Not one in that distinguished company but had heard of Frank Reade, Jr. His name changed the tide.
“Indeed!” exclaimed the chairman, with interest. “Is not Mr. Reade the inventor of an airship?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And of other wonderful things?”
“Exactly.”
“So he has built a submarine boat?”
“He has, and it is a success. He has kindly consented to assist me in locating the sunken isthmus. This boat is capable of remaining weeks under the sea. The plan cannot fail.”
In a moment dozens of the men were thronging about Wade, congratulating him heartily. Skeptical they were no longer. Foes a moment back, now they were fawning friends. Truly, nothing creates friendship like one’s success.
He was at once the lion of the hour. Scores of requests were showered upon him. Would he procure such a specimen? Would he solve such a marine problem? Was there any room on board the Sea Diver for another savant?
Et cetera, et cetera.