Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Barbara Kosker and the
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THE BOY VOLUNTEERS SERIES
By KENNETH WARD
_12mo. Cloth. Fully Illustrated 50c per Volume_
THE NEWEST BOYS' BOOKS ON THE EUROPEAN WAR, RELATING THE ADVENTURES
OF TWO AMERICAN BOYS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES IN BATTLE AND ON AIR SCOUT
DUTY. ALL PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH AUTHENTIC DRAWINGS.
=The Boy Volunteers on the Belgian Front=
Describes the adventures of two American boys who were in Europe when
the great war commenced. Their enlistment with Belgian troops and their
remarkable experiences are based upon actual occurrences and the book is
replete with line drawings of fighting machines, air planes and maps of
places where the most important battles took place and of other matters
of interest.
=The Boy Volunteers with the French Airmen=
This book relates the further adventures of the young Americans in
France, where they viewed the fighting from above the firing lines. From
this book the reader gains considerable knowledge of the different types
of air planes and battle planes used by the warring nations, as all
descriptions are illustrated with unusually clear line drawings.
=The Boy Volunteers with the British Artillery=
How many boys to-day know anything about the great guns now being used
on so many European battle fronts? Our young friends had the rare
opportunity of witnessing, at first hand, a number of these terrific
duels, and the story which is most fascinatingly told is illustrated
with numerous drawings of the British, French and German field pieces.
=The Boy Volunteers with the Submarine Fleet=
Our young heroes little expected to be favored with so rare an
experience as a trip under the sea in one of the great submarines. In
this book the author accurately describes the submarine in action, and
the many interesting features of this remarkable fighting craft are made
clear to the reader by a series of splendid line drawings.
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
[Illustration: _An explosion followed that seemed to tear everything to
pieces._]
THE BOY VOLUNTEERS
WITH THE
SUBMARINE FLEET
BY
KENNETH WARD
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY
NEW YORK
Copyright, 1917, by
AMERICAN AUTHORS PUBLISHING CO.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD 13
II. THE TORPEDOED SHIP 25
III. PRISONERS ON BOARD OF A SUBMARINE 37
IV. THE TERRORS IN THE DARK ROOM OF AN UNDERSEA BOAT 49
V. SOME OF THE MYSTERIES OF A SUBMARINE 58
VI. GROPING THROUGH THE ENGLISH CHANNEL 68
VII. CAUGHT IN THE DEEP SEA NETS 78
VIII. THE NIGHT'S STRUGGLE TO FREE THE VESSEL 89
IX. THE CAPTURE OF THE SUBMERGED VESSEL 99
X. THE SECRET KEY TO THE BOMB FUSE 110
XI. OPERATING THE SUBMARINE WITH A CAPTIVE CREW 120
XII. THE DEATH BLOW TO THE SUBMARINE 130
XIII. THE RESCUE IN THE CHANNEL 142
XIV. TEN HOURS IN THE DANGER ZONE 151
XV. A FRIGHTFUL MINE EXPLOSION 161
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
_An Explosion Followed That Seemed to Tear
Everything to Pieces_ _Frontispiece_
PAGE
_The Points of the Compass_ 27
_The Submarine Decoy_ 30
_Map Showing the Scene of the Wanderings of the Boys_ 43
_The Steel Nets_ 73
_The Entangled Submarine_ 95
_The Periscope_ 137
_The Conning Tower. All That Could Be Seen of
the Submarine_ 148
_A Contact Mine_ 156
THE BOY VOLUNTEERS
WITH THE
SUBMARINE FLEET
CHAPTER I
THE OMINOUS WARNING ON SHIPBOARD
"Submarine two points to starboard, sir!" shouted a voice.
Instantly there was confusion; the captain sprang from the end of the
bridge to the board behind the quartermaster and pushed a lever to the
right.
"Ralph, come out quickly; the second officer has just shouted to the
captain that a submarine is in sight," said Alfred, as he rushed into
the reading room where Ralph was deeply engrossed in a book.
Ralph needed no second warning. Together with a dozen or more, who were
in the room, he sprang to the door, and followed Alfred, who was now
nearing the bridge.
"Can you see it?" asked Ralph excitedly.
