"That's a good thing to know," said Phaeton.
"But I can't be quite sure that I do know it," said Holman, "till I talk with you about some parts of the scheme."
"I shall be glad to help you if I can," said Phaeton.
"I don't care to make any secret of it," continued Holman, "because, if it can be carried out, we shall have to make a sort of joint-stock company, and take in several of the boys."
"Will it make us a fortune apiece?" said Ned, "or only one fortune, to be divided up among the company?"
"That depends on how much you consider a fortune," answered Holman. "The main thing I want to know, Fay, is this: whether it is possible to invent some way of going under water, and working there, without a big, heavy diving-bell."
"I think," said Phaeton, "that other and lighter apparatus has been invented already; but if not, I should think it could be."
"Then we are all right," said Holman. "I know where the fortune is,—there's no uncertainty about that,—but it's under water a few feet, and it won't do to go for it with any large and noticeable machinery."
"Fay can easily invent a pocket diving-bell," said Ned.
"Do you know the history of Venice?" said Holman.