It was an overturned whaleboat, and on one side, in black letters, was the name "Santa Maria."
Matt staggered, and laid hold of the rim of the conning tower for support.
What if his chums had lost their lives through that despicable work of Captain Sixty's?
[CHAPTER IX.]
ADRIFT IN THE STORM.
Dick and Carl were dumfounded at sight of the Grampus appearing suddenly amid the waves and with Captain Nemo, Jr., in the conning tower heaving a rope at Matt. Their surprise wore away swiftly and delight took its place. Matt was saved, and they were soon to join him on the submarine.
"Hoop-a-la!" carolled the Dutch boy as the whaleboat put back to the steamer. "I peen gladder as I can dell dot ve're going to leaf dot Sanda Maria. I vould like to ged pedder acquaindet mit Miss Harris, I bed you, aber I dradder got mit der Grambus."
"That there's the craft we heerd about on the waterfront in New Orleans," said one of the sailors.
"Easy enough," said the other over his oar, "but how does she chance to be bobbin' in our wake? Looks like she was a-follerin' us."