第22章

Trial of the Submarine

Tom felt such a relief at hearing of Captain Weston's ruse that his appetite, sharpened by an early breakfast and the sea air, came to him with a rush, and he had a second morning meal with the odd sea captain, who chuckled heartily when he thought of how Mn Berg had been deceived.

"Yes," resumed Captain Weston, over his bacon and eggs, "I sized him up for a slick article as soon as I laid eyes on him.But he evidently misjudged me, if I may be permitted that term.Oh, well, we may meet again, after we secure the treasure, and then I can show him the real map of the location of the wreck."1

Captain Weston nodded, before hiding his face behind a large cup of coffee; his third, by the way.

"Let me see it?" asked Tom quickly.The captain set down his cup.He looked carefully about the hotel dining-room.There were several guests, who, like himself, were having a late breakfast.

"It's a good plan," the sailor said slowly, "when you're going into unknown waters, and don't want to leave a wake for the other fellow to follow, to keep your charts locked up.If it's all the same to you," he added diffidently, "I'd rather wait until we get to where your father and Mr.Sharp are before displaying the real map.I've no objection to showing you the one Mr.Berg saw," and again he chuckled.

The young inventor blushed at his indiscretion.He felt that the news of the search for the treasure had leaked out through him, though he was the one to get on the trail of it by seeing the article in the paper.Now he had nearly been guilty of another break.He realized that he must be more cautious.The captain saw his confusion, and said:

"I know how it is.You're eager to get under way.I don't blame you.I was the same myself when I was your age.But we'll soon be at your place, and then I'll tell you all I know.Sufficient now, to say that I believe I have located the wreck within a few miles.I got on the track of a sailor who hadmet one of the shipwrecked crew of the Boldero, and he gave me valuable information.Now tell me about the craft we are going in.A good deal depends on that."Tom hardly knew what to answer.He recalled what Mr.Sharp had said about not wanting to tell Captain Weston, until the last moment, that they were going in a submarine, for fear the old seaman (for he was old in point of service though not in years) might not care to risk an under-water trip.Therefore Tom hesitated.Seeing it, Captain Weston remarked quietly:

"I mean, what type is your submarine? Does it go by compressed air, or water power?""How do you know it's a submarine?" asked the young inventor quickly, and in some confusion.

"Easy enough.When Mr.Berg thought he was pumping me, I was getting a lot of information from him.He told me about the submarine his firm was building, and, naturally, he mentioned yours.One thing led to another until I got a pretty good idea of your craft.What do you call it?""The Advance."

"Good name.I like it, if you don't mind speaking of it." "We were afraid you wouldn't like it," commented Tom."What, the name?,'

"No, the idea of going in a submarine."

"Oh," and Captain Weston laughed."Well, it takes more than that to frighten me, if you'll excuse the expression.I've always had a hankering to go under the surface, after so many years spent on top.Once or twice I came near going under, whether I wanted to or not, in wrecks, but I think I prefer your way.Now, if you're all done, and don't mind me speaking of it, I think we'll start for your place.We must hustle, for Berg may yet get on our trail, even if he has got the wrong route," and he laughed again.

It was no small relief to Mn Swift and Mr.Sharp to learn that Captain Weston had no objections to a submarine, as they feared he might have.The captain, in his diffident manner, made friends at once with the treasure-hunters, and he and Mr.Damon struck up quite an acquaintance.Tom told of his meeting with the seaman, and the latter related, with much gusto, the story of how he had fooled Mr.Berg.

"Well, perhaps you'd like to come and take a look at the craft that is to be our home while we're beneath the water," suggested Mr.Swift and the sailor assenting, the aged inventor, with much pride, assisted by Tom, pointed out on the Advance the features of interest.Captain Weston gave hearty approval, making one or two minor suggestions, which were carried out.

"And so you launch her to-morrow," he concluded, when he had completed the inspection "Well, I hope it's a success, if I may be permitted to say so."There were busy times around the machine shop next day.So much secrecy had been maintained that none of the residents, or visitors to the coast resort, were aware that in their midst was such a wonderful craft as the submarine.The last touches were put on the under-water ship; the ways, leading from the shop to the creek, were well greased, and all was in readiness for the launching.The tide would soon be at flood, and then the boat would slide down the timbers (at least, that was the hope of all), and would float in the element meant to receive her.It was decided that no one should be aboard when the launching took place, as there was an element of risk attached, since it was not known just how buoyant the craft was.It was expected she would float, until the filled tanks took her to the bottom, but there was no telling.