The boys knew Archibald Townsend, otherwise Captain Nemo, Jr., of the Grampus, well. The matchlight was feeble, but there could be no mistake.
Both of them crept forward, and while Dick groped about with his hands to unloosen the cords that bound the prisoner, Matt removed the gag.
"King!" gasped Townsend, as soon as he could speak; "and Ferral! This is the most amazing thing I ever heard of! How is it you happen to be here?"
"That will be even more amazing, Townsend," answered Matt, "when we tell you about it. How long have you been here?"
"It must be all of two days, although there's no telling the difference between night and day in such a black hole. Gad, but it's good to see you boys again. When did you get here?"
"To-day," answered Matt.
"And it's been our busy day, too," added Dick. "We've been on the jump ever since we struck the town."
"I was so astounded when you boys were thrown in here that I could hardly think," continued Townsend. "Later, when you began to talk, what you said aroused my curiosity. You got my telegram, of course?"
"Yes, and started at once as soon as it came to hand."
"What happened to you? I might as well tell you, before you begin to talk, though, that Jurgens has got the iron chest away from me again."