Besides this launch
is Turkish, and we have several people aboard who can speak the language.'
'But ze mines!' objected the Frenchman.
'There again we are fairly safe. The launch is of such shallow draught
that she will easily pass over the mine-fields. Floating mines we must of
course risk, but there are not likely to be many about, for the Turks only
send them down when an attack is expected. One other point is in our
favour. This launch is fast. With any luck, we shall be through the
Straits and in safety long before daylight.'
The Frenchman nodded.
'Vair well, Monsieur le Capitaine. For me, I am satisfied.'
'I think we all are,' said an elderly Englishman named Symons.
The captain looked round, but no one offered any objection.
'Then it is decided,' he said quietly, and proceeded to issue his orders
as briskly as he had done, years before, on his own quarter-deck.
The Turks were transferred to the empty boat, and taken in tow by the
submarine. Johnston went back to G2, but Williams remained as engineer in
charge of the launch.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284