"Are you going to stay here long?" asked Mr. Hardley, when Tom
had spent some time making accurate readings of the various
instruments of the boat. "Of course, I realize that you are the
commander, but if we don't get to the treasure ship soon some one
else may loot her before we have a chance. She's been given up as
a hopeless task more than once, but the lure of the millions may
attract another gang."
"I want to stay here until I make sure that nothing is leaking
and that everything is all right," answered the young inventor.
"This is a test I have not given her since the rebuilding. But I
think she is coming through it all right, and we can soon start
off again. Before we do, though, I want to try the new diving
outfit. Ned, are you game for it now? This is a little deeper
than you have gone out in for some time, but--"
"Oh, I'm game!" exclaimed the young financial manager. "Get out
the suit, Tom, and I'll put it on. I'll go for a stroll on the
bottom of the sea. Who knows? Perhaps I may pick up a pearl."
"Pearls aren't found in these northern waters, any more than
are sharks," said Tom with a laugh.
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