“There will be no danger—no danger in the least, I assure you, Mrs. Hopkins,” said the little scientist, with an old-fashioned bow. “I know the boys are brave and if we do go to the bottom of the sea in a submarine we will come back safely. Don’t worry.”
“I just can’t help it,” Mrs. Hopkins rejoined. “But I feel sure that it will be a long time before the boys will be able to build a submarine and go down in it.”
“I don’t know about that,” answered Jerry, with a smile. “But, Professor, let us tell you how strangely your quest fits in with a little experience we passed through yesterday.”
Then, by turns, each adding something, the boys told of the sight of the submarine, and of the storm through which they had passed.
“Hum! Yes,” said Mr. Snodgrass, when Ned had spoken of reading about the German boat. “I also recollect that. The man’s name is Klauss, I believe.”
“And is his boat really so wonderful?” asked Bob.
“Yes, from the brief accounts I saw of it I should say it was the last word in submarines,” replied the scientist. “I wish I had an opportunity to examine it, and if it is in this country, which seems to be the case, we may get a chance.”
“Not if he acts the way he did when we saw him,” commented Jerry. “He didn’t seem to want to be interviewed, and dived down as soon as he could.”
“Oh, well, maybe he was afraid of the coming storm,” went of Mr. Snodgrass. “Even the best submarine can’t stand being filled with water, you know, and they have very little free-board when running awash. However, let us now consider this new quest of mine. I really must make an attempt to get some of these rare hermit crabs, and the only way I know how to do it is to get to the bottom of the sea in a submarine. If you boys have no idea of making one perhaps I can get someone else. But I would rather go with you.”
“And I think we’d like to go!” cried Jerry, looking about to make sure his mother did not hear him. He knew she would let him go when the time came, after she had been assured of the comparative safety of the cruise.