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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e3c8ac --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54654 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54654) diff --git a/old/54654-0.txt b/old/54654-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 56efc08..0000000 --- a/old/54654-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4997 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sunken Isthmus, by Luis Senarens - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Sunken Isthmus - or, Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel. - -Author: Luis Senarens - -Release Date: May 2, 2017 [EBook #54654] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -[Illustration: FRANK READE WEEKLY MAGAZINE Containing Stories of -Adventures on Land, Sea & in the Air] - - _Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Application - made for Second-Class Entry at N. Y. Post Office_ - - No. 92. NEW YORK, JULY 29, 1904. Price 5 Cents. - -[Illustration: THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS; OR, FRANK READE, JR., IN THE YUCATAN -CHANNEL.] - - In a few minutes they were near the - other divers. One of them was - recognized as Poole. The villain was - the personification of fury. He - swung his ax aloft and made a rush - at Frank. His companions did the - same. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - FRANK READE - - WEEKLY MAGAZINE. - - CONTAINING STORIES OF ADVENTURES ON LAND, SEA AND IN THE AIR. - - _Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Application made for - Second Class entry at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. - Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1904, in the office of - the Librarian of Congress, - Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York._ - - =No. 92.= NEW YORK, JULY 29, 1904. =Price 5 Cents.= - - - - - THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS; - OR, - Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel. - - - By “NONAME.” - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER I. WHICH IS INTRODUCTORY. - CHAPTER II. IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS UNDERTAKEN. - CHAPTER III. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA. - CHAPTER IV. A WONDERFUL NARRATIVE. - CHAPTER V. A BOLD ESCAPE. - CHAPTER VI. THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS. - CHAPTER VII. A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE. - CHAPTER VIII. THE VILLAIN OUTWITTED. - CHAPTER IX. THE SUNKEN CITY. - CHAPTER X. AT THE TREASURE CAVE. - CHAPTER XI. POOLE PLAYS A NEW CARD. - CHAPTER XII. A TURNING OF TABLES—THE END. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - WHICH IS INTRODUCTORY. - - -By looking at any comprehensive map it can be readily seen that upon the -western end of the Island of Cuba there is a cape known as San Antonio. - -Opposite it and upon the eastern extremity of mystic Yucatan is Cape -Catoche. Between these two points of land lies that body of water which -connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Caribbean Sea and known as the -Yucatan Channel. - -Mr. Wilbur Wade, the distinguished archæologist, geologist, naturalist -and scientist in general, had startled his associates of the World’s -Geographical Society by a positive and unheard-of statement. - -“I have made very careful soundings in the Yucatan Channel,” he said; -“also I have compared the strata of the two capes, and it is my firm -belief that at a period not so very remote there existed no channel -between the two points of land. In fact——” - -“Then you claim the existence of an isthmus between Cuba and Yucatan at -some time?” interrupted Professor Brown. - -“Just so,” agreed Mr. Wade. - -“What has become of it, I would like to ask?” - -There was just a bit of cynicism in this query. But then these two men -had never been the warmest of friends. Wade bit his lip. - -“What do you suppose has become of it?” he retorted. “Surely you don’t -think it has taken wings and flown away?” - -“But you were going to prove the matter to us,” returned Professor -Brown, with a bit of sarcasm. - -“If it is not an impossibility,” said Mr. Wade, ironically, “my opinion -is that the isthmus is at present at the bottom of the Yucatan Channel.” - -A number of the scientists moved in their seats. Professor Brown smiled -broadly. - -“A very simple matter to look at,” he said, pointedly. “Of course, it -will be easy to furnish absolute evidence?” - -Mr. Wade turned a cold stare upon the man who could speak so -insultingly. Then he said: - -“Before I allow the fact to go