commanded Skipper Jack Benson.

"My men will help you," added Lieutenant Danvers.

Jack quickly had his figures made. He knew where the hull lay, in what
direction, and how far below the surface the deck of the sunken
derelict lay. He planned to land the torpedo twelve feet below the
derelict's deck, which, he believed, would strike a full and fair blow.

"Torpedo's loaded, sir," called Eph, while the "Hastings," under slow
speed astern, was gliding back to get into position for the attack.

"Station Biffens by the firing lever, then," called down Captain Benson.
"Tell him to fire on the instant that he gets the order. Now, Mr.
Somers, stand by the submerging apparatus. Drop just forty-two feet
below the surface, then report instantly to me."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Lieutenant Danvers stood by the submarine boy, intently watching,
listening, and digesting Benson's plan. Yet the naval officer ventured
no interference.

In another moment the hull of the "Hastings" began to disappear under
the waves.

"Forty-two feet--sir--and--stopped!" shouted up Eph Somers.

"Ready to fire!" Jack hailed.