“Humph!” exclaimed the German. “Well, I do not mind showing you about my craft. There are some secrets, of course, but I am not afraid of you finding them out. I think you will enjoy seeing the workings of the Sonderbaar.”
“I am sure we shall,” said Jerry, wondering if Dr. Klauss was always so grouchy.
“Now to get you more comfortable,” went on the German commander. “If you will come with me I will see if my men cannot fit you out with dry garments.”
He opened a sliding door that led from the compartment, which seemed to be as much a reception room as anything else. At once a wonderful sight was revealed to the boys.
They stood in a long passageway that ran lengthwise of the craft, amidships. At one end could be seen a glittering array of machinery, at the sight of which Jerry’s heart beat with delight. Between them and the engine room could be seen other compartments, evidently living, sleeping and dining quarters.
Forward were other pieces of apparatus, tanks for the storage of air, other tanks for the holding of water ballast and at the extreme bow was the pilot house, the walls of which were a maze of wheels, gears, levers, switches and controls.
Just aft of the pilot house there seemed to be a main cabin, and in this, seated at a table, on which were spread books and papers, sat a man and a girl. A soft light glowed over their heads, revealing their features clearly.
And, at the sight of them Bob Baker uttered a cry—a cry of surprise and joy.
“My uncle!” he exclaimed, starting forward. “My Uncle Nelson Sheldon, and my Cousin Grace! How in the world did they get here? I—I——”