Part 27 (1/2)

”They sure do,” was the other's response; ”s on variousrapidly till Rob suddenly looked at his watch

”Al,” he said

”What do ant to rise for? It's deep enough here, isn't it?”

”That's just it The ensign says that the chart shows that a sort of subht ahead of us soht the bottom of the sea was as level as a floor”

”Not a bit of it It's as full of ions and flat, depressed plains and valleys as the Rockies themselves”

”Gee whiz! I'd hate to hit one of them I----”

Merritt stopped short A terrific crash shook the sub into thea rail

For an instant the vibration lasted, and then the diving craft caazed at each other with blanched faces

Did the crash es that ers? Had Mr Barr delayed too long in rising?

On the answer to these questions both boys felt that their lives depended

They were still regarding each other with consternation when the ensign burst into the cabin

”Shut off the engines instantly!” he ordered

”What have we struck? That subasp out, while Merritt hastened to obey the officer's command

”I--I don't knoas the reply, ”but I fear that we are in serious danger!”

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE SUPREME TEST

”Open the sidepanel and turn on the searchlight!”

The order came from Mr Barr five h, everyone on board was seriously alarer the Boy Scouts took their example for action froh deadly pale, Mr Barr kept his voice as cool as an icicle

Ensign Hargreaves, while fully realizing the danger, yet steeled himself to cale of their elders

Rob hastened to obey Mr Barr's command After a few seconds of lass panel