"Cap" himself was waiting to greet the lads and escort them aboard the Jules Verne.
"Ho! Ho! what have we here?" interposed Captain Austin as he wheeled to look the dog over.
"Some tramp dog that followed you fellows in?"
Jay was quick to tell the story of the famous dog of war, and to introduce Fismes formally to the Bridgeford Yard official.
"Good enough, old boy," was Cap's greeting as he took the extended paw of the dog.
"And now you shall come right aboard the Jules Verne with us. We need a mascot for this new ship. I know of none better, and forthwith propose you as a member of the crew. What do you say, boys?"
Jay and Dick, who shared the pet between them, heartily agreed, and Jay told how he had really wanted to take Fismes along on the Nemo, but had desisted, knowing there would not be room.
"But there's plenty of room on the Jules Verne. Come along, fellows; let's be on our way." So saying, the four deep-sea navigators set out for the new craft, closely pursued by a shaggy brown dog, who, stiff and proud, walked like an animal all conceited over new honors heaped upon him.
"Here she is all ready for us," announced Captain Austin as they came at last in sight of the Jules Verne.