While the warmest of friends, both were addicted to the habit of practical joking. Each loved to play pranks upon the other.
“Begorra, yez haven’t got the sand to trow me off me feet, naygur!” roared Barney, as they wrestled. “Whurroo! Over yez go!”
But as Pomp went down he brought Barney also, and thus the unequal struggle went on.
It was terminated finally by the appearance of Frank Reade, Jr., on the scene.
Finally the last bolt was driven, the last rivet cut, and the Dolphin floated in the waters of the big tank, completed.
Then Frank sent a telegram to New York, worded thus:
Dear Stanhope,—The Dolphin is finished. If you wish to participate in the trial trip, report at once. Shall expect you by Thursday sure. Please reply. Yours ever,
Frank Reade, Jr.