As there was nothing that could be done for the present the little party sat about the cabin, talking. Mr. Sheldon had been shown by Dr. Klauss how to open the shutters of the side windows, and how to illuminate the water so that the fishes might be observed.
“It will give us something to do—something to take our minds off our troubles—to watch the denizens of the deep,” he said as he opened the slides.
The Sonderbaar was plowing along far below the surface, but in what direction, or in what locality, the boys could not tell. Nor could they say whither they were eventually going, save perhaps back toward Germany.
But the wonderful sight that greeted their eyes—the illuminated waters swarming with ocean life—so interested them that, for the time, they forgot their troubles.
“Oh, if I could but go out there, and get some specimens!” sighed Professor Snodgrass. “I must make notes of what I see, at least,” and he busied himself with pencil and paper.
“I wouldn’t want to go out with that fellow around,” observed Bob, with a shudder, as an immense tiger shark swam into view. “He could bite a man in twain at one clip.”
“And see that octopus!” cried Ned, pointing.
For some time the boys, Grace and Mr. Sheldon watched the marvelous sight. Then Jerry suggested:
“I wonder if we would be stopped if we went to the pilot house or engine room? I should like to see how the ship is navigated.”
“Yes, and it might come in useful if we carry out our mutiny,” added Ned.