Half the body of a strong, wiry, thick-bearded man appeared. He held a curious wire net.
The net fell over Mont's head, and he felt himself dragged over the railing and down into the interior of the iron shell.
A cry of terror broke from his companions, answered by a smothered yell from Mont, as the flap fell back and shut out any further view of the interior.
Our hero had vanished.
This removal, so brutally executed, was accomplished with the rapidity of lightning.
Dr. Woddle felt his hair stand on end, and as for Carl and Stump they were chilled to the marrow of their bones with fear.
"What have they done with him?" Carl asked.
"Your friend is the first victim," replied the professor. "Perhaps they mean to eat him. For my part, they may eat me as soon as they like; anything is preferable to this."
"I wish I could get at them," replied Stump. "I'd soon have Master Mont out."
The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the trap door opened again, and the servant was dragged down below in a similar manner.