The tank was connected by a series of locks with a canal which led down to the river. It was thus an easy matter to sail direct from the factory yard for any part of the world.
Frank and Wade went on board the submarine boat. The latter picked out his stateroom and made other necessary arrangements. Then he said:
“I will go back to the hotel, Frank, and get my trunks. Then I will take up my quarters permanently aboard the Sea Diver.”
“Very good,” agreed Frank. “We will sail at an early hour in the morning.”
After Wade had gone, Frank called Barney and Pomp. He told these two servitors of his purpose, and added:
“You must be all in readiness; there must be no delay.”
“All roight,” cried Barney, as he ducked his head and threw a handspring; “it’s mesilf as will be there, sor.”
“Golly, dis chile neber miss de chance, Marse Frank,” cried Pomp, cutting a double-shuffle.
These two comical characters had been associated with all the thrilling experiences of Frank Reade, Jr., in his world-wide travels.
Barney and Pomp were his faithful companions, and he would hardly have been able to fill their places. Barney was an expert engineer and electrician, and Pomp was the prince of cooks and a generally handy man.