upon record I shall prove it.” - -“Then we shall have an isthmus between Labrador and Greenland; another -‘twixt Japan and Corea; still another between Sicily and the Italian -Peninsula, and again——” - -“One moment,” said Wade, politely. “You must remember that there is -nothing improbable in any hypothesis you have named. If I am not able to -prove myself right, you are not able to prove that the sunken isthmus -never existed. I leave it in all fairness to our fellow-members.” - -There was a slight murmur of approval, but there was yet incredulity. - -“How do you expect to prove that there was once an isthmus between Cape -San Antonio and Cape Catoche, may I ask, Mr. Wade?” spoke the chairman. - -Mr. Wade drew himself up. - -“By the only possible method,” he replied. “I shall visit it.” - -The scientists all looked surprised. Professor Brown actually laughed -out loud and slyly tapped his forehead. Finally the chairman said: - -“Really, Mr. Wade, you must allow that that is quite a remarkable -assertion. In what manner can you expect to visit this—this imaginary -sunken isthmus?” - -Wade’s eyes flashed. - -“Imaginary if you will,” he said; “I shall conduct my investigations -with a submarine boat.” - -There was a great stir in the assemblage. Even Professor Brown forgot to -interject his sarcasm. - -“In a submarine boat?” repeated the chairman. “Does such a craft exist?” - -“It does!” replied Mr. Wade, suavely. “And a very dear friend of mine is -the inventor and owner.” - -“His name?” - -“Frank Reade, Jr., of Readestown.” - -A murmur went through the throng. At once the sentiment began to change. -Professor Brown faded from view. - -Not one in that distinguished company but had heard of Frank Reade, Jr. -His name changed the tide. - -“Indeed!” exclaimed the chairman, with interest. “Is not Mr. Reade the -inventor of an airship?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“And of other wonderful things?” - -“Exactly.” - -“So he has built a submarine boat?” - -“He has, and it is a success. He has kindly consented to assist me in -locating the sunken isthmus. This boat is capable of remaining weeks -under the sea. The plan cannot fail.” - -In a moment dozens of the men were thronging about Wade, congratulating -him heartily. Skeptical they were no longer. Foes a moment back, now -they were fawning friends. Truly, nothing creates friendship like one’s -success. - -He was at once the lion of the hour. Scores of requests were showered -upon him. Would he procure such a specimen? Would he solve such a marine -problem? Was there any room on board the Sea Diver for another savant? - -Et cetera, et cetera. - -One still incredulous man ventured to ask: - -“Will not the sunken isthmus be like all the rest of the bed of the sea? -How will you prove it was ever above the surface?” - -“If an isthmus did exist in that locality,” said Wade, logically, “there -must have been habitations upon it. Probably I shall find ruins of a -village, town or city, or remains of forests or craters, or river beds. -There will be plenty of evidence if there ever was an isthmus.” - -Wade went to New York from Washington on the night train. As he was -whirled away upon the fast express he felt that he had really gained a -great victory. - -“I silenced that old hard-skull, Brown,” he muttered, with keen -satisfaction. “And he deserved it.” - -I know the reader will agree with Wade in this. That night he consumed -in getting back to his Manhattan home. - -The next day he packed his effects and started for Readestown. - -Deep down in the heart of lovely hills upon a river navigable to the sea -was the beautiful little city of Readestown. - -A number of generations of Reades had lived there, and all had been -inventors. But Frank Reade, Jr., the handsome young scion of the race, -had proved the most famous of all. - -The fact was, everything he took hold of succeeded. - -It was bound to “go,” and with a snap and vim characteristic of the -young American. - -In undertaking the construction of a submarine boat Frank had hit upon -that which had been an enigma to thousands of inventors. - -But his marvelous ingenuity won the day and he triumphed. - -The Sea Diver was conceived, outlined, charted and built. Then she was -tested and proved an unqualified success. - -In her outline the Sea Diver was long, slender and cylindrical, in the -shape of her hull. This rested upon a deep keel to insure steadiness, -which was a highly important matter. - -The hull of the submarine boat was constructed of plates of steel, -closely riveted. Above the cigar-shaped hull there was an open deck, -extending from stem to stern. - -In