The scientist refolded the inventor’s letter, and replaced it, ere resuming the conversation.
“Of course, what I have read to you is a very bald statement of the facts. When I went down I confess I was surprised at the singular beauty of the craft. She is built of steel throughout, and furnished in a most luxurious manner; in fact, she must have cost Garth a fortune.”
“When do you start?” questioned Seymour.
“Within three days,” was the answer, “if the trial trip proves satisfactory. You will come down for that, I suppose? Then there is the affair of the christening to be gone through—we have not yet decided on a name for the vessel.”
“There will be room for a weapon or two, I suppose? I should feel lost without my guns.”
“Bring a whole armoury if you like,” replied Mervyn, smiling, “though I doubt if you will find much scope for your sporting instincts in the icy realms of the north. There is a special chamber fitted up as an armoury aboard the vessel, and there are racks in the turret in which a few weapons will be kept in case of emergency. Oh, I forgot to tell you—Silas is coming.”
“What!” cried Seymour, “Silas Haverly? That’s good. He’s always ready for any adventure that may turn up. Is he down at Hilton now?”
“No,” returned the scientist; “he goes down to-morrow.”
He pulled out his watch as he spoke.
“By Jove!” he cried, “I’ve only twenty minutes to catch the express. Are you coming down with me?”