"No; but they are pointing to the right; it seems as though we are
turning around," responded Alfred.
"So we are," said Ralph. "There! what is that?" shouted Ralph, as he
followed the direction pointed out by the second officer.
The captain gave another wrench to the wheel, and the ship straightened
out on its course. All eyes were now directed to a point to the right,
and astern, for the boat had described a half circle.
"Wait till I get the glasses," said Alfred, as he dived for the main
companionway, and slid down the railing.
He was back in record time, followed by his father and mother,
accompanied by Ralph's mother. Needless to say all were agitated, for
they had been told on the morning of sailing that the trip might be a
dangerous one, and it was only urgent business necessity that compelled
Mr. Elton to take the risk.
"I can see something away back there, just like a trail of foam. I
wonder whether that's what they are so excited about on the bridge?"
questioned Alfred, as he lowered the glasses, and glanced up at the
officers who were vigorously discussing the situation.
"Let me look," said Ralph, reaching for the glasses. He was silent for a
few moments, then, handing the glasses to Mr. Elton, he continued:
"There is something coming; see if you can make it out."
Mr. Elton gazed intently, and turned to his wife, as he said: "I am
afraid that is a torpedo on the way now."
Nevertheless, he made the remark quietly; those around heard the
warning, and the boys glanced at the bridge. The captain again moved the
wheel, and the ship swerved.
"It is a torpedo," shouted Ralph. Every one leaned over the ship's side
and waited, some with terror on their faces, others pale but calm. Two
or three rushed for the companionway, and several fainted.
"It's going to miss! It's going to miss!" shouted Alfred. He turned
around and waved his cap to the officers on the bridge, but they were
too intent watching the submarine to notice the salutation. It was
evident, however, from their actions that they had no immediate fear.
It was with a thrill that the two hundred passengers, who were lined up
on the port side of the steamship, saw a foamy trail, one hundred feet
distant, pass alongside their vessel, and disappear in the distance, far
ahead.
"There comes another one," said a voice.
It was easy to distinguish the second peril, and it seemed to come
straight and true. The ship veered slightly from its course, and
breathlessly the passengers watched the trail. On, on it came. The
vessel again slightly changed its course, and this time the torpedo went
wide of the mark.
"Now, for the next one," said Alfred.
"Ah! we are now too far ahead, and going too fast for them. Even if the
submarine comes to the surface it cannot possibly catch us," said the
navigating officer, who passed along and quieted the anxious ones.
Thus, for the time being, they escaped, but the vigilance was greater
than ever. They would be in the danger zone for twelve hours more.
* * * * *
Two and a half years previous to this time, Mr. and Mrs. Elton,
accompanied by their son Alfred, Mrs. Elton's sister, and her son Ralph,
were traveling through Europe, and happened to be in Germany when war
was declared. The boys, together with Mr. Elton's chauffeur, were on
their way to Antwerp with their car, and were pursued by the Germans as
they were entering Belgium territory.
Their car was requisitioned by the Belgium government, and as the German
forces entered Belgium south of Liege, they were cut off from reaching
Antwerp. In the effort to make their way across the country the two boys
met the Belgian forces, and were in the first battle, which was fought
between the Germans and Belgians. They took part in the defense of
Belgian territory with the Belgian forces, from Liege, to Louvain,
Aerschott, and Malines, until the city of Antwerp was besieged, and were
among the last to leave when the Belgians evacuated that place.
They were fortunate enough, however, to reach French territory with the
bulk of the Belgian army, and arrived at Dunkirk, on the Channel,
during that period when the British were sending over the first forces
to resist the invasion of France.
The second day they visited the hangars where the British were setting
up their aircraft and training the recruits for the aviation service.
While approaching the grounds they were the witnesses of an accident to
one of the flyers, who made a disastrous landing near them, and they
were prompt enough to lift the machine from one of the men, which saved
his life.
This incident was the changing point in their career, for they then
determined to enter the aviation corps, if possible. Despite their
efforts, they were not able to succeed, at this time, and as the father
of Alfred had sent word to them to meet him in Paris, they regretfully
worked their way to that city, only to learn, on arriving, that Mr.
Elton was not permitted to leave Germany.
