"But she is something of a whale as compared with the little Sea Lion," urged Ned. "It was easy enough to get our boat across the continent."
"Not quite so easy as you think," laughed the officer. "Still," he added, "here she is, all ready for the trip. There are plenty of provisions, and everything is in fine working order. You, Mr. Nestor, took a hand in taking the submarine to pieces, and you ought to know all about her."
"I think I do," was the reply, "still, I should have liked the chance of putting her together again."
"It is all right as it is," was the reply. "You doubtless had a good time in New York while the work was being done here. When I left for the big city to ride over with you she was nearly ready, and now, on our arrival, she is, as you see, right and fit."
"But I thought we were to cross the Pacific in a steamer and pick up the Sea Lion over there," Ned observed.
"Right you are," the Lieutenant answered, "but the Sea Lion is to be taken over by the big steamer, too."
"Then they've got to take her to pieces again," wailed Jimmie, "and it will be weeks before we get started."
"You are wrong there," the officer replied. "The Sea Lion will be picked up by something like a floating dock and towed over. How does that strike you?"
"Out of water?" asked Frank.
"Of course. Novel way of carrying a submarine, eh?"