“You go to the bottom of the sea, fifty feet or so down, in a diving helmet. You set your easel on the bottom, weight it down, and paint—whatever you see there!”
“Not really?”
“I read about it in a book. Found it in the ship’s library. Anyway—it would be fun trying.”
“Water would spoil your paint.”
“It says not,” Johnny grinned. “Only trouble is—little fish, like flies, get into your paint!”
“I’ll try it some time,” Doris declared. “I’ve been down twice with Dave. It’s thrilling—walking on the bottom of the sea. Thanks for the idea, Johnny!”
CHAPTER VI
REAL PROGRESS!
After going on duty that night, Johnny came upon Samatan, leader of the boat’s native crew. He was seated in a corner, but one of the ship’s lamps lighted his face. He was staring at the steel ball and there was unmistakable animosity in his expression.
“Looks as if he’d like to eat it,” Johnny mused. “Wonder what it’s all about.”
A little later he heard the natives talking in their quarters below deck.