The scientist was ready to embark upon a voyage to any part of the submarine world without considering for a moment the possible perils of such a thing. He was a firm believer in the practicability of submarine navigation, and the seaworthiness of the new boat.
CHAPTER II.
IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS UNDERTAKEN.
Mr. Wade reached Readestown in due time. He proceeded at once to a hotel and ate an early breakfast.
Then he called a carriage and rode down to the machine shops of Frank Reade, Jr. At that early hour he did not feel certain of meeting the young inventor.
But at the gate there was a sawed-off, comical little darky, who scraped and bowed and said:
“Yes, sah; I done reckon Marse Frank been lookin’ fo’ yo’ fo’ two days, sah. He am in his office, sah. Show yo’ in, or does yo’ know de way?”
“I know the way, Pomp,” said Wade, alighting from his carriage. “I’ll find him.”
Across the machine shop yard he went rapidly. He was about to enter a small brick building by a half-open door when a man came out.
He was a genuine type of Irishman, with comical mug, dancing blue eyes and a shock of red hair. He stopped at sight of Mr. Wade and exclaimed:
“Begorra, and I belave that is the gintlemin himsilf. Top av the day to ye, sor. Is yer name Misther Wade, sor?”