But the old man shook his head.
He did not credit that.
“Five years have gone!” he said.
“Ah, but that is nothing,” declared Frank. “In that mighty unexplored wilderness he might be ten years in getting back to civilization.”
Far and near had spread the report that the Explorer was to be launched upon the following day.
At the appointed hour a great crowd was on hand.
Frank’s only companions and crew on board the Explorer were Barney and Pomp.
He took a fond farewell of his wife, and stepped upon the deck of the submarine ship.
Then he gave the sign to the workmen.