"No use," remarked Tom again, when, after two hours, the
Wonder was still close behind them. "Our only chance is that
they may have a breakdown."
"Or run out of air, or something like that," added Captain
Weston. "They are crowding us pretty close. I had no idea
they could keep up this speed. If they don't look out," he
went on as he looked from one of the aft observation
windows, "they'll foul us, and--"
His remarks were interrupted by a jar to the Advance. She
seemed to shiver and careened to one side. Then came another
bump.
"Slow down!" cried the captain, rushing toward the pilot
house.
"What's the matter?" asked Tom, as he threw the engines
and electrical machines out of gear. "Have we hit anything?"
"No. Something has hit us," cried the captain. "Their
submarine has rammed us."
"Rammed us!" repeated Mr. Swift. "Tom, run out the
electric cannon! They're trying to sink us! We'll have to
fight them. Run out the stern electric gun and we'll make
them wish they'd not followed us."
Chapter Eighteen
The Electric Gun
There was much excitement aboard the Advance. The
submarine came to a stop in the water, while the treasure-
seekers waited anxiously for what was to follow. Would they
be rammed again? This time, stationary as they were, and
with the other boat coming swiftly on, a hole might be stove
through the Advance, in spite of her powerful sides.
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