“Yes.”
“I understand that you have gone into this business to a larger extent than any one in America?”
“Yes, Sir,” said Brocket, modestly. “I think we do the leading business in that line.”
“I will tell you frankly my object in calling upon you. I have just come from the East Indies for the purpose of organizing a systematic plan for the pearl fisheries. You are aware that out there they still cling to the old fashion of diving, which was begun three thousand years ago. I wish to see if I can not bring science to bear upon it, so as to raise the pearl-oysters in larger quantities.”
“That’s a good idea of yours,” remarked Mr. Brocket, thoughtfully.
“I came to you to see if you could inform me whether it would be practicable or not.”
“Perfectly so,” said Brocket.
“Do you work with the diving-bell in your business or with armor?”
“With both. We use the diving-bell for stationary purposes; but when it is necessary to move about we employ armor.”
“Is the armor adapted to give a man any freedom of movement?”