When they came to the surface it was much cooler than it had been and it was raining in torrents.
On every side seaweed was floating about and on the water rested an oily substance exceedingly disagreeable to the smell.
"What will you do?" asked Andy.
"Put in to shore and find out how bad the earthquake has been," answered the young captain.
It was no easy matter to locate themselves in the darkness, but after a consultation the course was set and they ran back in the direction of Santiago.
When they arrived at the entrance to Santiago Harbor they found great excitement. The earthquake had done considerable harm to the shipping and several small coast vessels had been completely destroyed.
In the town a number of large buildings had suffered, but no serious damage was done and no lives were lost.
But a few hours later came in word that the shock had been very heavy on the north coast of Venezuela and that several seaport towns were completely wiped out.
"I want no more earthquakes," said Oscar. "One is enough."
And Andy agreed with him.