.A PILOT UNDER COMPULSION.Dawn was just breaking as the "Pique" arrived on the scene of the disaster. Her escape, of which her crew were totally in ignorance, was owing solely to the fact that Karl von Harburg had fired his last torpedo at the ill-fated "Topaze." His means of offence were now reduced, for the power of being able to deliver his antagonist a smashing blow below the surface was no longer possible: he could only ram. Yet the captain of the "Vorwartz" hesitated to attempt to deal thus with the "Pique." The British cruiser had passed within two cables' length of where the modern buccaneer was running beneath the surface; but the risks to himself by ramming a large armoured vessel travelling at thirty knots were far too great.Seeing that he could render no further assistance Captain Restronguet ordered the "Aphrodite" to be submerged. It was the safest plan, for although he communicated with the "Pique" by wireless, the message was not in code, and the British cruiser, determined to take no risks, might open fire at the submarine.The position of the "Vorwartz" was now, according to the detector, forty miles S.W. of her pursuer. When Captain Restronguet came to fix her position on the chart he knitted his brows in perplexity. The rival submarine was, if his information was correct, actually within the delta of the great Zambezi River."Now we have her!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet gleefully. "It will be a bit of a shock to Von Harburg when he finds that his return journey is barred by the only craft he feared and one that he thought he had destroyed.""Do you think he's heard that the 'Aphrodite' was not smashed up after all?" asked Hythe."It is doubtful. If he has I can only conjecture that he has decided to ascend the Zambezi in the hope of eluding us. Otherwise I cannot suggest any reason unless he wishes to form a base in this unhealthy Portuguese territory since his Sumatran refuge is closed to him.""I have heard that the district is reeking with fever, sir," remarked the sub. "Many times men-of-war have sent exploring parties up the river and almost invariably some, and once every man, of the crew have been stricken down. The Portuguese have, apparently, taken no active steps to rid the locality of the mosquitoes. If the deadly climate could be rendered habitable, as in the case of the Canal Zone at Panama, the Zambezi would be one of the greatest trading arteries of the world.""Some day it will," said Captain Restronguet. "The British Government has had its eye upon Portuguese East Africa for some time. Could the Portuguese Republic be induced to sell it there would be a splendid outlet for Rhodesia, and under active management the Zambezi would make a splendid waterway. Even now it is navigable as far as Kebrabassa Falls, nearly three hundred miles from the delta.""It strikes me, sir, that we shall be grilling in a fetid atmosphere before many hours are past," observed Devoran. "Why couldn't Karl von Harburg stick to the sea?""There's nothing like variety," replied Captain Restronguet complacently. "After we've settled with the 'Vorwartz' we may have a little shooting; lions and rhinos are fairly plentiful, to say nothing of smaller fry. But I do not think we need entertain fears of the climate. It is only at night that the pestilential mists are really dangerous. Every day just before sunset, we will submerge the 'Aphrodite,' since there is reason to suppose there are deep holes in the bed of the river for this to be done even if the normal depth is insufficient. We shall not thus be inhaling the noxious gases, nor be exposed to the attacks of mosquitoes and other germ-bearing insects; whilst river-water passed through our condensers will be perfectly drinkable."According to the rosy views held by the captain of the "Aphrodite" the new phase of the cruise was to be a sort of picnic; but he had reckoned without his host.On arriving off the First Bluff Point, on the western side of the main outlet of the Zambezi, it was found that there was such a heavy tumble on the bar that to attempt to cross it would be an impossible task.The detector showed that the "Vorwartz" was maintaining her distance; evidently she was in luck, and had negotiated the difficult entrance in the nick of time.For twenty-eight days the "Aphrodite" lay in sight of the clump of high, straight trees, that lay very close together, giving the point the appearance of a cliff, to which the name of First Bluff Point owes its origin.Meanwhile the news of the great disaster to H.M.S. "Topaze" had been sent by wireless to Cape Town by the captain of the "Pique," and in a very short space of time the Admiralty were in possession of the salient facts of the latest outrage by Karl von Harburg. There was a panic amongst the merchantmen in East African waters; the scanty harbours of that coast were filled with ships whose skippers feared to put to sea. Even the mail-boats took particular care to give the supposed cruising-ground of the "Vorwartz" a wide berth; while the liners running between London and Liverpool and Australia and New Zealand abandoned the Cape route and stuck to that via Cape Horn.People began to ask what was the use of having command of the sea when one solitary submarine could do practically what it liked beneath the surface. Vast sums had been spent to keep the British navy in a state of efficiency and numerical supremacy; money had been poured out like water to provide defence against hostile aircraft that might menace our shores; yet one submarine--not a new invention, but merely a great improvement on existing types--was playing a one-sided game not only with British shipping, but with the mercantile marine of the whole of the nautical world. And now even warships were being sent to the bottom without so much as a glimpse of the attacker.In the midst of this gloomy outlook came a consoling gleam of light. The "Aphrodite" was now known to have survived the attack made upon her by her rival; and to Captain Restronguet the entire civilized world pinned its faith.Although Captain the Hon. C. L. Sedgwyke had refused to make any public statement concerning the disaster to his ship until the impending court martial took place, he telegraphed a full report to the Admiralty. It was the plain, unvarnished story of a brave yet unfortunate British officer. He laid particular emphasis upon the fact that Captain Restronguet was in the "Aphrodite," ready and willing to grapple with the modern buccaneer, but only at earnest solicitation of the captain of the "Topaze" did he stand passively aloof in order to give the British cruiser a chance to distinguish herself.Britons are generally supposed to be a phlegmatic race, but when they have an attack of hero-worship they get it pretty badly. Captain John Restronguet was the hero of the day. A photograph that an amateur photographer on the "Persia" took of him during the "Aphrodite's" passage through the Red Sea appeared in all the papers, edition de luxe copies were sold by hundreds of thousands, and the firm who bought the copyright for one guinea made nearly £30,000 out of the transaction. Restronguet coats, hats, and boots were all the rage; in fact the name Restronguet applied to any article ensured it a ready sale. The nation was Restronguet mad.But the captain of the "Aphrodite" was not a man to have his head turned by fatuous hero-worship. He knew perfectly well that in the course of a few years his name would be a mere byword. Reports of his popularity had been transmitted to him by his agents. He merely shrugged his shoulders, and impressed upon the wireless operator who received the messages to maintain a strict reticence as to their nature. He had a mission to perform, and he meant to accomplish it. Thus, with ill-concealed impatience he waited and waited till, with his crew, he became heartily sick of the sight of First Bluff Point and the forbidding bar of the mighty Zambezi.On the morning of the twenty-ninth day of the "Aphrodite's" detention a native boat, manned by half a dozen blacks, was observed to have managed to cross the bar and was bearing down towards the vessel. In the stern was a European, a sallow-faced man dressed in dirty white clothes and a broad sun-hat.As soon as the boat came alongside the bowman dexterously threw a rope, and when this was made fast the white man, without waiting for an accommodation ladder to be shipped, swarmed up on deck."Me pilot," he explained, with a deep bow and a flourish of his hat. "Me pilot 'pointed by Republic. Me take you in.""Is it safe to cross the bar?" asked Captain Restronguet eagerly."Yes, senhor; me