The order was promptly obeyed, for several of the leaden messengers were flying perilously close, some impingeing upon the metal sides and conning-towers, that offered a huge target. "It is as well we afford those rascals something to fire at," he continued, as he entered the fore conning-tower and closed the scuttles on the starboard side. "Otherwise they would be firing into the rear of the position on shore. Serve out the rifles, Mr. Devoran. We must drive them off before we can attempt to land." So saying the captain ordered full speed astern. For quite five minutes the twin screws ran at their greatest rate, causing the hull to vibrate and the sea to be discoloured with mud and sand churned up by the action of the propellers. Then, with a rasping sound, the "Aphrodite" glided off the bank and gained the slightly deeper water. "Easy ahead!" This time the submarine was headed slightly to the left of the spot where she had just stranded. Another dull shock told all on board that once more she was held up, this time by her keel. All the while bullets were flattening themselves against the submarine’s plating, but in spite of the danger Hythe thought of something which he immediately put into action. Grasping the lead line he gained the upper platform, ran forward and made a cast. The lead touched bottom at twenty feet. A bullet cut a gash through the sleeve of his coat, another grazed his shoe, but grimly the sub stuck to his task. Gathering in the line he made his way amidships and made another cast. Here the sounding gave ten feet. He had learnt enough. "We’re nearly over the bar, sir," he exclaimed, as he rejoined his companions in the fore conning-tower. "If we gave her full speed ahead I think she would do it. We’re in quite deep water as far aft as the after conning-tower." Without a word in reply Captain Restronguet telegraphed for full speed ahead. With barely ten seconds’ hesitation the "Aphrodite" slipped over the bar and started off up the creek at a great speed till the motors were reversed. Losing way she brought up abreast of the sorry defences held by the shipwrecked crew. "Here we are, then," exclaimed Captain Restronguet. "But how are we going to get out again? However, that problem can wait. All ready, Mr. Devoran?" Under the fore hatchway every available man was waiting, armed with automatic rifles. The field gun was dismounted, in order to facilitate its transport ashore, tackles being in readiness to hoist it on deck. Up the hatchway the men swarmed, and taking advantage of every bit of cover afforded by the base of the conning-tower and other projections on deck, opened a rapid, well-aimed fire upon the Somalis. So intent were the Englishmen on shore with the work they had in hand that hitherto they had not noticed the arrival of the "Aphrodite," but with the rattle of musketry so close to where they stood they could not fail to notice that help was at hand.