the center of the deck rose the dome, with the skylight and great -observation window. Under this was the luxuriously-appointed cabin. - -Just forward of this dome was the pilot-house, a smaller dome with heavy -plate-glass windows. Here the steersman could direct the course of the -boat and operate the electric keyboard which directed the vessel’s -engines, for the motive power of the Sea Diver was electricity, -furnished by a wonderful storage system. - -Aft there arose a square structure with bull’s-eye windows, with a -railed quarterdeck above it. This was called the after-cabin, and here -were the staterooms and living quarters of the submarine travelers. - -On this quarter deck there was a powerful searchlight, capable of a -reach of fully two miles. - -The interior of the Sea Diver lacked nothing in the way of equipment and -appointment. - -There were supplies of all kinds aboard for a cruise of two years. - -Amidships and under the big dome were the wonderful electric engines, by -means of which power was furnished for all the mechanism of the boat. - -In the pilot-house was the electric keyboard. Here were the various -little buttons and brass levers by means of which the doors and windows -could be hermetically sealed, the huge tank filled with water instantly -for the sinking of the boat, or again for raising it by the expulsion of -the water with pneumatic pressure. - -Thus the boat could be made to sink or rise at any desired depth; to go -forward or back at the pressure of a button. - -As wonderful as anything was the system of circulation by means of -chemically-made oxygen. Under the pilot-house there was placed a -generator which was capable of manufacturing pure oxygen, and also of -extracting and destroying the bad air or gases as fast as they were -created. - -Little pipes and open valves extended to every part of the boat through -which the oxygen was continually disseminated, so that the submarine -boat might remain an indefinite time under water and the voyagers could -be sure of breathing pure air all the time. - -In fact, not a detail was lacking to make the Sea Diver a safe vessel, a -comfortable home and a symmetrical, beautiful craft. - -It was true that Frank Reade, Jr., had done his best to perfect the new -submarine boat. - -That he had been successful it was easy enough to see. Nobody had more -confidence in him than his friend, Mr. Wilbur Wade. - -The scientist was ready to embark upon a voyage to any part of the -submarine world without considering for a moment the possible perils of -such a thing. He was a firm believer in the practicability of submarine -navigation, and the seaworthiness of the new boat. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS UNDERTAKEN. - - -Mr. Wade reached Readestown in due time. He proceeded at once to a hotel -and ate an early breakfast. - -Then he called a carriage and rode down to the machine shops of Frank -Reade, Jr. At that early hour he did not feel certain of meeting the -young inventor. - -But at the gate there was a sawed-off, comical little darky, who scraped -and bowed and said: - -“Yes, sah; I done reckon Marse Frank been lookin’ fo’ yo’ fo’ two days, -sah. He am in his office, sah. Show yo’ in, or does yo’ know de way?” - -“I know the way, Pomp,” said Wade, alighting from his carriage. “I’ll -find him.” - -Across the machine shop yard he went rapidly. He was about to enter a -small brick building by a half-open door when a man came out. - -He was a genuine type of Irishman, with comical mug, dancing blue eyes -and a shock of red hair. He stopped at sight of Mr. Wade and exclaimed: - -“Begorra, and I belave that is the gintlemin himsilf. Top av the day to -ye, sor. Is yer name Misther Wade, sor?” - -“It is,” replied the scientist. “And you are Barney?” - -“Yis, sor; an’ I was jist on the way to the tillygraph office wid a -message from Misther Frank for yez, sor. Shure, there’ll be no use av -sindin’ it now.” - -“Then he was about to wire me?” - -“Yis sor?” - -“Well, I must have kept him waiting,” declared Wade. “I will go right in -and see him.” - -“That’s roight, sor.” - -Wade passed through a narrow hallway and entered a square, high-ceiled -room, hung with curious looking charts and diagrams. A large table was -also covered with the same. - -At this sat a handsome young man, with a rare type of intellectual -features, and the air which belongs to a brainy man. - -“Wade!” he exclaimed, putting out his hand. “I was just going to wire -you.” - -“So I learn,” cried the scientist. “I am more than sorry if I have -delayed you.” - -“That is all right; you are quite ready for the start?” - -“Yes.” - -“Good! The