“I am,” was the answer, “but I count that among the least of my achievements. I am devoting all my time now to submarines.” He did not seem ill-pleased that his fame was known to one he had strangely picked up at random out of the sea.
“This boat has only recently been completed,” went on Dr. Klauss, “and I am giving it a severe test. You have seen me before, I believe.”
“Twice before,” replied Jerry with a smile. “We were just saying that there must be one more, for luck goes in threes.”
“Bah! I have no use for luck!” exclaimed the German, snapping his fingers. “But I must not forget that you are my guests. As I said, we have not too much room aboard, but I will try to make you comfortable. First you will want dry garments. I think some of my crew are small enough so that their clothes will fit you—temporarily, at least,” and he glanced at stout Bob.
“If you could arrange to stand by our craft until morning,” spoke Jerry, eagerly, “we might get some of our things off her. I think she will keep afloat until then.”
“I shall be far away from here in the morning,” said Dr. Klauss, coldly. “It is impossible for me to grant your request. I am sorry, but you will have to make the best of it.”
“Oh, we don’t want to put you out,” returned Ned, “and we realize that it was providential of you to be here at all and save us. I guess we’ll just have to stand our loss—that’s all.”
“And my specimens!” exclaimed the professor. “It is too bad that I could not get my black beetle; but there was such confusion I could not find him. However, I am glad to be with you, Dr. Klauss. I think we shall be mutually helpful. Tell me—can you go to the bottom of the sea in your vessel?”
“Yes. I have been there several times—of course not in the deepest part, but at a good depth.”
“And have you diving dress—any arrangement for getting out of here to the very sea bottom itself?” asked the scientist eagerly.