Part 41 (1/2)
”You will have the opportunity very soon.”
”I think the boat is coming over there now, sir,” added Dan, addressing the ensign.
”Cast the lead line over and see if you can locate the mine, lads.”
They could not. In a short time the boat with the diver and diving apparatus pulled up and began getting ready for work.
”Look,” whispered Dan.
The diver was none other than Bill Kester, his face swathed in plaster, his eyes scowling menacingly as he recognized the Battles.h.i.+p Boys.
CHAPTER XXII-BURIED THREE FATHOMS DEEP
”Where does she lay, sir?” questioned the a.s.sistant who had come with the diver and his apparatus.
”As near as we could determine the mine should be about fifteen yards to the southwest of us. Bring your boat around to leeward and make a sounding. We did not dare move over for fear of losing our location entirely.”
”May I make a suggestion, sir?” questioned Dan, touching his cap.
”Certainly; what is it?”
”I got a quick bearing when the mine went over.”
”You did?”
”Yes, sir.”
”What was it?”
”Taking the bearing from our present position, a line drawn from the lighthouse to the battles.h.i.+p, crossed by a line from our wherry to that bluff yonder, would mark the location of the mine at the crossing point, sir.”
The ensign glanced at the young seaman quizzically.
”Very well done, my lad. You have the making of a first-cla.s.s navigator in you. Keep on and you will do well. Always use your eyes, and your head as well, as you have done this afternoon and there will be no doubt about it.”
”Thank you, sir,” answered the boy, his face glowing with pride.
By this time the men were laying out the diving suit for the diver, the hideous-looking helmet having been placed on the stern seat of the cutter that had brought them over.
”Sound for that mine before you put the diver over,” commanded the ensign. ”No use bottling the man up until you are ready to send him down.”
”This helmet is not fit to use, sir,” spoke up one of the diver's a.s.sistants.
”What is the matter with it?”
”It leaks. See?” He held up the helmet, which he had partially filled with water, for the inspection of the officer.
”It has lain out on deck too long. The sun has checked it,” continued the man.