"That motion, if anything, will disentangle us from the nets," said the captain, addressing the sub-lieutenant. The latter did not reply, but turned on the captain with a frown.
"Your opinion is not requested!" he said in a terse manner.
The captain made a quiet bow and moved toward their small room, the boys following.
"I am sorry that fellow is in command," said Alfred. "I never liked him from the first."
"I'll bet we were locked up by that fellow's orders, for I don't believe the lieutenant had anything to do with it," remarked Ralph. The captain nodded his head, as he replied: "I knew that from the first day."
"I'd like to get ahead of him some way," said Alfred.
The captain looked at the boys for a few moments, then quietly put his hands on their arms, as he said: "Getting ahead, or getting even, doesn't pay, as a rule; but I have known where a few have been able to overcome a great many, as a duty, for that is what makes men strong."
Alfred's eyes fairly bulged, as he gazed at the captain. "Isn't it a duty to capture this submarine?"
The captain leaned forward and held up a warning hand. Ralph rose up and glanced around. "Why can't we do it?" he asked.
"There is only one thing lacking; yes, it has been in my mind from the first moment we came aboard, but we cannot do it without weapons. With them in our possession we might succeed. Why, if we could have had them this afternoon it would have been an ideal time to make the attempt," said the captain.
"I have something to tell you," said Alfred, as he lowered his voice.
"I know where there is a box of revolvers," he replied.
"Where?" asked the captain, agitated visibly.
"Do you remember the two big upright drums which I was pinned against when the ship went up?" asked Alfred.
"Well, one of the boxes broke open when it came down the passageway, and when I saw what was in it I pushed it way under the base of the tank on the left side," said Alfred.
"The revolvers are all right, but we may have some trouble in getting cartridges," replied the captain. "But wait," he continued, "I am sure I carried cases of them down the passageway."
"If I am not mistaken, there are several boxes near there,--rather long, slim boxes, are they not?" asked Alfred.