The approach of other air
raiders made it necessary for the submarine to dive away into the
depths to safety. To linger longer on the surface was but to court
the continued fire of the birdmen overhead who apparently were incensed
over the wounding of their companion craft and out for revenge.
Reluctantly, but yielding to his better judgment, McClure gave orders
to submerge. At the same time the damaged periscopes were cut off in
the conning tower to prevent an inflow of water when the ship dived.
"Too bad to quit right now; but it would be folly to stand out under
those deadly bombs any longer," he said.
Fortunately, the _Dewey_ was equipped with reserve periscope tubes,
and Lieutenant McClure's plan now was to wait until the convenient
darkness of night had mantled the ocean and then ascend to repair at
leisure the damaged "eyes."
"Might as well make ourselves comfortable here awhile under the water,"
suggested "Little Mack."
Jean Cartier was instructed to extend himself for the evening meal
and to draw on the ship's larder for an "extra fine dinner.
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