Swiftly the Nereid dropped to that submerged plateau.
In five minutes, her keel was resting evenly on the smooth sand beside the largest of the three pyramids.
Professor Stevens then announced that he would make a preliminary investigation of the site at once.
“For, otherwise, I for one would be quite unable to sleep tonight!” declared the graybeard, with a boyish chuckle.
He added that Diane would accompany him.
At this latter announcement, Larry’s heart sank. He had hoped against hope that he might be invited along with them.
But once again his champion came to his aid.
“We really ought to let Mr. Hunter come with us, daddy, don’t you think?” she urged, noting his disappointment. “After all, it was he who made the discovery.”
“Very true,” said her father, “but I had not thought it necessary for anyone to accompany us. In the event anyone does, Captain Petersen should have that honor.”
But this honor the captain declined.