take you in for so many milreis," and he held up the fingers of both hands four times.It was a matter of nearly nine pounds--thrice the amount the Portuguese expected to receive. It was part of his nature to make allowances for being beaten down."I'll make it gold to the value of eighty milreis if you put me inside the bar to-night," said Captain Restronguet."Me take you up to Marromea--that am de port--for dat," exclaimed the pilot gleefully. "How much you draw?""Twelve feet," replied Captain Restronguet.The Portuguese had no need to make a calculation to arrive at the depth in "bracas," since the British fathom is almost identical with the Portuguese "braca.""Too ver' much," he exclaimed, shaking his head."I can reduce it to seven feet.""How can do? You no throw cargo oberboard?" asked the astonished Portuguese.Without replying, Captain Restronguet gave an order for the emergency tanks to be emptied, and still greater was the pilot's amazement to find the vessel rising higher and higher out of the water.Suddenly it occurred to his slow-witted brain that the craft he had boarded was a submarine, and since the only submarine he had heard of was the "Vorwartz," that had made the passage under cover of night, he came to the startling conclusion that he had boarded the pirate vessel. His olivine features turned a sickly yellow till there was hardly any contrast between his face and the whites of his eyes, and turning, he made a rush for the side."Steady, my worthy friend!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet, as Devoran and Kenwyn caught the Portuguese by the shoulders. "A contract is a contract. You've got to pilot my vessel over the bar.""Mercy, senhor!" whined the fellow falling on his knees."Get up, you idiot!" said Captain Restronguet sharply, but all to no purpose; the pilot maintained his entreaties at the top of his voice."I believe he imagines he's on board the 'Vorwartz'," suggested Hythe."Perhaps," agreed the captain, then addressing the pilot he told him that he was in no danger, and that he was on the "Aphrodite."But the man was so terrified that the words fell on deaf ears. His terror was increased by a sudden commotion over the side as his native crew, hearing the cries of their master, took their paddles and made off for the shore as hard as they could urge their cumbersome craft.At last Captain Restronguet became out of patience with the craven pilot. At a sign from him Devoran whisked the Portuguese to his feet and led him for'ard. Here he again collapsed, grovelling on the deck. It was now nearly high water, and unless something were done another delay of twelve hours at least--possibly of days--would necessarily ensue.Drawing his automatic pistol he clapped the muzzle to the pilot's temple. The touch of cold steel did what words had failed to do. Abject terror was banished by the stern menace of that small yet powerful weapon."No shoot, senhor capitan!" howled the wretched man. "Me take you ober: no shoot."Captain Restronguet replaced his pistol, the pilot, still shaking, stood in front of the helmsman in the fore-conning-tower and directed him by movements of his hand. Four minutes sufficed to bring the "Aphrodite," rolling like a barrel, through the agitated water on the bar, and thus after nearly a month of inaction the avenging submarine floated in the turgid waters of the broad Zambezi.CHAPTER XXVIII.IN THE BALLAST TANK.At Marromea Captain Restronguet paid the pilot, who was taken ashore in a native boat. The Portuguese, as soon as he received his money and found that he had not been harmed, became quite enthusiastic over the generous "Ingles," and vowed that, whatever other work he had in hand, he would await the "Aphrodite" on her return. "If the senhors ever come back," he added darkly, for he knew the effect of the pestilential climate upon unseasoned Europeans.Marromea, where the Portuguese once had a fairly prosperous trading station, had fallen into decay. Fever had decimated the inhabitants, the railway, intended to fellow the course of the river and effect a junction with the Cape to Cairo line at Victoria Falls, had been abandoned. Long grass and tropical foliage had already hidden the melancholy remains from view.There were scarcely thirty Portuguese in the place; the others were natives who, being partly civilized, were infinitely greater scoundrels than their unenlightened brethren. Of the thirty Portuguese, two-thirds of the number were Government officials, and with the idea of displaying their powers, threw every obstacle in Captain Restronguet's way. Dues were demanded and paid, then a peremptory request to be shown the ship's papers--documents that the "Aphrodite" did not possess.Fortunately Hythe had a sheet of printed matter that he had brought off at Gibraltar with his purchases, and this was duly presented. After a lengthy scrutiny the officials returned it, saying the papers were quite in order but forty milreis must be paid toviséthem."I'll see you to Jericho, first!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet wrathfully, and ordering his men to arm themselves he paraded them on deck as a gentle hint to the mercenary representatives of the Portuguese Republic.If they knew of the presence of the "Vorwartz" in the river the authorities would not admit it; they refused to allow the telegraph to be made use of to communicate with the trading stations up-stream, and resolutely declined to provide a pilot for the navigation of the shoal-encumbered reaches as far as Kaira--a hundred miles above Marromea.At last Captain Restronguet resolved to take stern measures. He was ready to abide by the usual customs of a foreign country, but he was not going to be fooled by a pack of rascally Portuguese."Clear for diving, Mr. Devoran!" he shouted.The Portuguese officials, filled with curiosity, lined the edge of the wharf, talking volubly amongst themselves, while to show their contempt towards the foreign craft they amused themselves by throwing cigarette ends upon her deserted deck.Down below the crew tumbled; hatches were secured, and the ballast tanks flooded. The "Aphrodite," made fast bow and stern to the wharf by the hempen hawsers, sank till her deck was only a few inches above the water. It was now just after high water, and there was a depth of forty feet alongside the quay.Then with a jerk the strain on the ropes began to tell, a large portion of the crumbling quay was destroyed and tumbled into the river. Down sank the submarine till the tops of her conning-towers were fifteen feet beneath the surface. She was resting on the bottom of the river."Man the aerial torpedo tube, Mr. Kenwyn," ordered the captain. "Give them a sixteen pounds charge."With a whizz and a roar the projectile leapt through the water and soared four hundred feet in the air. There it burst, the concussion shaking every miserable hovel in Marromea to its foundations. When the "Aphrodite" returned to the surface the quay was deserted; the terrified officials, suffering with injured ear-drums, were skulking in the bush.[image]"WITH A WHIZZ AND A ROAR THE PROJECTILE LEAPT THROUGH THE WATER.""Ah, that is what we want," remarked Captain Restronguet, pointing to a ship's whaler lying on the quay. "Under the circumstances, considering how extortionately we have been charged, I have no qualms in annexing yon craft."The whaler was a heavy one, but a dozen men soon brought her on board. This done the "Aphrodite" cautiously made her way upstream, for mudbanks and shoals abounded, and only by the frequent use of the lead was the submarine, running light, able to keep to the main channel.It was now within two hours of sunset, and the "Aphrodite" had to find a suitable berth in order to carry out the plans Captain Restronguet had suggested for the safeguarding of his crew.The confiscated boat had been securely lashed down amidships. It was too large to be taken below through the hatchway, but in order that it would not burst its lashings as the submarine sank Mylor bored four fairly large holes in the garboards so that the water could easily make its way out. The holes could be plugged when the whaler was required for service afloat, and as Hythe remarked an additional washing would do a lot of good to a boat that had been left lying on the wharf of that malodorous and inhospitable town.Fortunately a fairly deep and extensive hole was discovered in the bed of the river, the soundings giving ten fathoms. Being the rainy season the river was three or four feet higher than its normal level, a circumstance greatly in the favour of the submarine's voyage of exploration and retribution.The