Both proceeded at once to a hotel. Neither were disconcerted by the decision of Parker.
“The Aurelian is a good vessel,” said Hartley, “but there are others, Clifford. I am not sorry to leave the old curmudgeon out of it.”
“Nor I,” agreed Clifford; “but now, my dear friend, let us at once get down to business.”
CHAPTER II.
THE YOUNG INVENTOR.
Clifford’s plan was to buy diving suits, and at once look up men used to descending into the greatest depths of the sea.
But these were not easily found. Neither were they at once successful in finding the right sort of a sailing craft for their purpose.
While thus somewhat perplexed a curious incident occurred which completely changed their plans.
Clifford chanced to pick up a newspaper and read a large heading:
“A Wonderful Invention!
“Frank Reade, Jr., the young inventor, once more to the fore. This time it is a famous submarine boat which is a complete success, and with which the wonderful young man intends to sail around the world under water. The problem of deep-sea navigation solved. The naval and marine world in general much interested.”