Sea Diver is all equipped, and lies out there in the tank. -All we have to do is to go aboard, run her down the canal to the river, -and be off.” - -“For the Sunken Isthmus?” - -“Just so.” - -“If it exists.” - -“At any rate, we shall have a submarine voyage; but there is good reason -to believe that it exists.” - -“So I believe, though my fellow-members of the World’s Society are a bit -incredulous. We had quite an argument at the last session.” - -“Ah!” - -“But when I informed them that I was going to visit the spot in a real -submarine boat, they thought I was daft or gone mad until I mentioned -your name. That was like magic.” - -Frank laughed. - -“Do they know me?” he asked. - -“Indeed, yes, as the inventor of the airship. That settled a large -measure of doubt in their minds right off. Then there were those who -desired to share our fortunes.” - -This amused Frank muchly. - -“No doubt of it,” he laughed. “They began to see the elements of success -in your project. You can afford to snub them well, whether the isthmus -is discovered or not.” - -“Well,” said Wade, with a thrill of pleasure in his voice, “I look -forward with the keenest of pleasure to exploring the waters of the -Yucatan Channel. I am in complete readiness to start.” - -“Very good,” said Frank; “we will go on board to-night and start with -the early morning light. The Sea Diver lies in the tank, all ready. -Shall we take a look at her?” - -“With pleasure,” replied Wade. - -They left the office and crossed the yard to a gate. Passing through -this, another and larger yard was seen. In the center of this was a -large basin or tank of water. - -And in it floated the new submarine boat. - -The tank was connected by a series of locks with a canal which led down -to the river. It was thus an easy matter to sail direct from the factory -yard for any part of the world. - -Frank and Wade went on board the submarine boat. The latter picked out -his stateroom and made other necessary arrangements. Then he said: - -“I will go back to the hotel, Frank, and get my trunks. Then I will take -up my quarters permanently aboard the Sea Diver.” - -“Very good,” agreed Frank. “We will sail at an early hour in the -morning.” - -After Wade had gone, Frank called Barney and Pomp. He told these two -servitors of his purpose, and added: - -“You must be all in readiness; there must be no delay.” - -“All roight,” cried Barney, as he ducked his head and threw a -handspring; “it’s mesilf as will be there, sor.” - -“Golly, dis chile neber miss de chance, Marse Frank,” cried Pomp, -cutting a double-shuffle. - -These two comical characters had been associated with all the thrilling -experiences of Frank Reade, Jr., in his world-wide travels. - -Barney and Pomp were his faithful companions, and he would hardly have -been able to fill their places. Barney was an expert engineer and -electrician, and Pomp was the prince of cooks and a generally handy man. - -They were excellent company, and Frank never felt at a loss for -entertainment while in their company. He could ill have spared Barney -and Pomp. - -Barney and Pomp were the best of friends in all things, but each was as -full of fun as a nut is of meat. Consequently there was nothing they -enjoyed more than a rough and tumble wrestle or the playing of a -practical joke. - -If half the things they said to each other could have been taken -seriously, there would have been good ground for a duel at most any -time. But they knew better. - -So there were to be four people in the crew of the Sea Diver. Besides -Barney and Pomp, there were Frank Reade, Jr., and Wilbur Wade. - -All were on board the boat that night and all was in readiness for the -early start. It is safe to say that none in the party slept much that -night. - -Barney and Pomp were first astir. - -As they made things ship-shape and breakfast was announced by Pomp, -Frank and Wade came tumbling out. Then, after a light meal, Frank went -into the pilot-house. - -There were men on hand to open the locks and the boat was locked down -into the canal. Thence it glided on down into the river. - -It was an easy matter for Frank to place his finger upon an electric -button and direct the course of the boat where he chose. - -When they emerged into the river they were surprised to see a great -throng upon the river banks. Thousands of people were there gathered to -get a look at the new submarine boat. - -They cheered vociferously as the Sea Diver appeared. Down the river the -submarine boat glided. - -Soon Readestown was left behind. Other towns were passed, and in due -course the river widened and the open sea was spread out to their