“I’ll do what I can, sir, and as promptly as possible,” replied the ensign, saluting his superior officer.

A few minutes later the working part of the torpedo’s war-head had been removed by the boat’s crew, and the torpedo itself was taken in tow.

“Now, Ensign, run in alongside, and take me on board,” announced Lieutenant Danvers.  “Mr. Benson, you’ll go over to the ‘Oakland’ with me, of course?”

By this time the “Thor” had come about, and up within hailing distance of her Pollard rival.

“What’s wrong?  What has happened?” demanded John C. Rhinds, in a hoarse, croaking voice.

None aboard the “Hastings” took the trouble even to look in the direction of the speaker.

“Can’t you hear, aboard the ’Hastings’?” insisted Rhinds.

But he had no better result than from his first hail.

In the meantime, Danvers and Jack, on reaching the gunboat, went at once before a council composed of the naval board and the commander of the gunboat.

The two witnesses told their story speedily and clearly.

“Can you swear that the torpedo was fired from the ‘Thor,’ Lieutenant?” inquired Captain Magowan, president of the naval board.

“I cannot, sir, but all the evidence points to the truth of my suspicion.  For one thing, while some of the submarines were in line with us, yet all were too far away to drive a torpedo that far.  Besides, as I have stated, the ‘Thor’ turned briefly toward us, at just the time when the torpedo would have been fired from her, then swung around promptly.”

All of the naval officers present showed, in their faces, the horror they felt over the situation.

“It does not seem to me,” declared Captain Magowan, glancing around at his associates, “that there can be any doubt as to our course.  The evidence, though wholly circumstantial, is about as strong as it could be.”

“Besides which, sir,” advanced Mr. Danvers, “The ‘Thor’ was provided with a stated number of torpedoes.”

“Four,” nodded Captain Magowan; “just as was the case with each of the other submarine boats.”

“Then, if you search the ‘Thor,’ and find but three torpedoes aboard, now—­”

“That will be all the evidence needed.” admitted Captain Magowan.  “We will make the search, and, on finding but three torpedoes aboard the ‘Thor,’ we will place everyone on board under arrest, and send the ‘Thor’ into port under charge of one of our own naval crews.  Gentlemen, there is no need of further delay.  Commander Ellis, I will ask of you a cutter, a crew, a corporal and a file of marines.”

“The boat and men shall be ready at once, sir,” replied the gunboat’s commander, hastening from the room.

Grimly the three officers comprising the board rose and hooked their swords to their belts, for they were going on an official visit.

Nor was any time lost.  Jack Benson and Lieutenant Danvers were ordered to accompany the members of the board.