"I guess you can show your gratitude best by not smashing the inventor's plates, you black rascal," admonished Jeff, as Rosewater, quite abashed, sought the seclusion of his galley.
"And now, come on deck," invited Mr. Ironsides, "and take a look at the good craft Huron in broad daylight."
They gladly obeyed the invitation. On gaining the deck, via the steel stairway, an animated scene met their gaze. All about spread the sparkling waters of the harbor—a tiny place—with the tree-enclosed town nestling on a hillside at some little distance. Close at hand lay the poor Sea Ranger, a big, jagged hole showing in her bow. Ashore, almost opposite to them, was the smokestack and high palings marking the site of Mr. Ironsides' experimental ship yard, where he fondly hoped the future submarines of Uncle Sam's navy would be constructed.
On the foredeck of the Huron several men had just completed straightening out the damage done to the diving torpedo boat when she had her accidental encounter with the Sea Ranger.
The deck was of whaleback shape, formed of plates of the inventor's secret metal. All round were iron uprights, supporting a rail made of steel chain. Everything about the exterior of the craft was painted a dull gray color—like that of the sea on a cloudy day. Mr. Ironsides explained that this color made the craft almost invisible, even when lying on the waves not more than a mile from another vessel. Not a bit of bright work or brass was visible. Nothing, in fact, to catch a betraying ray of light.
Aft of the helmet-shaped conning tower, with its two goggling eyes, and its smaller "optic" for the projection of the rays of a powerful searchlight, was a humpy-looking object, not unlike the half of a giant gray watermelon. This, the inventor explained, was the Huron's "long boat." It provided an emergency means of leaving the craft in case of accident.
It was bolted to the deck and hermetically fastened by means of gaskets. It was designed to be entered from below by a trap door of metal which could be instantly closed and sealed. A similar door was in the boat. In case it was desired to arise to the surface it was a simple matter to crawl up into the boat, close the door in the Huron's "skin," and then close a similar contrivance in the deck of the singular long boat. This rendered it practically a water-tight bottle of steel. To rise to the surface four bolts were loosened when the "boat" would, of course, detach itself from the Huron and shoot to the surface. This accomplished, those within could unbolt the round plate by which they had entered, and obtain air and a view of the surroundings. To make this miniature submarine more complete, a tiny gasolene motor of four horse power was fitted inside it, enabling it to make about six miles an hour on the surface.
There were many other features of the Huron, to explain which, in detail, would be wearisome. They may all be summed up by saying that not a contrivance for safety or comfort appeared to have been overlooked. It would have been hard to imagine a more completely outfitted craft for the purposes for which she was designed. Possibly we should mention that she also carried a "field wireless" apparatus, with an adjustable telescopic steel pole to carry "the aerials." This was stored below, but when needed could be brought on deck and communication established within a radius of four hundred miles. The generators were, of course, operated by the machinery in the hull below.
By the time all this, and much more, had been explained by Mr. Ironsides, a boat appeared from the shore, conveying old Sam Wrenchly, who was to form one of the Huron's crew, and his belongings. The boys then took a trip to the Sea Ranger, and selected what they wished to carry along. Necessarily, the outfits were limited, so far as bulkiness was concerned.
Before the boat returned to the shore, Tom composed, and entrusted to the workman who rowed the boat back, a long telegram to Mr. Dacre. This informed him minutely but concisely of all that had occurred, and told him the Huron's destination. Tom took the liberty of advising his uncle, should he decide to come north, to take train to Brownhaven and proceed to Castle Rock Island with the Sea Ranger, which by that time would be repaired. If all went well they would await his coming there, the message concluded. Tom felt much relieved when this had been done, and, with a lighter heart than he had felt for some days, watched with interest while the electrical winch hoisted the Huron's anchor.