“I could offer him a good figure. Such a voyage would be worth it,” continued Mr. Chadwick. “Besides, I would like to help out a brother inventor in difficulties.”
The latter part of this speech was characteristic of Mr. Chadwick. Unknown even to his closest friends, his hand was often in his pocket for needy investigators in the field of science. Although the public does not know it, it was his liberality in this regard that gave to the world the Chalmers Patent Steel Refining Process, the Walworth Tubular Boiler and half a dozen other almost epoch-making inventions.
“Tell you what,” cried Jack, “we’ll take the car and spin over and see him about it.”
Tom skipped about, hardly able to contain his joy.
“A trip to Cuba under the sea, and revolutionists and—and, oh, everything that’s jolly.”
“Nothing very jolly about a revolution,” rejoined Mr. Chadwick, somewhat grimly, “they’re no fun, I can tell you. But, seriously speaking, I think your suggestion a good one, Jack. We could live on board the White Shark in case of serious fighting ashore, and such a craft would afford a far swifter means of reaching Cuba than any steamer.”
It was half an hour later that two excited boys and a graver, more thoughtful senior, were discussing the proposal with Mr. Dancer. Mr. Chadwick’s liberal offer for the use of the White Shark for his proposed trip had almost literally taken Mr. Dancer off his feet.
“I hardly know how to thank you, Chadwick. It’s a great chance, a great chance,” he exclaimed, “but it is too much, really——”
“I shall feel offended if you won’t consent to take us,” put in Mr. Chadwick.
“That’s not the difficulty,” said Mr. Dancer quickly. “I want to make the voyage. It will give the White Shark a testing out that will try her every rivet. But there may be danger. Your young folks here——”