By an accidental circumstance they went to Bar-le-Duc, in eastern France,
and visited the aviation grounds there. Having made themselves useful,
they were favored with the privilege of making ascensions, and were
instructed in the handling of the trial machines on the grounds.
On one occasion they were aloft with Lieutenant Guyon, who, owing to
heart troubles, fainted while at a high altitude, and the boys brought
the machine down safely. Thereafter, the lieutenant was their constant
friend, and when the corps moved to Verdun they were regularly enrolled
as members, and subsequently became engaged in many exciting flights.
While on a scouting operation with their friend, several German machines
appeared and a battle followed in which the machine was injured, and
during the descent both boys were wounded.
The lieutenant was caught in the wreckage, as the machine finally
plunged to earth, and within a week died of his wounds. The boys were
heart-broken at his death, and after a week at the base hospital were
transferred to the American hospital in Paris. After recovery they were
regularly discharged from the service, and started for home.
On their way to the Channel they became interested in the artillery
branch and happened to take part in the first great French drive in the
Somme region and later were with the British artillery when it began its
great fight against the Germans in the region west of Bapaume.
It was there that Alfred's parents and Ralph's mother learned of their
whereabouts, and, through the kindly offices of the American ambassador,
were permitted to visit the battery where the boys were stationed, and
where they finally prevailed upon them to accompany them home.
They sailed from Bordeaux early in the morning of the same day that the
events took place which we have just related. On the day of sailing the
thrilling news reached France that President Wilson had given the German
minister his passports, and while such an act does not, ordinarily, mean
war, the strained relations between the United States and Germany made
it probable that war would follow.
As stated, Mr. Elton's business compelled him to sail, notwithstanding
the danger, and they now found themselves within the danger zone
prescribed by the German authorities, for, as they were sailing on a
ship belonging to one of the belligerent nations, they knew that it was
a prey for any submarine and subject to be sunk without warning.
Although instructions of a general nature had been issued by the captain
after the vessel left port, he called the passengers together
immediately after the excitement attending the appearance of the
submarine had died away, and addressed them as follows:
"For the next twelve or fifteen hours we shall be in the danger zone,
and it is imperative that each of you should at all times carry a life
belt. I impress this on you not for the purpose of creating alarm, but
because I know that people become careless. The officers will give full
instructions to all of you as to the way the belts should be worn, so
there will be no confusion at the last moment.
"And now, another thing, which you must remember. More lives are lost
through undue excitement than from the real danger, in case of trouble.
We are here for the purpose of giving due warning and assistance, and
every man in the ship's crew will be faithful to his duty. Do not rush
about and become excited, because that unduly alarms those about you, I
will give you ample warning. Five short blasts on the ship's whistle
will call you to the boats. When you hear that go to your cabins
quickly, seize such clothing as you have prepared for such an event, and
if you have not strapped on the life belt do so at once.
"It should be the first duty of the men to aid the women and children,
see that the belts are properly put on, and assist them to the deck.
Once there, go as quickly as possible to the davits and await orders,
for the officers and men will be there to direct and take charge of the
passengers. Should the boat be so badly hit that it is impossible for
all the passengers to get into the boat before the vessel goes down, the
men must see to it that every one goes overboard and clears the ship's
side.
"Many women will, even in this extremity, refuse to jump overboard
without their husbands, but in such cases there must be no hesitancy on
the part of the men. Do not argue, but push them overboard, and the life
belts will hold them in position in the water until the waiting boats
can rescue them. There will be no danger of drowning under those
conditions, but be sure to jump as far from the vessel as possible."
It was not such a speech as tended to relieve nervousness, but it
certainly made every one within hearing very thoughtful. Women, and men,
as well, turned white, and many of them timidly examined the tiny life
belts which were handed out.
"It seems that we get into trouble wherever we go," said Alfred, not in
a spirit of alarm, however, but more because he felt a deep concern for
his father and mother.
"Oh, Ralph, isn't this terrible!" said his mother, as she came forward.
"It certainly is; but this is something like the experiences we have had
for over two years, and it doesn't make it seem so bad;--do you think
so?" he added, addressing Alfred.
"I wouldn't be at all worried, Auntie," responded Alfred. "Here comes
mother; I hope she is not broken up or worried."
