“Wait and we will descend!” they cried.
Then the Dart settled rapidly until it alighted upon the ice. At the rail four men were standing.
One was a tall, handsome young man, another was short and wore glasses, one was an Irishman, and the fourth was a negro, as black as coal.
The reader, of course, recognizes them as Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Pomp, and the scientist, Professor Gaston.
They had left home some six weeks previous and had enjoyed a first-class trip of eight thousand miles or more.
One thing was certain. They had arrived in the nick of time to save the lives of Captain Hardy and Jack.
Stories were soon exchanged. Frank Reade, Jr., listened with deep interest to the story of the whalers.
When he was told about Lucille’s capture by the Antarctic natives he was at once aroused, and cried:
“She shall be rescued, and have no fear, Captain Hardy!”
“God bless you, sir!” cried the overjoyed captain. “Of course, you have it in your power to do so with your airship?”