view. - -The great submarine cruise was really begun. - -Out into the Atlantic the Sea Diver ran. Frank still kept her to the -surface. - -For he knew that she could travel faster and easier there. There would -be enough deep-sea traveling later on. - -The course of the Diver was set for the Gulf of Mexico. - -Land faded quickly from view and soon only the boundless expanse of the -sea was on every hand. The horizon was at times dotted with sails, and -once one of the vessels in passing spoke the Sea Diver. - -For two days the submarine boat kept her southward course. Then one -morning as the voyagers tumbled out on deck Frank noted that the wind -was in the east and was beginning to kick up a nasty sea. - -The little boat rode the water like a cork. There was no question as to -her seaworthiness. - -But great, lowering clouds overhung the sky and pattering drops of rain -fell. Distant vessels were seen scudding under bare poles. - -“It’s my opinion,” said Wade who was something of a sailor, “that we are -going to have a big blow.” - -“I agree with you,” said Frank. - -“However, I reckon the Diver is well able to cope with any such a -storm?” - -“Indeed, yes,” said Frank. “If it gets too rough on the surface we can -take a trip below.” - -“Sure enough; we would never feel the storm there.” - -“It is hardly likely. Heigho! What is that? On my word, I believe those -were signals of distress!” - -Frank pointed to a distant vessel which had the appearance of a large -schooner-yacht. There was no doubt but that the signal of distress was -at her masthead. - -“She’s in trouble, surely,” cried Wade. “Can she have struck a leak?” - -“Begorra, she’s carryin’ too much sail fer the loikes av this breeze,” -cried Barney. “Shure, it’s crazy they are!” - -This was true. The schooner carried every rag of canvas. This was -plainly a reckless thing. - -It looked as if the crew were panic-stricken, or else ignorant of the -proper course of safety. Certainly the yacht was in a dangerous strait. - -The submarine voyagers were in a bit of a quandary. What should they do? - -Humanity dictated that they go to her assistance. Prudence, however, -asserted the policy of keeping away from her. - -There was no means of knowing how many were in her crew. They would -doubtless have to leave the schooner and would all pile aboard the Sea -Diver. This would be a perilous thing for the submarine voyagers. -Moreover, what would be done with them? - -Frank reflected some moments, then he said, with sudden resolution: - -“Humanity demands it. I cannot conscientiously refuse to give them aid.” - -“That’s right,” cried Wade. “We ought not to hesitate.” - -Frank stepped into the pilot-house, but even as his fingers touched the -keyboard a warning cry came from Wade. - -“It is too late,” he cried. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA. - - -This startling announcement of Wade’s caused a chill to traverse Frank’s -frame. He shot a hasty glance at the distant vessel. - -Then he saw the startling scene which had induced Wade’s declaration. - -The storm had swooped down upon the schooner like a foul fiend. One -brief glimpse of her fate was had. - -She was seen to keel over with the force of the blast. Then her sails -were in ribbons and her foremast snapped like a pipestem. - -The next moment she was on her beam-ends. Then the black cloud shut her -from view. - -The next moment the storm struck the Sea Diver. What followed was ever -after like a dream. - -The hurricane almost blew the staunch little boat out of the water. -Enormous seas were hurrying and crashing over her deck. - -Frank had ordered all into the cabin, and the doors and windows were -closed hermetically. But the shock of the storm threatened to dash the -little craft to pieces. - -Frank saw the possibility of much damage being done, so he cried: - -“Stand by the engines, Barney, I am going to send the boat down.” - -Frank pressed an electric button. In a moment the Sea Diver sank below -the surface. - -Down she settled, and for a moment all was darkness aboard her. Then -Frank pressed a small button. - -In a moment every electric light aboard was in full blast. A wonderful -scene was spread to view. - -The depth of the sea at this point was not more than one hundred and -fifty fathoms, so that the voyagers very quickly came in sight of the -bottom. - -Unlike the bed of the Pacific or the Indian Oceans, the Atlantic is -mostly devoid of coral reefs or reaches of white sand. - -There was a vast area of mud and slime, with some few marine plants -spread to view. Huge serpent-like eels wriggled through this, and -myriads of dark-hued fish scurried