In the pilot-house there was a keyboard by which the machine could be regulated and operated. Over the pilot-house was a powerful searchlight, with a wide range.
The equipments and furnishings of the machine throughout were of the best, and there were stores aboard sufficient for a year’s journey. Nothing had been left undone.
The Electric Scorcher was quite ready for the trip.
The two visitors looked the machine over with wonderment and delight. Then they went back to the office, where final arrangements were made.
And thus was undertaken the remarkable feat of making a voyage to an undiscovered continent.
It was an arduous and perilous undertaking, but our adventurers were pledged to it, and what their success was we shall see.
CHAPTER III.
IN SOUTHERN SEAS.
And now, with the reader’s permission, we will change the scene of our story to the high seas south of the Equator.
The Black Pearl, staunch brig, was plowing her way through a white-capped sea. Unusually good weather had favored the party thus far.
There had been no difficulty encountered with the doldrums or head-winds even, and the Pearl had made a quick passage.