THE ‘‘ SWORD’ IN CONFLICT WITH THE TUG 247

relieved of the gag, was not released from his bonds, and I
doubt whether he was conscious of what was happening.

But we were in haste to get away, with the hope of
reaching St. George that.same night if no obstacle should
intervene. .

I pushed open the door of the compartment, and shutting
it after me I joined Lieutenant Davon near the man at the
wheel.

In the stern compartment three men, including the
mechanician, awaited orders from the officer to put the
propeller in motion.

“ Lieutenant,” I then said, “I thought there was no
harm in leaving M. Roch alone. Perhaps I may be useful
to you in gaining the mouth of the tunnel.”

“Yes; stand near me, Mr. Hart.”

It was then thirty-seven minutes past eight exactly.
The electric flame projected through the periscope, lighting
the surrounding waters with a faint glow. Leaving the
bank near which the Sword was stationed, we had to
traverse the whole length of the lagoon. To find the
‘tunnel would certainly be a difficulty, but not insurmount-
able. If we hugged the banks it was impossible not to
find it, even ina comparatively short time. Then through
the tunnel slowly, to escape injury against its walls, and
the Sword would rise to the surface of the sea and make
for St. George.

“ At what depth are we?” I asked the lieutenant.

“Four fathoms.”

“You need sink no lower,” I said. ‘“ According to my