In a square chamber called the periscope room, at the foot of the ladder, Matt found the captain and Cassidy waiting for him. Each grasped his hand. There was only a moment for congratulations.
"Up into the tower with you, Cassidy," called the captain, "and keep watch for Dick and Carl. We're going to take them on as soon as they pick up their belongings."
"Ay, ay, sir," answered Cassidy, "I heard your talk with Matt, and Matt's talk with the fellows in the boat."
Cassidy disappeared up the ladder and Matt dropped down on a locker and began pulling off his water-logged shoes.
"I've got a dry suit in my grip," said he, "and when the boys get here I'll slide into a more comfortable rig."
"And Sixty threw you overboard!" muttered Nemo, Jr., a black frown crossing his face. "The murderous scoundrel! I have long known him as a desperate man, but I would hardly have believed him capable of such a move as that! What was his reason?"
"That's more than I know."
"You mean to say that you don't know what his motive was for attempting such a high-handed piece of work?"
"That's exactly what I mean, captain."
"Did any one see him?"