To go back to H.M.S. "Investigator": as soon as Hythe’s appeal for help was received the attendants on the diving-party began to haul in the sub’s life-line, but before five fathoms had been brought inboard a sudden relaxation of the strain told them that the rope had been severed. "Be sharp, men! Blow him to the surface," ordered Egmont. "There’s something up down there." "Mr. Hythe’s just signalled for more air, sir," announced the seaman who had charge of the telephone. Rapidly the handles of the air-pump revolved. An increase in the number and size of the bubbles rising to the surface was the only result. "See if the others are all right," ordered the lieutenant. "What’s that? O’Shaunessey reports all correct; tell him to find out what’s wrong with Mr. Hythe. Can’t you get any reply from Mr. Hythe, Mr. Smithers?" "No reply, sir," said the man laconically. A paying out of the Irishman’s life-line told them on deck that O’Shaunessey was on his way to look for his officer. Five minutes elapsed, then a confused jumble of ejaculations through the telephone betokened the unmistakable fact that the Hibernian diver was shouting at the top of his voice. "Stow it, mate; what’s the bloomin’ use of shoutin’ like that?" spoke the man on O’Shaunessey’s telephone reprovingly. Then, after a short interval, he took the instrument from his ear and turned to Lieutenant Egmont. "Wire’s cut off, sir," he announced. "And his life-line and air-tube cut, too, sir," added another seaman. "Great heavens! what’s up?" ejaculated the lieutenant. "Here, bring Price up before he’s done for." Hastily Egmont communicated this disquieting news to Captain Tarfag. The latter went for’ard and awaited Diver Price’s re-appearance. As soon as Price’s helmet appeared above the surface his glass plate was unscrewed, revealing his features as pale as a sheet. "What has happened?" demanded Captain Tarfag anxiously. The man was incapable of speech. He could only raise one hand in a gesture of horror and despair. "Help him over the side, men," ordered the captain. "Run aft, one of you, and ask the steward to give you a stiff glass of grog." Quickly Price was divested of his helmet and dress. Shaking like a leaf he sat down upon a bollard. He drained the glass of whisky at one gulp, and the colour began to return to his face. "Both done for!" he cried. "Saw my mate stabbed by the villains. Never caught a sight o’ Mr. Hythe." "By heavens, I’ll not stand this!" thundered Captain Tarfag. "I want three men to go down--who will volunteer?" "I will, sir!" came a chorus of voices. Every man qualified as a diver had offered to risk possibly certain death in the depths of the sea. "You three," ordered the captain, indicating Moy, Banks, and Smithers. "Keep your knives in your hands and don’t hesitate to use them. Take a charge of guncotton. If you’ve a chance place it under her bilges, and I’ll take the risk of blowing this infernal submarine to Jericho."