night passed fairly quietly, the air within the submarine being perfectly clear. Looking through the observation scuttle the crew could see that the so-called fresh water was of a deep brown colour, while the full moon, shining through the miasmic mists looked like a ball of greenish yellow copper. Occasionally a crocodile would alight upon the deck of the "Aphrodite" and drag its armoured body over the metal plating with a dull metallic sound. Once a couple of hippopotami in their moonlight gambols brushed against the side of the conning-tower, the shock being distinctly felt by the men on watch.In the morning the detector registered the position of the "Vorwartz" at eighty-five miles, which was precisely the same distance as it gave overnight.Not until the mists had disappeared did Captain Restronguet order the "Aphrodite" to be brought to the surface and the hatchways opened. He would not risk the health of his crew by exposing them to the fever-laden atmosphere. Almost as far as the eye could reach the water extended, for being in flood the river, wide under ordinary circumstances, now resembled a vast lake.Proceeding at twelve knots, that took her over the ground against the current at barely nine miles an hour, the submarine held steadily on her course, literally feeling her way between the shoals of loathsome black mud.Just before noon a motor-launch manned by Portuguese passed, downward bound. In reply to a signal to close, the little craft ran alongside the "Aphrodite" without the faintest hesitation. Two of her crew who could speak French were interrogated by Hythe. They had neither seen nor heard anything of a vessel resembling the "Vorwartz" although they had come from Tete, a few miles below the limit for navigation. In reply to a request that one of their number should accompany the submarine as far as Sena, to act as a pilot, the Portuguese resolutely refused, saying that a qualified man could be obtained at Molonho, ten miles further up the river."What does the detector say, Mr. Kenwyn?" asked Captain Restronguet for the tenth time that morning."Eighty-three miles, sir.""H'm; two gained. But it's very strange that that motor-boat should not have noticed the 'Vorwartz.' Perhaps the river is deeper, and Karl von Harburg took the precaution to run submerged.""It is wide enough for a large craft to pass unnoticed," said Devoran."Not the actual channel; if we went half a mile to port or starboard we would be hard and fast aground.""Is it likely that the 'Vorwartz' has taken to a backwater?" asked Hythe."By Jove! I hope not," exclaimed Captain Restronguet; then in a confident tone he added, "No matter, our detector will locate her. One thing we know, she hasn't ascended the Shiré--a tributary that drains Lake Nyassa. I almost wish she had, for I would like to see the final act take place in British waters."To guard against the tropical heat awnings had been spread fore and aft, extending the whole length and breadth of the deck. Under this the officers and crew not on duty "stood easy," the former seated in deck-chairs brought from the cabins.To Hythe the voyage seemed more like a pleasure trip than a mission of destruction. He and Kenwyn amused themselves by shooting at crocodiles and hippopotami that frequently came within a hundred yards of the "Aphrodite," while Captain Restronguet did a more practical act by bringing down a bird resembling a turkey, which, falling on the awning, was received as a welcome change to the menu.Captain Restronguet was in high spirits, but his enthusiasm received a set-back when the "Aphrodite" ran full tilt upon a shoal. It was through no fault of the leadsman. The depth gave six fathoms but a few moments before. The discolouration of the water prevented any indication of the shoaling of the depth from being noticed. It was simply a case of sheer bad luck."Empty the reserve tanks," ordered Captain Restronguet, for the "Aphrodite" was now drawing ten feet for'ard and twelve aft. Quickly the foremost tank was emptied, but the after one, in spite of the action of the powerful pumps, refused to be discharged. Consequently the draught for'ard decreased while the submarine's stern sank lower into the slimy mud."Full speed astern," was the next order, but beyond churning up the brownish black ooze the propellers failed to do the slightest good."Lay out an anchor, Mr. Devoran," exclaimed his superior officer. "Be sharp, for the tide is falling."Hastily the boat was lowered, the heaviest anchor slung underneath, and laid out a hundred yards astern. The stout hempen hawser was led to the motor capstan, but as the powerful machinery made it revolve it simply "walked home" with the anchor. The soft mud offered little or no resistance to its broad palm.The "Aphrodite" seemed doomed to remain hard and fast for another ten hours. Night with all its terrors would envelop her ere the next tide was at its height, and to work in the germ-laden mists was to court the deadly fever."Can the ballast tank be got at from the inside, sir?" asked Hythe, struck by an inspiration."Not without flooding one of the sub-divisions of Number Three Platform," replied Captain Restronguet. "But why do you ask?""I thought perhaps I might put on a diving-dress, and enter the tank and examine the valves.""It's feasible," observed Captain Restronguet. "If you attempt it and succeed I shall be still more indebted to you.""Then I have your permission?""Certainly.""Look here, Hythe," exclaimed Kenwyn. "If you tackle the job I'm with you.""Thanks," replied the sub. "The sooner we start the better."Donning their diving-suits and equipping themselves with brushes, spanners, rubber-sheeting for the valves, and an electric lamp each, the two men entered No. 4a compartment, as the subdivision was designated. As soon as the water-tight doors were shut they began unbolting the man-hole cover that gave access to the faulty ballast-tank, guided in their self-imposed task solely by the rays of the lamps.Presently the water began to ooze between the partially removed cover and side of the tank, increasing in volume till the whole of the compartment was flooded with a liquid resembling thick pea-soup. It was only by the concentrated rays of the two lamps and by keeping his helmeted head within six inches of the metal lid that Hythe was able to complete the work of opening a means of communication with the ballast-tank.As soon as this was done the sub squeezed through the manhole. His feet touched a thick layer of stiff mud on the floor of the tank. Bringing his lamp down he carefully examined the outlet valve. The secret of the defect was his: when the "Aphrodite" had been submerged by the side of the wharf at Marromea the inrush of water had brought with it a quantity of sediment sufficiently plastic to form a layer over the outlet valve and thus prevent its action.For an hour Hythe toiled. He had neglected to bring anything of the nature of a spade, and had to recourse to his bare hands. Handful after handful of the noxious mud he scooped up and passed through the manhole into the compartment without, till the interior of the tank was perfectly free from anything of the nature to retard the action of the pumps.After a lapse of two hours and a half from the time of entering the compartment the two men, their diving-dresses covered in slime, gave the pre-arranged signal to start the pumps. Ten minutes later both the compartment and the tank were emptied of water, and the task of replacing the cover was proceeded with.But even then Hythe, nothing if not practical, refused to come on deck. He asked for a couple of buckets full of strong disinfectant fluid to be sent down, and, using a mop vigorously, he thoroughly scrubbed out the interior of the compartment, finishing up by mopping his companion's dress with the liquid, while Kenwyn performed the same office for him. Thus the risk of fever from the river-mud was entirely obviated."I would like a cold bath," exclaimed Kenwyn as the two officers rejoined their comrades."You jolly well won't, then," replied Hythe emphatically. "At least unless you wish to pay an indefinite visit to Davy Jones. Why, man, you are as warm as you can possibly be. Have a hot bath, if you like. I will, with plenty of disinfectant in it."By this time the "Aphrodite," her draught aft considerately lessened, was afloat and resuming her voyage. Kenwyn had had his hot bath and foolishly sat in the fairly strong breeze to cool himself afterwards.Before night he was lying unconscious in his bunk, prostrate with blackwater fever.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE SINKING OF THE "TOPAZE."
