atter?" demanded Lord Hastings quickly.

"Something wrong with the tanks, sir," replied Jack hurrying up at that
moment. "I've just had Simpson out and he says he can fix the damage
without going to the surface."

"All right," said Lord Hastings. "Then we shall remain stationary until
Simpson reports O.K."

Fifteen minutes later Simpson completed his work and again Lord Hastings
gave the signal to rise. Slowly the U-6 moved upward.

Suddenly there was a shock that threw all on board to the deck, and the
U-6 staggered. For a moment her upward progress was stayed, but for a
moment only; then she continued upward and suddenly flashed upon the
surface.

Quickly Lord Hastings jumped to his feet, and unmindful of any danger he
might encounter, dashed to the bridge. Jack and Frank followed close
upon his heels. And there a peculiar sight met their gaze.

To leeward, not half a dozen rods away, lay _The Vulture_ almost upon
her side. Half a dozen men were floating in the water and one still
clung to the tilting vessel.

Frank uttered an exclamation of astonishment.

"So that's what was wrong," he ejaculated. "We came up directly beneath
her, sir."

Lord Hastings nodded.

"And it seems to me we did a pretty good job," he declared. "Now----"

The appearance of one of the crew on deck cut short his sentence. The
man approached and saluted.

"Well, sir?" questioned Lord Hastings.

"Boat leaking, sir," was the reply. "Two feet of water in the hold now,
sir. We can't stop it. We shall have to take to the boats, sir."

Lord Hastings looked at the man in dismay for the space of several
moments. Then he said quietly:

"All right, Jackson. Get out the boats and order the men on deck."

Again the man took the time to salute and then disappeared below. A few
moments later the full crew of the U-6 appeared on deck and the boats
were quickly gotten out.

"Rifles and revolvers for each man," ordered Lord Hastings.

The men already had armed themselves; so Lord Hastings gave the word to
take to the boats. This was done, and pulling away from the rapidly
settling submarine, all turned their eyes again to _The Vulture_.

To their surprise _The Vulture_ was not settling as fast as was the U-6
and several figures could still be seen struggling about on board.

"They are launching the boats, sir," said Frank.

"So they are," replied Lord Hastings. "And they are arming themselves. I
guess we shall have to fight this thing o