“I think I may come—next time,” agreed the little scientist. “Did you see any hermit crabs?”
“No, but I can take you to a place where they are plentiful.”
The remainder of the day passed uneventfully. Mr. Sheldon did not think it wise to renew the request to be set free.
“We will try him to-morrow,” he said.
The Sonderbaar was again put in motion, speeding along at a depth of about three hundred feet, as the boys could tell from the gage. They had practically the run of the craft, and their presence was seemingly not noticed by the two old Germans. Nor did Dr. Klauss introduce his foreign friends to his prisoner-guests. He simply did not mention them.
“When are we going up to get some fresh air?” asked Jerry of Dr. Klauss the next morning, meeting the inventor near the pilot house.
“Very soon after breakfast,” was the answer. “My tanks need refilling.”
Jerry hastened to find Mr. Sheldon to tell him what was to happen, and the refugees ate rather an excited meal. The cooking on board was done by one of the three machinists—usually Bill Burke—and Bob bore testimony that the food was most excellent, in which, indeed, they all agreed.
Shortly after the meal Dr. Klauss came into the main cabin to announce: