To the cylinder
was attached one end of the light wire.
Some distance out from the shore the pair halted, treading water, only
their eyes above the surface. But Williamson could not make out such
small objects at the distance. Then he went below.
"Now, for it," breathed one of the swimming pair, tensely.
Both swimmers struck out strongly, yet silently, making fast progress
through the water by means of some of the best strokes known to swimmers.
When they reached the port side of the submarine Williamson was still
below. Nor had the attention of the marine guard on the "Waverly"
been attracted.
In just another swift instant the swimmers made a dive that carried them
and their cylinder below the surface.
Straight up against the bottom of the hull the pair went.
When they returned to the surface the metal cylinder was in place below.
Glancing backward only once, to make sure that Williamson was not yet
on deck, and that the gunboat's marine guard had not detected their
stealthy work, the swimming pair struck out lustily for shore.
Back into the same clump of bushes they made their way. In the first
few moments neither of the recent swimmers appeared to dare a glance
into the face of his comrade.
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