"Then buoy the rope and haul up the lead," replied Captain Brookes.
The buoy indicating the lead-line was within a few feet of the cutter, and with but little trouble the buoy was transferred from the log-line to the grapnel-rope, and the former was hauled up.
"What have you got?" shouted Captain Brookes, as the heavy weight was lifted over the side of the boat.
Lieutenant Sinclair examined the "arming," or tallow filling the hollow in the base of the lead.
"Looks like iron scales, sir, or something covered with rust."
"Strange substance for the lead to bring up," muttered Captain Brookes; then hailing the boat, "Get out the second grapnel; sound a couple of lengths further out, and report."
The lead was again sent down. This time the cast revealed the presence of a dark ooze at seventy-four fathoms. Then the grapnel was set to work, but after traversing a short distance it became inexplicably entangled in some object. A third grapnel was lost in a similar manner.
"There's something out of the ordinary down below," remarked the captain, as the result of the third dragging operation was announced. "I'm afraid we're beaten."
Captain Brookes turned sharply on his heel and saw Lieutenant Palmer, pale yet self-possessed, standing close to him.
"I'm responsible for this, sir, and I hope to be able to rectify matters. Can I descend in the submarine?"
"The submarine? You must be mad. Do you know the depth? Eighty odd fathoms, representing the tremendous pressure of 224lbs. to the square inch."
"The submarine is tested to 230lbs., sir."
"Much as I esteem your devotion, and much as I value the missing wireless gear, I cannot give my consent."
"Sir, I know the risk, and will take every precaution. With the electric grab there is no need to descend to the extreme depth."
"Mr. Palmer, I know you to be a levelheaded and calculating officer. I'm proud of you. If you will give me your word of honour to work cautiously, I'm willing to withdraw my refusal. Now, pick your crew; five men will be sufficient, and what is more, they must be volunteers, fully acquainted with the risk they are running."
"Thank you," replied Palmer, quietly, holding out his hand, which Tregarthen grasped firmly for a few seconds. It was a simple action, with a wealth of meaning behind it. Both men understood.