"This is indeed news!" exclaimed Captain Sedgwyke. Then in a lower tone he added, "Captain Restronguet, will you do me a favour? If we fall in with the 'Vorwartz' will you stand off and give the 'Topaze' a chance to distinguish herself? If so you will earn the gratitude of every officer and man on board."
The captain of the "Aphrodite" hesitated a few moments.
"Captain Sedgwyke," he replied, "you have asked a hard thing. Had any other captain made me a similar request I would have declined. But I owe you a debt of gratitude for having picked us up out of the sea. I will do as you request. I will give you an hour's uninterrupted action from the time the 'Vorwartz' is within four miles of us. One thing I would suggest, the 'Vorwartz' is the attacking vessel; you will not have to pursue her, so, since speed is not a vital consideration, keep your torpedo nets out."
"I, too, am indebted to you," said Captain Sedgwyke. "In an hour I hope to be able to help to uphold the glorious traditions of the Flag under which I serve."
"You have my best wishes," added Captain Restronguet as he turned to go over the side into the waiting boat. "At the end of the hour it will be my show; but should you require any assistance before then either communicate by means of wireless--I will order the coil to be adjusted as soon as I get on board--or else give four blasts in quick succession should anything happen to put the wireless out of gear."
"Are you taking Mr. Hythe?"
"Certainly; he is officially lent to the 'Aphrodite'; and Mr. Jenkins will accompany us, since I am morally responsible to His Highness, the Sultan of Zanzibar, for his safety."
The two captains shook hands, and Captain Restronguet and the sub entered the waiting boat, which had to pass over the upper edge of the torpedo nets that had to be lowered beneath the surface for the purpose.
Barely was the cruiser's boat clear of the "Topaze" when the order came "Out nets."
"Captain Sedgwyke is acting upon my suggestion," observed Hythe's companion. "It is the best plan, but honestly I favour the chances of the 'Vorwartz.'"
"You have a bias towards the advantage of submarines," said Hythe. "At the same time you must remember Karl von Harburg has, for the first time, to try conclusions with a British ship whose guns are sighted by trained seamen-gunners."
"We shall see," observed Captain Restronguet oracularly, and both men relapsed into silence until the boat ranged alongside the "Aphrodite."
"'Vorwartz' is now only eleven miles off, sir," announced Devoran. "We've cleared for action, I presume you will go straight for her, sir?"
"No," replied Captain Restronguet. "We are going to run away."
"Run away, sir?"
"Yes; in a moment of weakness I promised the captain of yonder cruiser to give him a free hand for one hour from the time the 'Vorwartz' gets within four miles of her. He wishes to distinguish himself. Accordingly we will run northward and put a good two miles between us. That, I think will be a safe distance, for on no account must we let the 'Vorwartz' spot us, or she will be off like a startled hare."
Hythe took up his position in the wake of the foremost conning-tower, whence he could command an uninterrupted view of the "Topaze." The British cruiser made a fine picture in the dazzling moonlight in spite of her ugly lines and the absence of masts and funnels. Already her boat had returned, but, instead of being hoisted to the davits, was made fast astern, while the remaining boats were being hurriedly yet methodically lowered into the water, one man being placed in each to act as boat-keeper. These were taken in tow of a motor-cutter, so that they would be safe from any explosions against the side of the ship.
This done, the "Topaze" trimmed her fringe of nets, and forging slowly ahead, bore down in the supposed direction of the on-coming "Vorwartz."
There was no attempt at concealment. Her so-called masthead light, hoisted on the slender signalling-mast abaft the conning-tower, was burning brightly; Hythe could see the green starboard lamp throwing its reflection upon the scintillating water. It was part of Captain Sedgwyke's plan to deceive the "Vorwartz." The latter, thinking she had fallen in with a large tramp, would doubtless either fire a torpedo at her to wantonly send her to the bottom, or else rise to the surface and demand her to surrender. In the first case the torpedo would, he hoped, explode harmlessly against the net. The submarine would then rise to enable the scoundrel Karl von Harburg to witness the sinking of his latest victim. In the event of either of these possibilities taking place the "Vorwartz," once on the surface, would be the target for twenty powerful quick-firing guns, and since the "Topaze" nearly headed the list of results in the Gunlayers' Test for the whole of the British Navy, the destruction of the modern pirate seemed certain.
Captain Sedgwyke was a man who scorned to take a mean advantage; and since he would not encroach upon the distance limit set down by his chivalrous rival, he ordered the helm to be put over, thus keeping the "Topaze" within a radius of three cables' length, until the "Vorwartz" was within four miles of him. Seeing this Captain Restronguet gave the word for half speed ahead, until he placed a distance of two miles between him and the cruiser.
"Seven and a half miles, sir," announced Devoran.
"Then another two minutes will be the commencement of the hour's limit," said Captain Restronguet consulting his watch. "Mr. Kenwyn, will you please signal the 'Topaze' and give her the latest information as to her enemy's position." The second officer, adroitly working the flashing lamp, communicated the intelligence, receiving in reply an affirmative signal.
Practically every officer and man, except those on urgent duty below, stood on the upper platform of the "Aphrodite." Telescopes and binoculars were brought to bear upon the cruiser that now looked like a phantom castle in the moonlight.
Hythe felt his blood tingle in his veins. He realized that he was to be the spectator of a duel to the death between a cruiser and a submarine--the first engagement of such a character that had ever taken place in naval history.
"Four miles, sir," announced Devoran, as the position of the "Vorwartz" was reported to him by the seaman stationed at the detector. "She's coming straight for the cruiser, by Jove!"
"I thought she would swallow the bait," exclaimed Hythe.
"Let us hope she will swallow more than is good for her," added Kenwyn. "By Jove! The 'Topaze' has opened fire."
A flash like distant lightning seemed to leap from the cruiser's deck, followed by another, and then by a regular salvo of quick-firers. Ere the first deep report reached the ears of the watchers on the "Aphrodite" the "Topaze" unscreened her search-lights and played them on a spot about four hundred yards on the starboard hand, where the shells were churning up a perfect cauldron of foam and spray.
"Good heavens! they've hit something!" exclaimed several voices. Those of the "Aphrodite's" crew who possessed glasses could see a dark mass, rent in deep furrows by the projectiles, appear amid the columns of foam; then throwing itself ten feet into the air the object disappeared from view.
Captain Restronguet clenched his fists. He deeply regretted his action in allowing the captain of the "Topaze" a free hand. His quest was over. The rival submarine had been sent to the bottom with all hands, and he----
"Cruiser signalling, sir," announced Kenwyn, who was perched upon the rounded top of the fore-conning-tower. "Reports having wasted ninety rounds of ammunition by firing at a whale, and requests to know whether the captain of the 'Aphrodite' has been guilty of a senseless joke?"
