The vessel was proceeding slowly, when suddenly the officer in the crow's nest sent down a signal that vitalized the gunners. The guns swung around instantly. Away off to starboard was the faintest ripple, for the water was comparatively smooth. Two shots rang out almost simultaneously from the fore and aft guns. It was a thrilling sight to see the streaks of glistening water, which the two shells brought up to be reflected by the brilliant sun. A shout from the gunner at the bow caused a chorus of answering shouts. "Did they hit it?" asked Alfred. "Well, there is one less periscope, if I know anything," replied the navigating officer. Ralph had descended the stairs leading down from the bridge, and quickly made his way to the bow. "I want to congratulate you on that shot," he said, as he approached. The gunner, with glowing face, turned, and, seeing Ralph, replied: "Thank you, lad! Coming from you it's a compliment. Lor', but we like to spot 'em." "That fellow's as good as useless," remarked the officer in charge. "But suppose the submarine has any torpedoes left?" queried Ralph. "That wouldn't do him any good; he would have to use that to sight by," replied the officer. "Yes; I can see that now," replied Ralph. "If he came to the top in order to fire the torpedo he wouldn't last very long with these guns pointing at him." As Ralph was ascending the stairway leading to the bridge on his return a half-hour later, the watch shouted out a warning: "Five points to starboard!" Every one was now keyed up to the highest pitch. The guns were quickly swung to the angle indicated, and another tense moment arrived. The captain walked over to the commander, and said: "It seems to me that the best policy is to bear down on him with all speed possible. That will give the gunners the best chance, and at the same time present the smallest target for the submarine." The commander nodded and gave the necessary order, but before the helmsman had time to execute the turning movement the forward gun was heard, quickly followed by the second gun. The aft gun also responded, making three shots that were fired, striking the water in such close proximity to each other that the aim must have been very accurate. "Gunners from the Royal Navy," remarked the captain, as he lowered his glasses. "And they have hit the mark." "Do you think so?" asked Alfred. "I am sure of it, for this reason," said the captain, as the officers on the bridge crowded around; "neither of the periscopes is visible, and I can plainly see the boiling that follows a sinking submarine." The ship was now at full speed, sailing directly over the course where the submarine was sighted. It did not take long for the vessel to cover the mile, and, as they neared the tell-tale spot, the ship was veered slightly out of its course, so that a good view could be obtained of the surface of the water. "How deep do you suppose that submarine is now?" asked Alfred.