"That'll be worse still.
You're likely to blow yourself into the next world!" "I think not---hope not, anyway," answered Tom steadily.

"Have you a pair of pliers in your tool box that'll cut small wires ?" "Yes," replied Conlon.
"Get them for me." Reade removed his coat, shoes and socks, then took the pliers.
"Let one of the men jump ashore with the boathook and hold the boat steady," was Reade's next direction.
This being done, Reade deflected the searchlight for one more look into the water.

Then, the pliers in his right hand, he mounted to the rail of the boat.
"Be careful, sir---do," begged Conlon.

"What I'm afraid of is that the bombs are contact exploders." "It's likely," nodded Reade.

"I'll be as careful as I can." Tom did not dive; the distance was too short.