From there to Lake Erie the machine could have come by the roads of Michigan, but since no one had remarked its passage and as both the police and the people were specially aroused and active in that portion of the country, it seemed more probable, that the "Terror" had come by water.

There was a clear route through the chain of the Great Lakes and their rivers, by which in her character of a submarine she could easily proceed undiscovered.
And now, if the "Terror" had already left the creek, or if she escaped when we attempted to seize her, in what direction would she turn?
In any case, there was little chance o following her.

There were two torpedo-destroyers at the port of Buffalo, at the other extremity of Lake Erie.

By treaty between the United States and Canada, there are no vessels of war whatever on the Great Lakes.
These might, however, have been little launches belonging to the customs service.

Before I left Washington Mr.Ward had informed me of their presence; and a telegram to their commanders would, if there were need, start them in pursuit of the "Terror." But despite their splendid speed, how could they vie with her! And if she plunged beneath the waters, they would be helpless.