"Senseless joke, indeed!" ejaculated Captain Restronguet. "If those fellows in their excitement mistake a whale for a submarine they will be rudely awakened when the 'Vorwartz' does show. Senseless joke, indeed! Look here, Mr. Kenwyn, reply that my detector does not record the presence of whales, but it does record the presence of the 'Vorwartz.' She is now only--how many miles, Mr. Devoran?"
"Two and three quarters from us, sir."
"Only three quarters of a mile from the 'Topaze,'" continued the Captain. "It was quite possible that that wilful waste of ammunition made the valiant Karl von Harburg turn tail; but evidently such is not the case. It has made the task of the 'Topaze' still more difficult, since the 'Vorwartz' is now aware that she is not about to tackle a merchant vessel."
The "Topaze" had now shut off her searchlights, and was slowly circling to port. After the deafening cannonade there seemed an ominous silence in the air. The detector showed that the "Vorwartz" was still approaching.
"She will be within range shortly," remarked the sub. "I hope to goodness those nets will ward off the torpedoes. What charge do they carry, sir?"
"I believe I am right in saying a charge of eighty pounds of nitro-gelenite, which is equivalent to nearly a ton of gunpowder. You may remember how the shock of the explosion shook the 'Aphrodite' in the chase off Ushant?"
"Rather," remarked Hythe. "At that time I----"
A column of mingled flame and water bursting apparently from the fo'c'sle of the "Topaze" effectually checked the sub's remarks. To the watchers on the "Aphrodite" it seemed as if the bows of the cruiser were lifted clear of the water. Then came a deafening detonation, like the noise of thunder above one's head.
The cruiser rocked violently two or three times, then seemed to settle on an even keel, while her quick-firers blazed away in a frantic, aimless manner, for several of the projectiles could be observed striking the water a mile apart.
"Any wireless message?" asked Captain Restronguet coolly.
"No, sir," replied Kenwyn.
"She's withstood the shock, thank heavens!" ejaculated Hythe, then, "No, she hasn't, by George! There's 'Out Collision Mats,'" he added, as a bugle rang out from the stricken ship.
"'Vorwartz' is making off, sir," announced Mylor, who had relieved the observer at the electric detector.
"Hard lines on us," exclaimed Captain Restronguet. "What are we to do? The hour is not anything like up, and no signal of distress from the 'Topaze.' Send them a message, Kenwyn. Wireless, please."
"No reply, sir," announced the second officer after a wait of nearly two minutes.
"Then her wireless is disabled by the shock. Speak her in Morse, Kenwyn. Ask whether Captain Sedgwyke will release us from the remainder of our period of inaction, as the 'Vorwartz' is now making off in a southerly direction."
But before Kenwyn could get to the flashing signal lamp four loud blasts from the motor fog-horn of the "Topaze" sent forth their cry for urgent assistance.
"She's settling down by the bows," exclaimed one of the spectators of the ocean drama.
"Full speed ahead," ordered Captain Restronguet. Within five minutes from the request for aid the "Aphrodite" was abreast the stricken vessel at less than a cable's length away. Her fore part, already deep in the water, showed unmistakable signs of the mortal blow she had received. Her armoured belt, that extended right to the bows, had already disappeared from view, but for nearly thirty feet on the starboard side and nearly opposite the for'ard nine-point-two-inch gun the lighter steel plates were rent and buckled in all directions. Over the gaping wound a collision mat had been placed, but one might as well attempt to stop a mill-stream with a mop-head.
The order had already been given to abandon ship, and with the utmost precision and coolness the seamen were drawn up to await the approach of the cruiser's boats, that were now only a few yards off.
"Do you want me to pick up any of your crew, sir? I'll stand by if you desire it," shouted Captain Restronguet to a solitary figure on the steeply-inclined fore-bridge that the men of the "Aphrodite" recognized as Captain Sedgwyke.
"Thank you," replied the captain of the "Topaze." "We have enough room in the boats for the whole of the ship's company. Do you, sir, kindly take up the work that I had the misfortune to interrupt you in, and may you have better luck."
Captain Restronguet gravely saluted the gallant yet ill-fated officer. At the same time, although anxious to set off in pursuit, he was loth to leave the cruiser until every man was saved.
"What are you waiting for, sir?" hailed Captain Sedgwyke, his voice barely audible above the hundred different noises emanating from the doomed cruiser, as the water, pouring in, broke down bulkheads, swept buoyant objects 'tween decks in a wild stampede against the partitions, and caused the imprisoned air to escape with a vicious hiss.
"I am standing by," replied Captain Restronguet. "You gave a signal for urgent aid, sir."
"We thought the ship would sink before the boats could arrive," said the captain of the "Topaze." "There is no danger to life. Our consort the 'Pique' is on her way to pick us up."
Still Captain Restronguet stood by. He was not so sure that the "Pique" might not share the same fate as the "Topaze" since the "Vorwartz," going south, was almost bound to fall in with the British cruiser from Delagoa Bay.
Just then the "Topaze" gave a sudden lurch to starboard, heeling so much that the line of men still remaining on board was broken. But only for an instant, it was the unexpected lurch and not panic that caused the seamen to move out of position. Sharply they redressed line--and waited.
Boat after boat received its full complement, and pushed off to a safe distance lest the cruiser in her final plunge should swamp them. Not until the last of his officers and men had taken to the boats did the gallant captain descend from the bridge.
It was touch and go with him, for to gain the boat he had to wade up to his waist in water that swirled over the steeply sloping decks.
"She's going!" ejaculated Devoran.
Heeling more and more the "Topaze" turned completely on end, so that the whole length of her keel plates and her four propellers were out of water. Then, slipping bows foremost, she disappeared from view in a smother of foam, leaving only an expanse of oil and petrol, a few floating pieces of timber and her boats to mark the grave of a splendid cruiser. Twenty seconds after she had disappeared the muffled sound of an explosion--the bursting of the air in one of her compartments--threw up a column of water that almost swamped the nearest boat, the gig in which Captain Sedgwyke had taken refuge. That was the last message from the "Topaze" as she sped to her ocean grave one hundred and eighty fathoms beneath the surface.
CHAPTER XXVII.
A PILOT UNDER COMPULSION.
Dawn was just breaking as the "Pique" arrived on the scene of the disaster. Her escape, of which her crew were totally in ignorance, was owing solely to the fact that Karl von Harburg had fired his last torpedo at the ill-fated "Topaze." His means of offence were now reduced, for the power of being able to deliver his antagonist a smashing blow below the surface was no longer possible: he could only ram. Yet the captain of the "Vorwartz" hesitated to attempt to deal thus with the "Pique." The British cruiser had passed within two cables' length of where the modern buccaneer was running beneath the surface; but the risks to himself by ramming a large armoured vessel travelling at thirty knots were far too great.
Seeing that he could render no further assistance Captain Restronguet ordered the "Aphrodite" to be submerged. It was the safest plan, for although he communicated with the "Pique" by wireless, the message was not in code, and the British cruiser, determined to take no risks, might open fire at the submarine.
