"Twelve o'clock," exclaimed the captain, who was always as punctual as fate; "I said we should sail at twelve."
At this moment the engines began to revolve, and the Searcher skimmed over the surface of the sea like a bird.
The air was soon taken into the reservoirs, the flap or panel was closed, and sinking into the bosom of the waves, she glided along, moved by her powerful screw, like a big fish; only the helmsman, sitting in his solitary place of lookout, being responsible for her management.
CHAPTER XXIV.
A PEARL WORTH A FORTUNE.
They traversed the ocean at a depth of about a hundred yards from the surface.
The health of the captives continued good.
Stump was the only grumbler; the others read and talked, resigning themselves to their fate, and waiting the next adventure which should befall them in their singular voyage.
"I tell you what it is, sir," exclaimed Stump one day; "I wish I could get my fist near that there captain. If I wouldn't give him a knockout I'd let a whale come and eat me."