Clambering on board--a fairly-easy task owing to the buoyancy of the diving-dress, which, notwithstanding leaden weights, was only a few pounds heavier than the water it displaced--Swaine made his way down the main companion-ladder. 'Tween decks a weird sight presented itself. Within the limits of the rays of the lamp he could see wooden articles of various descriptions pinned up against the ceilings. Other objects, heavier than water, lay about the deck, all covered with a slimy marine growth. Progressing, he made his way to the strong-room. The massive door was partly open. There were indications that the complicated locks had been blown open by powerful explosives, but a temporary fastening, consisting of a steel bar secured by a large brass padlock, prevented the diver from ascertaining the nature of the contents of the room. He returned to the shore by the same way, to find his comrades anxiously awaiting him. "I've found the strong-room," were his first words. "Empty?" inquired half a dozen voices eagerly. "Couldn't say," replied Swaine. "I think not, otherwise the Huns wouldn't have troubled to padlock it." "Let's hope you're right," said Harborough. "They went off in a hurry, I understand, and the gold was stated to have been left on board." "At any rate, sir, they had time to open the sea-cocks, and not blow her bilges out," continued Swaine. "Teutonic thoroughness," explained the baronet; "they were in a hurry, with Australian and Jap. cruisers at their heels, but there was time to scuttle her methodically. They evidently hoped to raise her after the war." "Pity we couldn't," observed Villiers. "It would save a lot of trouble in the long run." "Unfortunately, that is an experienced Salvage Company's work," rejoined Harborough. "It would mean either filling her with air-cylinders or else building a coffer-dam round her and pumping the water out. We know our capabilities, and we won't begin cutting into other fellow's jobs, so we'll just carry on." During the next day an electric submarine-lamp was lowered into the hull of the wreck, the current being supplied by a dynamo worked off the shaft of the motor-launch; while electrically-operated drills were sent below ready to commence the task of opening the door of the strong-room. The work continued in almost perfect weather, the extreme heat of the day being tempered by a soft breeze. Lassitude, one of the drawbacks of the tropics, was unknown, so bracing were the sea-breezes. Even after a day's toil the men felt so full of energy that they indulged in games of cricket, making rough and ready bats from pieces of plank, and balls fashioned of rope-yarn and junk bound with seaming-twine. "Think I'm up to scratch now, old thing?" inquired Villiers, after half an hour's diving-practice. "Not much doubt about it," replied Swaine. "You've put in five hours altogether. You can have a shot at the wreck to-morrow."