If gold had ever existed there, time and the water had consumed it, beyond a doubt.
Without mishap the party reached the Dart in safety.
Pomp had a rousing, hearty meal ready for them, of which all partook with avidity.
Then they fell to discussing the situation.
“It is established beyond all doubt,” said Von Bulow, “that this part of the Atlantic was once a continent above the sea.”
“That seems certain,” agreed Frank; “and it was undoubtedly inhabited by a most powerful nation.”
“But though we may see this evidence of their handiwork, we do not know how they may have looked.”
“I imagine that they resembled the ancient Greeks,” said Captain Bell; “though I have no particular reason for that idea.”
“There was an old tradition among the Mediterranean sailors that to the west of the coast of Spain was a great continent known as Atlantis, and inhabited by a powerful and intelligent race of people.”
“Then it was no myth, but the truth,” cried Von Bulow. “We have indeed found the lost Atlantis.”