Luis Senarens

“ Dead ahead, in the glare of the searchlight, was a monster body.
What Pomp had called a fish Frank instantly recognized.
It was a monster whale.
The cetacean, with the curiosity and pugnacity of its species, had boldly attacked this giant invader of its deep sea home.
Full tilt it had rushed upon the Dolphin. Only the buoyancy and strength of the submarine boat had saved it from being crushed like an eggshell.
Even now it seemed to be preparing for another dash at the Dolphin. Frank saw this.
He instantly started the engine and whirled the boat about so as to meet the whale head on. ”

“ Satisfied of this, Pomp turned the air-chamber lever.
In a moment the boat began to sink very rapidly.
Down it went until it touched the bottom of the ocean.
Then Pomp turned on the search-light.
The electric glare penetrated the black waters in every direction.
Pomp saw that the Explorer rested upon the bed of the sea.
Rocks and sand and sea plants were all about.
But the darky also saw mighty furrows freshly made in the mud and earth of the bottom.
About were various silver-like pillars and columns of ice wedged hard in the earth.
Like a flash the truth dawned upon the startled darky. ”

“ He dashed to the front of the little house, and peered out upon the plains.
Several forms, hitherto hidden by the tall prairie grass, were now dancing up and down in savage glee.
“We’re hemmed in,” despairingly said the borderer. “To go out by either door would be to get a bullet, or a dozen of them, through your body. We must stay here as long as we can, and trust for something to turn up to aid us, and if nothing does come, then we’ll die together in the cabin. You and the children had better die than fall into the hands of those brutes yonder.” ”

“ Gentlemen, what if I propose to place the submarine boat Dolphin at your disposal?”
Clifford and Hartley sprang forward, and each grasped a hand of the young inventor.
“Hurrah! You have saved the day!” cried Clifford. “We knew that you would look with favor on our plans!”
“Only think of having a submarine boat at our disposal!” cried Hartley. “Success is assured!”
“Well, gentlemen, I am decided,” said Frank. “We will all go aboard the Dolphin in search of the galleon’s gold. The start shall be made at once, and old Parker will find out what a colossal old ass he is.” ”