"There could not be a better chance! If possible, the submarine must be destroyed in these southern waters. That, you know, will give us an opportunity to change the color of our vessel and continue our peaceful cruising toward Europe! Our government will never know that we were the ones who destroyed this menace to our beloved Nippon!"
The lieutenant did not finish, but winced and shrugged his shoulders.
"We should be heavily punished. Even if the United States found it out, their government would demand that we be hung."
"Harikari? Yes--perhaps that may be best, anyway. We have but one life to give for Nippon."
"And we have vowed to give it! Captain, may I be one of those who visit the _Grampus_?"
"I am sorry," said he, "but those who put off to the submarine must have _straight eyes_! This Motor Matt is one of the sharpest Americans I ever had anything to do with. Slant eyes, lieutenant, would prove that we are not Chilians. Only those who have such eyes can go in the boat."
The captain turned and made his way to the bridge. There were two lookouts at the masthead, each watching the surface of the ocean with powerful binoculars.
Captain Ichi gave the quartermaster his course and signaled the engine room for the best speed.
The steamer, flaunting her false colors, bore swiftly away to the southward and toward Cape Horn, bent upon an act of treachery which, to the misguided minds of officers and crew, seemed an act of the highest patriotism.
"It ought to--providing there is anything for it to work with. When you talk by wireless, Dick, you know there has got to be a second instrument within reach of your Hertzian waves. Lucky we were able to pick up that wireless instrument in Buenos Ayres. Lucky, too, that Ensign Glennie knows how to use the key and to talk Spanish."
Just behind a bold headland to the north of Cape Virgins and within the mouth of the River Gallego, the submarine _Grampus_ was anchored. The shore of the little bay lay steep to, the submarine being moored within a jump of the wooded bank.
Wires issued from the conning-tower hatch of the craft, crossed the stretch of water, and climbed a high tree that had been stripped of its branches. From the top of the tree hung the aërials. Below deck, in the periscope room, was the instrument, with John Henry Glennie, Ensign, U. S. N., waiting at the key.