The position of the "Vorwartz" was now, according to the detector, forty miles S.W. of her pursuer. When Captain Restronguet came to fix her position on the chart he knitted his brows in perplexity. The rival submarine was, if his information was correct, actually within the delta of the great Zambezi River.
"Now we have her!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet gleefully. "It will be a bit of a shock to Von Harburg when he finds that his return journey is barred by the only craft he feared and one that he thought he had destroyed."
"Do you think he's heard that the 'Aphrodite' was not smashed up after all?" asked Hythe.
"It is doubtful. If he has I can only conjecture that he has decided to ascend the Zambezi in the hope of eluding us. Otherwise I cannot suggest any reason unless he wishes to form a base in this unhealthy Portuguese territory since his Sumatran refuge is closed to him."
"I have heard that the district is reeking with fever, sir," remarked the sub. "Many times men-of-war have sent exploring parties up the river and almost invariably some, and once every man, of the crew have been stricken down. The Portuguese have, apparently, taken no active steps to rid the locality of the mosquitoes. If the deadly climate could be rendered habitable, as in the case of the Canal Zone at Panama, the Zambezi would be one of the greatest trading arteries of the world."
"Some day it will," said Captain Restronguet. "The British Government has had its eye upon Portuguese East Africa for some time. Could the Portuguese Republic be induced to sell it there would be a splendid outlet for Rhodesia, and under active management the Zambezi would make a splendid waterway. Even now it is navigable as far as Kebrabassa Falls, nearly three hundred miles from the delta."
"It strikes me, sir, that we shall be grilling in a fetid atmosphere before many hours are past," observed Devoran. "Why couldn't Karl von Harburg stick to the sea?"
"There's nothing like variety," replied Captain Restronguet complacently. "After we've settled with the 'Vorwartz' we may have a little shooting; lions and rhinos are fairly plentiful, to say nothing of smaller fry. But I do not think we need entertain fears of the climate. It is only at night that the pestilential mists are really dangerous. Every day just before sunset, we will submerge the 'Aphrodite,' since there is reason to suppose there are deep holes in the bed of the river for this to be done even if the normal depth is insufficient. We shall not thus be inhaling the noxious gases, nor be exposed to the attacks of mosquitoes and other germ-bearing insects; whilst river-water passed through our condensers will be perfectly drinkable."
According to the rosy views held by the captain of the "Aphrodite" the new phase of the cruise was to be a sort of picnic; but he had reckoned without his host.
On arriving off the First Bluff Point, on the western side of the main outlet of the Zambezi, it was found that there was such a heavy tumble on the bar that to attempt to cross it would be an impossible task.
The detector showed that the "Vorwartz" was maintaining her distance; evidently she was in luck, and had negotiated the difficult entrance in the nick of time.
For twenty-eight days the "Aphrodite" lay in sight of the clump of high, straight trees, that lay very close together, giving the point the appearance of a cliff, to which the name of First Bluff Point owes its origin.
Meanwhile the news of the great disaster to H.M.S. "Topaze" had been sent by wireless to Cape Town by the captain of the "Pique," and in a very short space of time the Admiralty were in possession of the salient facts of the latest outrage by Karl von Harburg. There was a panic amongst the merchantmen in East African waters; the scanty harbours of that coast were filled with ships whose skippers feared to put to sea. Even the mail-boats took particular care to give the supposed cruising-ground of the "Vorwartz" a wide berth; while the liners running between London and Liverpool and Australia and New Zealand abandoned the Cape route and stuck to that via Cape Horn.
People began to ask what was the use of having command of the sea when one solitary submarine could do practically what it liked beneath the surface. Vast sums had been spent to keep the British navy in a state of efficiency and numerical supremacy; money had been poured out like water to provide defence against hostile aircraft that might menace our shores; yet one submarine--not a new invention, but merely a great improvement on existing types--was playing a one-sided game not only with British shipping, but with the mercantile marine of the whole of the nautical world. And now even warships were being sent to the bottom without so much as a glimpse of the attacker.
In the midst of this gloomy outlook came a consoling gleam of light. The "Aphrodite" was now known to have survived the attack made upon her by her rival; and to Captain Restronguet the entire civilized world pinned its faith.
Although Captain the Hon. C. L. Sedgwyke had refused to make any public statement concerning the disaster to his ship until the impending court martial took place, he telegraphed a full report to the Admiralty. It was the plain, unvarnished story of a brave yet unfortunate British officer. He laid particular emphasis upon the fact that Captain Restronguet was in the "Aphrodite," ready and willing to grapple with the modern buccaneer, but only at earnest solicitation of the captain of the "Topaze" did he stand passively aloof in order to give the British cruiser a chance to distinguish herself.
Britons are generally supposed to be a phlegmatic race, but when they have an attack of hero-worship they get it pretty badly. Captain John Restronguet was the hero of the day. A photograph that an amateur photographer on the "Persia" took of him during the "Aphrodite's" passage through the Red Sea appeared in all the papers, edition de luxe copies were sold by hundreds of thousands, and the firm who bought the copyright for one guinea made nearly £30,000 out of the transaction. Restronguet coats, hats, and boots were all the rage; in fact the name Restronguet applied to any article ensured it a ready sale. The nation was Restronguet mad.
But the captain of the "Aphrodite" was not a man to have his head turned by fatuous hero-worship. He knew perfectly well that in the course of a few years his name would be a mere byword. Reports of his popularity had been transmitted to him by his agents. He merely shrugged his shoulders, and impressed upon the wireless operator who received the messages to maintain a strict reticence as to their nature. He had a mission to perform, and he meant to accomplish it. Thus, with ill-concealed impatience he waited and waited till, with his crew, he became heartily sick of the sight of First Bluff Point and the forbidding bar of the mighty Zambezi.
On the morning of the twenty-ninth day of the "Aphrodite's" detention a native boat, manned by half a dozen blacks, was observed to have managed to cross the bar and was bearing down towards the vessel. In the stern was a European, a sallow-faced man dressed in dirty white clothes and a broad sun-hat.
As soon as the boat came alongside the bowman dexterously threw a rope, and when this was made fast the white man, without waiting for an accommodation ladder to be shipped, swarmed up on deck.
"Me pilot," he explained, with a deep bow and a flourish of his hat. "Me pilot 'pointed by Republic. Me take you in."
"Is it safe to cross the bar?" asked Captain Restronguet eagerly.
"Yes, senhor; me take you in for so many milreis," and he held up the fingers of both hands four times.
It was a matter of nearly nine pounds--thrice the amount the Portuguese expected to receive. It was part of his nature to make allowances for being beaten down.
"I'll make it gold to the value of eighty milreis if you put me inside the bar to-night," said Captain Restronguet.
"Me take you up to Marromea--that am de port--for dat," exclaimed the pilot gleefully. "How much you draw?"
"Twelve feet," replied Captain Restronguet.
The Portuguese had no need to make a calculation to arrive at the depth in "bracas," since the British fathom is almost identical with the Portuguese "braca."
"Too ver' much," he exclaimed, shaking his head.
"I can reduce it to seven feet."
