[CHAPTER I.]
IN THE DEPTHS.
"Motor Matt!"
"What is it, captain?"
"We are in St. George's Bay, ten miles from the Port of Belize, British Honduras. Two days ago, while we were well out in the gulf, I opened the letter containing the first part of my sealed orders. Those orders, as you know, sent us to Belize. Before we reach there and open the envelope containing the rest of our orders, I think it necessary to test out the Grampus thoroughly. Unless I am greatly mistaken, the instructions yet to be read may call for work that will demand the last ounce of preparation we can give the submarine. I have stopped the motor, and we are lying motionless on the surface of the sea. The lead shows that there are two hundred and twenty-five feet of water under us. The steel shell of the Grampus is warranted to stand the pressure of water at that depth. Do you follow me?"
"Certainly, captain."
"Now, Matt, I have been watching you for a long time, and I believe that you know more about the gasoline motor than I do, and fully as much about maneuvring the submarine. We are going to dive to two hundred and ten feet—the deepest submersion by far the Grampus ever made. I wish you to take entire charge. If you get into difficulties, you must get out of them again, for I intend to stand by and not put in a word unless tragedy stares us in the face and you call on me for advice."
A thrill ran through Motor Matt. The submarine, with all her complicated equipment, was for a time to be under his control. This move of Captain Nemo, Jr.'s, perhaps, was a test for him no less than for the Grampus.
For a brief space the young motorist bent his head thoughtfully.
"Do you hesitate, Matt?" asked Captain Nemo, Jr.