At the same time Washington, who was out in the kitchen, came running into the dining room, crying:
“We’re droppin’ into a ragin’ fire, Perfesser!”
“What do you mean?” asked Mr. Henderson.
“I jest took a look down through th’ hole in th’ bottom of the ship!” cried Washington. “It’s all flames an’ smoke below us!”
“I wonder if it is the end,” the professor muttered in a low voice.
Followed by the boys, the inventor hastened to the floor-window. The lights were turned off to enable a better view to be had of what was below them.
Leaning over the glass protected aperture the boys and the professor saw, far, far down, a bright light shining. It was as if they were miles above a whole town of blast furnaces, the stacks of which were belching forth flames and smoke. The rolling clouds of vapor were illuminated by a peculiar greenish light, which, at times, turned to red, blue, purple and yellowish hues.
The effect was weird and beautiful though it was full of terror for the travelers. It seemed as if they were falling into some terrible pit of fire, for the reflection of what they feared were flames, could plainly be seen.
“I wish I’d never come on this terrible voyage!” wailed Washington. “I’d rather freeze to death than be burned up.”
“Washington, be quiet!” commanded the professor sternly. “This is no time for foolishness. We must work hard to save our lives, for we are in dire peril.