"How can do? You no throw cargo oberboard?" asked the astonished Portuguese.
Without replying, Captain Restronguet gave an order for the emergency tanks to be emptied, and still greater was the pilot's amazement to find the vessel rising higher and higher out of the water.
Suddenly it occurred to his slow-witted brain that the craft he had boarded was a submarine, and since the only submarine he had heard of was the "Vorwartz," that had made the passage under cover of night, he came to the startling conclusion that he had boarded the pirate vessel. His olivine features turned a sickly yellow till there was hardly any contrast between his face and the whites of his eyes, and turning, he made a rush for the side.
"Steady, my worthy friend!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet, as Devoran and Kenwyn caught the Portuguese by the shoulders. "A contract is a contract. You've got to pilot my vessel over the bar."
"Mercy, senhor!" whined the fellow falling on his knees.
"Get up, you idiot!" said Captain Restronguet sharply, but all to no purpose; the pilot maintained his entreaties at the top of his voice.
"I believe he imagines he's on board the 'Vorwartz'," suggested Hythe.
"Perhaps," agreed the captain, then addressing the pilot he told him that he was in no danger, and that he was on the "Aphrodite."
But the man was so terrified that the words fell on deaf ears. His terror was increased by a sudden commotion over the side as his native crew, hearing the cries of their master, took their paddles and made off for the shore as hard as they could urge their cumbersome craft.
At last Captain Restronguet became out of patience with the craven pilot. At a sign from him Devoran whisked the Portuguese to his feet and led him for'ard. Here he again collapsed, grovelling on the deck. It was now nearly high water, and unless something were done another delay of twelve hours at least--possibly of days--would necessarily ensue.
Drawing his automatic pistol he clapped the muzzle to the pilot's temple. The touch of cold steel did what words had failed to do. Abject terror was banished by the stern menace of that small yet powerful weapon.
"No shoot, senhor capitan!" howled the wretched man. "Me take you ober: no shoot."
Captain Restronguet replaced his pistol, the pilot, still shaking, stood in front of the helmsman in the fore-conning-tower and directed him by movements of his hand. Four minutes sufficed to bring the "Aphrodite," rolling like a barrel, through the agitated water on the bar, and thus after nearly a month of inaction the avenging submarine floated in the turgid waters of the broad Zambezi.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
IN THE BALLAST TANK.
At Marromea Captain Restronguet paid the pilot, who was taken ashore in a native boat. The Portuguese, as soon as he received his money and found that he had not been harmed, became quite enthusiastic over the generous "Ingles," and vowed that, whatever other work he had in hand, he would await the "Aphrodite" on her return. "If the senhors ever come back," he added darkly, for he knew the effect of the pestilential climate upon unseasoned Europeans.
Marromea, where the Portuguese once had a fairly prosperous trading station, had fallen into decay. Fever had decimated the inhabitants, the railway, intended to fellow the course of the river and effect a junction with the Cape to Cairo line at Victoria Falls, had been abandoned. Long grass and tropical foliage had already hidden the melancholy remains from view.
There were scarcely thirty Portuguese in the place; the others were natives who, being partly civilized, were infinitely greater scoundrels than their unenlightened brethren. Of the thirty Portuguese, two-thirds of the number were Government officials, and with the idea of displaying their powers, threw every obstacle in Captain Restronguet's way. Dues were demanded and paid, then a peremptory request to be shown the ship's papers--documents that the "Aphrodite" did not possess.
Fortunately Hythe had a sheet of printed matter that he had brought off at Gibraltar with his purchases, and this was duly presented. After a lengthy scrutiny the officials returned it, saying the papers were quite in order but forty milreis must be paid toviséthem.
"I'll see you to Jericho, first!" exclaimed Captain Restronguet wrathfully, and ordering his men to arm themselves he paraded them on deck as a gentle hint to the mercenary representatives of the Portuguese Republic.
If they knew of the presence of the "Vorwartz" in the river the authorities would not admit it; they refused to allow the telegraph to be made use of to communicate with the trading stations up-stream, and resolutely declined to provide a pilot for the navigation of the shoal-encumbered reaches as far as Kaira--a hundred miles above Marromea.
At last Captain Restronguet resolved to take stern measures. He was ready to abide by the usual customs of a foreign country, but he was not going to be fooled by a pack of rascally Portuguese.
"Clear for diving, Mr. Devoran!" he shouted.
The Portuguese officials, filled with curiosity, lined the edge of the wharf, talking volubly amongst themselves, while to show their contempt towards the foreign craft they amused themselves by throwing cigarette ends upon her deserted deck.
Down below the crew tumbled; hatches were secured, and the ballast tanks flooded. The "Aphrodite," made fast bow and stern to the wharf by the hempen hawsers, sank till her deck was only a few inches above the water. It was now just after high water, and there was a depth of forty feet alongside the quay.
Then with a jerk the strain on the ropes began to tell, a large portion of the crumbling quay was destroyed and tumbled into the river. Down sank the submarine till the tops of her conning-towers were fifteen feet beneath the surface. She was resting on the bottom of the river.
"Man the aerial torpedo tube, Mr. Kenwyn," ordered the captain. "Give them a sixteen pounds charge."
With a whizz and a roar the projectile leapt through the water and soared four hundred feet in the air. There it burst, the concussion shaking every miserable hovel in Marromea to its foundations. When the "Aphrodite" returned to the surface the quay was deserted; the terrified officials, suffering with injured ear-drums, were skulking in the bush.
[image]"WITH A WHIZZ AND A ROAR THE PROJECTILE LEAPT THROUGH THE WATER."
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"WITH A WHIZZ AND A ROAR THE PROJECTILE LEAPT THROUGH THE WATER."
"Ah, that is what we want," remarked Captain Restronguet, pointing to a ship's whaler lying on the quay. "Under the circumstances, considering how extortionately we have been charged, I have no qualms in annexing yon craft."
The whaler was a heavy one, but a dozen men soon brought her on board. This done the "Aphrodite" cautiously made her way upstream, for mudbanks and shoals abounded, and only by the frequent use of the lead was the submarine, running light, able to keep to the main channel.
It was now within two hours of sunset, and the "Aphrodite" had to find a suitable berth in order to carry out the plans Captain Restronguet had suggested for the safeguarding of his crew.
The confiscated boat had been securely lashed down amidships. It was too large to be taken below through the hatchway, but in order that it would not burst its lashings as the submarine sank Mylor bored four fairly large holes in the garboards so that the water could easily make its way out. The holes could be plugged when the whaler was required for service afloat, and as Hythe remarked an additional washing would do a lot of good to a boat that had been left lying on the wharf of that malodorous and inhospitable town.
Fortunately a fairly deep and extensive hole was discovered in the bed of the river, the soundings giving ten fathoms. Being the rainy season the river was three or four feet higher than its normal level, a circumstance greatly in the favour of the submarine's voyage of exploration and retribution.
The night passed fairly quietly, the air within the submarine being perfectly clear. Looking through the observation scuttle the crew could see that the so-called fresh water was of a deep brown colour, while the full moon, shining through the miasmic mists looked like a ball of greenish yellow copper. Occasionally a crocodile would alight upon the deck of the "Aphrodite" and drag its armoured body over the metal plating with a dull metallic sound. Once a couple of hippopotami in their moonlight gambols brushed against the side of the conning-tower, the shock being distinctly felt by the men on watch.
