Meanwhile, the cruiser, which had fired the two shots, came up behind the little craft, and the latter cautiously steamed up. The small vessel was one of the speedy torpedo boat chasers, carrying two three-inch guns, and drawing less than six feet of water. The safety of these boats lies in their great speed and in the shallow draft, which prevents the submarine from reaching them with their torpedoes.
Once abreast the commander called out: "I am sending a boat for your officers."
"I have only one here, that we can get at, at present," shouted the captain.
"What is that?" asked the commander of the chaser.
"I have one of the chief officers in the conning tower, and the others are below," said the captain.
"Captain Leclere, of the French service," replied the captain.
"Captain Leclere!" almost shouted the German officer in the conning tower.
"Then I am not surprised," said the officer in a low voice.
"Surprised?" said Ralph. "Did you say 'surprised?'"
The officer sighed, turned his head away, and was silent.
A lieutenant and four seamen reached the side of the submarine, and were drawn aboard.
"Ah! it was your ship that went down in the bay last Wednesday," said the chaser's lieutenant.
"Yes; we were picked up by the submarine, together with my two young friends here," said the captain.
"And how does it happen that you are in command of this vessel?" he asked in surprise.
"We captured it about a half an hour ago, and have the chief officer and the crew below," replied the captain.
"That is certainly a remarkable exploit," replied the lieutenant. "I suppose you will be glad to meet the commander of _l'Orient_?" said the lieutenant.
"Ah! Captain Tournai, you mean! I recognized the French colors. But I supposed he was in the Mediterranean; it will be quite a pleasure, indeed. Do me the honor to signal him," said the captain.
The lieutenant gave the necessary instructions, and the flags wig-wagged from the bridge of the little vessel.
The sub-lieutenant was called out of the conning tower, and Alfred directed to unloosen the cords.
"I suppose you will take charge of the prisoners," said the captain.
"I should be glad to do so, with your permission, although you have a right, of course, to turn them over to _l'Orient_," said the lieutenant.