Even the phlegmatic voyagers of the Dolphin, who had become hardened to the wonders of the sea, could not help but admire the display.
“Upon my word!” cried Stanhope, “I don’t mind possessing a few of those gems myself.”
The Dolphin was allowed to rest upon the bottom. Then Frank brought out some diving suits.
Captain Uriah wanted suits for himself and his men. Fortunately there were enough, and Frank did not demur.
It was arranged that they should go out and gather the richest of the pearls, and that they should return as soon as this was done.
None of the Dolphins party decided to participate in the quest.
So donning the diving suits Captain Uriah and his men left the Dolphin.
It required some little time for them to get accustomed to the pressure of the water upon their helmets.
But they finally overcame this and began to mine for the pearls.
This was slow work and not altogether fruitful.