“Captain Benson,” Hal stated, saluting, “I have inspected all the
submerging machinery, and I find everything in good order. We can go below
the surface at any time.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hastings. All below!” ordered Jack crisply.

After the cadets and the ensign had filed below, Jack, having seen that
all was in order, followed. He made all fast in the conning tower, then
called Midshipman Surles up the stairway to the tower wheel.

“Do you think you can head due east and keep to that course under water,
Mr. Surles?”

“Yes, sir.”

Going down to the cabin floor, Jack ordered two more midshipmen to the
tower as observers.

“The rest crowd about me and ask questions while I handle the submerging
machinery.”

Under the impetus from the electric motors, the propeller shafts began to
throb. The next instant the submarine shot below, going down at so steep
an angle that many of the middies were forced to reach for new footing.

“The gauge registers sixty feet below,” announced Jack.

In another moment, by the quick flooding of some of the compartments
astern, the young skipper brought the boat to an even keel.