Just for an instant Dick was undecided whether to return at once to the _Nemo_ and report what he had seen or stay and see it through to the limit. To grapple with Weddigen here under the sea was next to impossible. Heavily accoutred as he was with diving paraphernalia and weighed down by additional anchors, he could hope to gain nothing by forcibly encountering the big diver in front of him. He decided to wait until Weddigen had stopped digging and the water cleared again. In the meantime he moved closer, thinking perhaps when Weddigen found that he was being observed he would switch his tactics and order the steel chest with its precious documents hoisted away. It was a trying moment for the lad and he bit his lip to think that he had no submarine weapon of any kind that would enable him to challenge the traitor and compel him to desist. But it was a time for quick thinking and direct action, and he firmly resolved to make the best of the situation. Before long the stirring of the sands ceased and the water began to clear. Dick by now was no further away from Weddigen than ten or fifteen feet. But Weddigen was still crouched with his back to the newcomer and all unmindful of Dick's presence. And then, in one quick glance, Dick discerned that Weddigen had dug his hole, and was dragging the steel chest into it, preparatory to covering it up. "The dirty dog!" hissed the Brighton youth, instinctively clenching his fists. On the instant Dick was minded to grapple with the fellow at all hazards and wrestle with him for possession of the steel box. The only thing in the way of a weapon that he carried was a short, slender crowbar that he had used to facilitate walking, while at the feet of Weddigen lay the various tools that he had brought along to force his way into the U-boat. And then Dick saw his opportunity! Weddigen was still unmindful of the presence of another diver, so intent was he on getting the treasure box buried. Why not steal up behind Carl, grasp his signal lines and signal for the emergency lift before the scheming diver could interfere? Up he would go, leaving the unattached strong box behind him! "I'll do it, so help me!" the youth exclaimed in sheer delight. Stealthily he approached, taking every precaution not to stir up any more of the sea bottom than he could help in order not to apprise Weddigen that he was so close at hand. The latter by now had the box in position and was prepared to swing the air hose in action. In a moment or two the precious plans would be gone again--covered up by a dastardly enemy of America! Dick was almost on top of Weddigen before the latter wheeled suddenly to find that he had company. But as Carl swung round in his heavy shoes Dick took one desperate lunge through the water in the direction of Weddigen's helmet. His aim was true and his momentum despite his weights sufficient to carry him to the mark. Eagerly he clutched the signal lines over Carl's head.