“The hole closed?” repeated Jack.
“An earthquake shock!” murmured Mark.
“Then how are we going to get back to earth?” asked old Andy.
A terrible fear entered the hearts of the travelers. The closing of the opening by which they had come to the strange world meant, in all probability that they would have to spend the rest of their lives in this underground place.
“What good did it do us to get all those diamonds and that gold?” asked Mark in a sorrowful tone.
Hankos began to speak again, using his gestures which were almost as eloquent as words. The professor watched and listened intently. Then there seemed to come a more hopeful look to his face. He nodded vigorously as Hankos went on with what seemed to be an explanation.
“It’s worth trying, at all events!” the scientist exclaimed. “It is our only hope!”
“What is?” asked Jack.
“Friends,” began the professor in solemn tones. “I must admit our plight is desperate. At the same time there is a bare chance of our getting back to our own earth. As you remember, Hankos went from this place to the upper regions through the upward spouting column of water.”
“If we had our submarine we might also,” interrupted Jack. “But the Mermaid isn’t built to sail in that fashion.”