第44章

It seemed hotter than ever that day.The sun was fairly broiling, and there was a curious haziness and stillness to the air.It was noticed that thesailors on the San Paula were busy making fast all loose articles on deck with extra lashings, and hatch coverings were doubly secured.

"What do you suppose they are up to?" asked Tom of Captain Weston."I think it is coming on to blow," he replied, "and they don't want to becaught napping.They have fearful storms down in this region at this season of the year, and I think one is about due.""I hope it doesn't wreck the submarine," spoke Mr.Swift."They ought to close the hatch of the conning tower, for it won't take much of a sea to make her ship considerable water."Admiral Fanchetti had thought of this, however, and as the afternoon wore away and the storm signs multiplied, he sent word to close the submarine.He left a few sailors aboard inside on guard.

"It's too hot to eat," observed Tom, when their supper had been brought to them, and the others felt the same way about it.They managed to drink some cocoanut milk, prepared in a palatable fashion by the natives of the island, and then, much to their disgust, they were taken below again and locked in the cabin.

"Whew! But it certainly is hot!" exclaimed Mr.Damon as he sat down on a couch and fanned himself."This is awful!""Yes, something is going to happen pretty soon," observed Captain Weston."The storm will break shortly, I think."They sat languidly about the cabin.It was so oppressive that even the thought of the doom that awaited them in the morning could hardly seem worse than the terrible heat.They could hear movements going on about the ship, movements which indicated that preparations were being made for something unusual.There was a rattling of a chain through a hawse hole, and Captain Weston remarked:

"They're putting down another anchor.Admiral Fanchetti had better get away from the island, though, unless he wants to be wrecked.He'll be blown ashore in less than no time.No cable or chain will hold in such storms as they have here."There came a period of silence, which was suddenly broken by a howl as of some wild beast.

"What's that?" cried Tom, springing up from where he was stretchedout on the cabin floor.

"Only the wind," replied the captain."The storm has arrived."The howling kept up, and soon the ship began to rock.The wind increased, and a little later there could be heard, through an opened port in the prisoners' cabin, the dash of rain.

"It's a regular hurricane!" exclaimed the captain."I wonder if the cables will hold?""What about the submarine?" asked Mr.Swift anxiously.

"I haven't much fear for her.She lies so low in the water that the wind can't get much hold on her.I don't believe she'll drag her anchor."Once more came a fierce burst of wind, and a dash of rain, and then, suddenly above the outburst of the elements, there sounded a crash on deck.It was followed by excited cries.

"Something's happened!" yelled Tom.The prisoners gathered in a frightened group in the middle of the cabin.The cries were repeated, and then came a rush of feet just outside the cabin door.

"Our guards! They're leaving!" shouted Tom.

"Right!" exclaimed Captain Weston."Now's our chance! Come on! If we're going to escape we must do it while the storm is at its height, and all is in confusion.Come on!"Tom tried the door.It was locked.

"One side!" shouted the captain, and this time he did not pause to say "by your leave." He came at the portal on the run, and his shoulder struck it squarely.There was a splintering and crashing of wood, and the door was burst open.

"Follow me!" cried the valiant sailor, and Tom and the others rushed after him.They could hear the wind howling more loudly than ever, and as they reached the deck the rain dashed into their faces with such violence that they could hardly see.But they were aware that something had occurred.By the light of several lanterns swaying in the terrific blast they saw that one of the auxiliary masts had broken off near the deck.

It had fallen against the chart house, smashing it, and a number of sailors were laboring to clear away the wreckage.

"Fortune favors us!" cried Captain Weston."Come on! Make for thesmall boat.It's near the side ladder.We'll lower the boat and pull to the submarine."There came a flash of lightning, and in its glare Tom saw something that caused him to cry out.

"Look!" he shouted."The submarine.She's dragged her anchors!"The Advance was much closer to the warship than she had been that afternoon.Captain Weston looked over the side.

"It's the San Paula that's dragging her anchors, not the submarine!" he shouted."We're bearing down on her! We must act quickly.Come on, we'll lower the boat!"In the rush of wind and the dash of rain the prisoners crowded to the accommodation companion ladder, which was still over the side of the big ship.No one seemed to be noticing them, for Admiral Fanchetti was on the bridge, yelling orders for the clearing away of the wreckage.But Lieutenant Drascalo, coming up from below at that moment, caught sight of the fleeing ones.Drawing his sword, he rushed at them, shouting:

"The prisoners! The prisoners! They are escaping!"Captain Weston leaped toward the lieutenant"Look out for his sword!" cried Tom.But the doughty sailor did not fear the weapon.Catching up a coil of rope, he cast it at the lieutenant.It struck him in the chest, and he staggered back, lowering his sword.