"No," replied Mrs. Elton. "It is dreadful, but it is no worse for us
than for others. I am glad the captain spoke as plainly as he did. We
must understand and do our duty."
"Now, Mother, you and Auntie go to the ladies' room and stay there. If
anything happens we will know where to find you," said Ralph.
"But I want you to come and stay with us," replied Mrs. Elton.
"We cannot do that," replied Alfred. "We have fine glasses and every one
should be on the watch. It takes a great many eyes to see in all
directions."
"Alfred is right," said Mr. Elton. "I will remain with you; but do not
be alarmed for the present."
"Wait until I get my binoculars," said Ralph, as he rushed down to the
cabin.
He was up at once, and together they ran forward to the bridge, as the
second officer descended.
"Can we be of service to you in any way?" said Alfred, pointing to their
glasses.
"Indeed, you can," said the officer.
At that moment the captain, leaning over the rail of the bridge,
shouted: "Come up, boys; those are the right kind of weapons. We ought
to have dozens more of the same kind."
The boys fairly stumbled up the steep, narrow ladder that led to the
bridge.
"At your service," said Ralph.
The captain smiled, as he said: "Take positions at the end of the
bridge."
The boys walked across to the other side, and Ralph elevated his
glasses.
A moment later the captain, in his walk to and fro, stopped before the
boys. "You have evidently had occasion to use the binoculars before, but
probably not while at sea," he observed.
"No," replied Ralph; "we used them in flying machines and while serving
in the artillery, but this is really the first opportunity we have had
to use them on shipboard."
"Then a little instruction will be of service to you and to all of us,"
said the captain. "I noticed that you were sweeping the sea to the rear.
That is not necessary, for at our speed a torpedo boat would not be able
to catch us. All your time should be devoted to scanning that quadrant
from straight ahead to a point but a little astern of your left quarter,
as it is from that section, and the corresponding section on the right
side of the vessel that we expect the enemy; do you understand what I
mean?"
"I think so," replied Ralph. "But suppose a submarine should be well
ahead of us and submerge, and then wait until we have passed. In that
case couldn't it again come up and send a torpedo into the stern of the
ship?"
"That might be possible, but not probable. A submarine is absolutely in
the dark when completely submerged," said the captain. "It must come to
the surface sufficiently near to bring its periscope out of the water,
and that would reveal its presence to us. It would be a pretty hard job
for a navigator in a submarine to calculate when the boat had passed
sufficiently near to know the opportune time to come to the surface and
give us the shot."
"But couldn't they come near enough to take a chance? They might come up
500 feet away or 2,000. At either distance they could land a torpedo,
couldn't they?" asked Alfred.
"Quite true; but the submarine might not know whether we were armed or
not, and it would not take the risk of exposure in that reckless
manner," replied the captain.
"But we are not armed, are we?" asked Ralph.
"No; our guns will be ready for us on the return trip," answered the
captain. After a moment he continued: "Let me also give you a hint as to
the particular manner of using the glasses to get a correct view. Do not
attempt to take in the entire field at one sweep. Sight at a point near
the ship, say at a distance of a quarter of a mile; then slowly raise
the glasses so that your view grows more and more distant and finally
the focal point reaches the horizon. Then turn a point to the right or
to the left, and bring down the forward end of the glasses until the
view is again concentrated on the point nearest the ship."
"That is something like making observations on a flying machine,"
replied Alfred, "only in that case the glass is held stationary, as the
machine moves along, and in that way objects can be seen much better
than by sweeping it around continuously. We learned that from Lieutenant
Guyon."
"Quite true; I see you are well qualified to observe. But to continue:
after you have thus made the first observation as I have explained, the
glasses should be held horizontally to take in the view at the horizon,
and then swept around at that angle to the right or to the left,
depressing it at each swing. That is called sweeping the sea."
"I know two men who have glasses," said Ralph. "Shall I get them?"
"Yes, if you can; this is the kind of service which is appreciated,"
said the captain.
Ralph sprang down the ladder, and ran along the deck. He was absent for
some time, but soon appeared with two men.
"Come on," said Ralph, as he ascended the ladder. The men hesitated for
a moment, and followed, as an officer appeared and invited them to come
up.