The time passed drearily. Jack and Ted tried to get interested in a
game of chess, but with little success. Bill Witt sought with mouth
organ and banjo to buoy up the spirits of his downcast mates and
succeeded poorly. Noon mess was served at eleven forty-five and
even Jean Cartier, as he dispensed canned beans, brown bread, stewed
fruit and tea, forgot to smile as usual at his culinary tasks.
"We ought to get away now if we are to get off at all," Jack overheard
Lieutenant McClure say to Cleary after mess kits had been stowed and
preparations were under way for the "big drive."
In a few minutes more the _Dewey_ was primed for the test. Soon the
clatter of machinery aft indicated that the engines were in motion.
"Back away!" was the signal flashed to the engine room. Instantly
the full power of the motors was turned into the giant shafts and the
propellors threshed the ocean with the fury of a wounded whale. With
all the might she possessed the submarine strove to free herself and
float away to freedom.
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