The rest of the crew, with Hank in charge, set about repairing the steering.
They soon traced and fixed the trouble-a ruptured hydraulic line in the servo-control system.
Tom, meanwhile, worked frantically on the radio. The set included an advanced underwater communications system which the Swifts had developed and which could be cut in by means of a
DANGER TRAIL 163
toggle switch whenever the Sea Hound had to transmit without surfacing.
Luckily the damage was not serious. Several circuits had opened under the terrific battering of the first torpedo explosion. In a short time Tom located and fixed the difficulties. By now, Hank and his men had the seacopter ready for action again.
“Take her up, Hank,” Tom ordered, “I’ll try to contact the Rockwell.”
A special receiver-transmitter had been installed on the freighter to enable it to communicate with the Sea Hound. Tom was tense as he began calling the Rockwell. What had happened while they were lying doggo below? By this time Vaxilis’ submarine must be closing in for the kill. What if the bomb already had exploded I
“Rockwell to Sea Hound. We read you. Go ahead, please.”
Tom gasped with relief. He explained the situation rapidly. “Tell your captain to abandon ship at once. You probably have a little time left. The bomb may not have been set to explode for an hour or so after the sonar pulse began, to give the sub time to home in on you. But don’t bank on itl Repeat-abandon ship at once I We’ll get there fast and pick you up!”
“Message understood. Will carry out your orders,” the Navy operator replied calmly.