In the morning the detector registered the position of the "Vorwartz" at eighty-five miles, which was precisely the same distance as it gave overnight.
Not until the mists had disappeared did Captain Restronguet order the "Aphrodite" to be brought to the surface and the hatchways opened. He would not risk the health of his crew by exposing them to the fever-laden atmosphere. Almost as far as the eye could reach the water extended, for being in flood the river, wide under ordinary circumstances, now resembled a vast lake.
Proceeding at twelve knots, that took her over the ground against the current at barely nine miles an hour, the submarine held steadily on her course, literally feeling her way between the shoals of loathsome black mud.
Just before noon a motor-launch manned by Portuguese passed, downward bound. In reply to a signal to close, the little craft ran alongside the "Aphrodite" without the faintest hesitation. Two of her crew who could speak French were interrogated by Hythe. They had neither seen nor heard anything of a vessel resembling the "Vorwartz" although they had come from Tete, a few miles below the limit for navigation. In reply to a request that one of their number should accompany the submarine as far as Sena, to act as a pilot, the Portuguese resolutely refused, saying that a qualified man could be obtained at Molonho, ten miles further up the river.
"What does the detector say, Mr. Kenwyn?" asked Captain Restronguet for the tenth time that morning.
"Eighty-three miles, sir."
"H'm; two gained. But it's very strange that that motor-boat should not have noticed the 'Vorwartz.' Perhaps the river is deeper, and Karl von Harburg took the precaution to run submerged."
"It is wide enough for a large craft to pass unnoticed," said Devoran.
"Not the actual channel; if we went half a mile to port or starboard we would be hard and fast aground."
"Is it likely that the 'Vorwartz' has taken to a backwater?" asked Hythe.
"By Jove! I hope not," exclaimed Captain Restronguet; then in a confident tone he added, "No matter, our detector will locate her. One thing we know, she hasn't ascended the Shiré--a tributary that drains Lake Nyassa. I almost wish she had, for I would like to see the final act take place in British waters."
To guard against the tropical heat awnings had been spread fore and aft, extending the whole length and breadth of the deck. Under this the officers and crew not on duty "stood easy," the former seated in deck-chairs brought from the cabins.
To Hythe the voyage seemed more like a pleasure trip than a mission of destruction. He and Kenwyn amused themselves by shooting at crocodiles and hippopotami that frequently came within a hundred yards of the "Aphrodite," while Captain Restronguet did a more practical act by bringing down a bird resembling a turkey, which, falling on the awning, was received as a welcome change to the menu.
Captain Restronguet was in high spirits, but his enthusiasm received a set-back when the "Aphrodite" ran full tilt upon a shoal. It was through no fault of the leadsman. The depth gave six fathoms but a few moments before. The discolouration of the water prevented any indication of the shoaling of the depth from being noticed. It was simply a case of sheer bad luck.
"Empty the reserve tanks," ordered Captain Restronguet, for the "Aphrodite" was now drawing ten feet for'ard and twelve aft. Quickly the foremost tank was emptied, but the after one, in spite of the action of the powerful pumps, refused to be discharged. Consequently the draught for'ard decreased while the submarine's stern sank lower into the slimy mud.
"Full speed astern," was the next order, but beyond churning up the brownish black ooze the propellers failed to do the slightest good.
"Lay out an anchor, Mr. Devoran," exclaimed his superior officer. "Be sharp, for the tide is falling."
Hastily the boat was lowered, the heaviest anchor slung underneath, and laid out a hundred yards astern. The stout hempen hawser was led to the motor capstan, but as the powerful machinery made it revolve it simply "walked home" with the anchor. The soft mud offered little or no resistance to its broad palm.
The "Aphrodite" seemed doomed to remain hard and fast for another ten hours. Night with all its terrors would envelop her ere the next tide was at its height, and to work in the germ-laden mists was to court the deadly fever.
"Can the ballast tank be got at from the inside, sir?" asked Hythe, struck by an inspiration.
"Not without flooding one of the sub-divisions of Number Three Platform," replied Captain Restronguet. "But why do you ask?"
"I thought perhaps I might put on a diving-dress, and enter the tank and examine the valves."
"It's feasible," observed Captain Restronguet. "If you attempt it and succeed I shall be still more indebted to you."
"Then I have your permission?"
"Certainly."
"Look here, Hythe," exclaimed Kenwyn. "If you tackle the job I'm with you."
"Thanks," replied the sub. "The sooner we start the better."
Donning their diving-suits and equipping themselves with brushes, spanners, rubber-sheeting for the valves, and an electric lamp each, the two men entered No. 4a compartment, as the subdivision was designated. As soon as the water-tight doors were shut they began unbolting the man-hole cover that gave access to the faulty ballast-tank, guided in their self-imposed task solely by the rays of the lamps.
Presently the water began to ooze between the partially removed cover and side of the tank, increasing in volume till the whole of the compartment was flooded with a liquid resembling thick pea-soup. It was only by the concentrated rays of the two lamps and by keeping his helmeted head within six inches of the metal lid that Hythe was able to complete the work of opening a means of communication with the ballast-tank.
As soon as this was done the sub squeezed through the manhole. His feet touched a thick layer of stiff mud on the floor of the tank. Bringing his lamp down he carefully examined the outlet valve. The secret of the defect was his: when the "Aphrodite" had been submerged by the side of the wharf at Marromea the inrush of water had brought with it a quantity of sediment sufficiently plastic to form a layer over the outlet valve and thus prevent its action.
For an hour Hythe toiled. He had neglected to bring anything of the nature of a spade, and had to recourse to his bare hands. Handful after handful of the noxious mud he scooped up and passed through the manhole into the compartment without, till the interior of the tank was perfectly free from anything of the nature to retard the action of the pumps.
After a lapse of two hours and a half from the time of entering the compartment the two men, their diving-dresses covered in slime, gave the pre-arranged signal to start the pumps. Ten minutes later both the compartment and the tank were emptied of water, and the task of replacing the cover was proceeded with.
But even then Hythe, nothing if not practical, refused to come on deck. He asked for a couple of buckets full of strong disinfectant fluid to be sent down, and, using a mop vigorously, he thoroughly scrubbed out the interior of the compartment, finishing up by mopping his companion's dress with the liquid, while Kenwyn performed the same office for him. Thus the risk of fever from the river-mud was entirely obviated.
"I would like a cold bath," exclaimed Kenwyn as the two officers rejoined their comrades.
"You jolly well won't, then," replied Hythe emphatically. "At least unless you wish to pay an indefinite visit to Davy Jones. Why, man, you are as warm as you can possibly be. Have a hot bath, if you like. I will, with plenty of disinfectant in it."
By this time the "Aphrodite," her draught aft considerately lessened, was afloat and resuming her voyage. Kenwyn had had his hot bath and foolishly sat in the fairly strong breeze to cool himself afterwards.
Before night he was lying unconscious in his bunk, prostrate with blackwater fever.