They cheered vociferously as the Sea Diver appeared. Down the river the submarine boat glided.
Soon Readestown was left behind. Other towns were passed, and in due course the river widened and the open sea was spread out to their view.
The great submarine cruise was really begun.
Out into the Atlantic the Sea Diver ran. Frank still kept her to the surface.
For he knew that she could travel faster and easier there. There would be enough deep-sea traveling later on.
The course of the Diver was set for the Gulf of Mexico.
Land faded quickly from view and soon only the boundless expanse of the sea was on every hand. The horizon was at times dotted with sails, and once one of the vessels in passing spoke the Sea Diver.
For two days the submarine boat kept her southward course. Then one morning as the voyagers tumbled out on deck Frank noted that the wind was in the east and was beginning to kick up a nasty sea.
The little boat rode the water like a cork. There was no question as to her seaworthiness.
But great, lowering clouds overhung the sky and pattering drops of rain fell. Distant vessels were seen scudding under bare poles.