Next day Johnny took Samatan for a ride in the steel ball. He had supposed it would be difficult, if not impossible, to induce the dignified old native to accompany him, but he was due for a surprise.
“Samatan,” he said pleasantly, “you know we have been making trips far beneath the surface of the sea in that steel ball.”
“Yes!” Suddenly Samatan was alert.
“Dave and I—we—well we thought you might like to go down.”
“In the big ball?” The native’s eyes shone, eagerly.
“Yes, that’s right.” Johnny answered.
“Today?” asked Samatan.
“If you wish.”
“In one hour,” said Samatan.
An hour later, Samatan took his place beside Johnny in the steel ball, watched the massive, steel cap being screwed into place, felt the bump of the ball on the deck, then sensed their drop into the sea. All this—in stoical silence.