“Give it up,” said Wendel.
“We ought to investigate it. Eh, Frank?”
“That’s what we’re here for,” replied the young inventor.
He stepped into the coracle. It would hold three easily.
A moment later they were boldly sallying forth upon the waters of the underground lake. Frank, however, was very careful to keep his bearings, leaving the lantern to mark the spot they had just left.
Wendel and Randall used the paddles, while Frank steered. Thus they made their way over the underground waters.
They were placid, even dead, for there was no breeze to ripple their surface.
But there was another power, and it was felt before the voyagers were half across.
Suddenly the coracle began to wabble and turn. Randall and the sailors pulled harder at the paddles.
But it did no good. The little craft began to rock most violently.