"I'd like to, sir, but we have some luggage on the Santa Maria and the boys had better go back after it."
"Tell them to get the luggage and that we'll stand by to take them off." Nemo, Jr., threw a hasty look around at the sky, which was rapidly becoming overcast. "Ask them to hurry," he added, "for we'll be in for dirty weather before long and we must get them on the Grampus before the storm comes down on us."
The rowboat by then had drawn as close to the submarine as safety would permit. The two sailors were lying on their oars and gazing at the craft in astonishment, while the rail of the steamer was crowded with passengers and crew, all staring at the strange scene going forward there in the waters of the gulf.
"Ahoy, Dick!" shouted Matt.
"Ahoy, yourself, old ship!" roared Dick. "That's the Grampus, I take it?"
"Yes. Captain Nemo, Jr., is going to take you and Carl aboard. Go back to the Santa Maria and get our traps. Be quick about it, for the weather is threatening."
"Ay, ay," cried Dick heartily, "and it's glad I am to leave the old hooker."
Dick dropped down in the boat and the sailors fell-to on the oars.
"Come inside, Matt," called Captain Nemo, Jr. "I'll get out of the way and make room for you."
The captain disappeared downward, and Matt climbed over the rim of the conning tower and quickly descended the iron ladder.