away rapidly. - -The scene was a sombre and by no means attractive one. Wade was not much -impressed. - -“Pshaw,” he exclaimed, in sheer disappointment, “so this is the home of -the mermaid and the charm of the deep sea, of which we read such -alluring accounts? Ugh! What a disillusion!” - -“Ah, but this is not a type of deep-sea regions,” replied Frank. “This -is a dirty part of the Atlantic, but before we return I think you will -see some beautiful sights. We shall find it different in the Caribbean.” - -“I hope so,” replied the scientist, with disgust. “Certainly this is a -horrible conception of deep-sea life, but I cannot help thinking of that -vessel. Do you suppose she is weathering the storm?” - -“It is a question,” replied Frank. “She was in very bad shape. However, -let us hope that she will.” - -“Amen to that. Is there nothing we can do to give her aid?” - -“I fear not; at least until the storm abates.” - -“She may be at the bottom by that time.” - -“That is possible. If afloat, however, she will be crippled and sorely -in need of aid.” - -The Sea Diver did not rest upon the muddy bottom, but was held in -suspension about twenty feet from it. Frank’s purpose was to return to -the surface as quickly as possible after the abating of the storm. - -After an hour had passed it was ventured to ascend. Frank took the wheel -of the Diver and held her steady. - -Up she went. - -Soon she felt the motion of the sea’s surface. It was not rough, and -Frank concluded that the hurricane had passed. - -So he let the Diver leap up into daylight. The electric lights were shut -off at the same moment. - -Eagerly the voyagers swept the rolling expanse with their eyes. Not a -sign of the schooner or any other vessel could be seen. - -“She has gone to the bottom,” gasped Wade; “her fate is sealed!” - -So it seemed. Frank procured his glass and scanned the vast expanse. He -closed it, finally, saying: - -“She has either gone down, or else the storm has blown her beyond our -range of vision.” - -“Do you believe the latter possible?” asked Wade. - -“It is very likely.” - -“I don’t know why it is,” said the scientist, “but I am mightily -interested in that vessel. I would like to know her fate for a -certainty.” - -“Indeed!” exclaimed Frank, with some surprise. “Why more interested in -her than any other craft we might meet?” - -“I can hardly tell,” replied Wade, “but it is a certain fact that I am. -I have some sort of a curious feeling that our career is in some manner -intertwined with hers.” - -Frank could not resist a laugh. - -“Moonshine!” he said. “Your imagination is getting the best of you, Mr. -Wade.” - -The scientist shook his head. - -“It may be all nonsense,” he said, “but we shall see.” - -The sea was yet a trifle rough. The hurricane had swept away beyond the -horizon and was quite out of sight. - -The Sea Diver once more stood away on her course. In a little while -matters had assumed the usual routine. - -Barney was at work slushing the deck to get rid of the accumulation -gained by the boat’s submersion. There were heaps of seaweed, great -masses of jellyfish and other forms of marine life. - -Pomp was in the galley preparing a smoking repast. He had opened a -window to admit air, and Barney chanced to pass near it. - -It was an ill moment for the Celt. - -Pomp had mixed some dough for bread a short while before, and now had -discovered that the yeast was unfit for use, and the bread as a result, -was spoiled. This put the darky out of temper. - -“I don’ see wha’ was de mattah wif dat ar yeast,” he grumbled. “Kain’t -seem to do nuffin’ wif it. Dere am all dat dough sp’iled. It meks me -berry mad. Well, dere’s one fing it can make food fo’, an’ dat am de -fishes. So here goes!” - -The coon picked up the huge mass of dough and hurled it through the open -window. He expected that it would land far out in the water. But it -didn’t. - -As luck had it, Barney was just passing that way. He came in a line with -the window just in time to get that soft, sticky mass full in the side -of the head. - -The soft dough split around his skull, with such force did it strike -him, and stopped his ear, nostrils and eyes. The Celt went down as if -struck by a cannonball. - -For a second he was unable to realize what had happened. Pomp was for -that brief instant aghast. - -“Massy Lordy!” he muttered; “I done hit somebody!” - -Then he ran to the window and looked out. - -When he saw who it was and noted Barney’s comical plight he could not -help but roar with laughter. - -The Celt scrambled to his feet. His mop was at one end of the deck and -his pail of suds at the other. - -“Tare an’ ‘ounds!” he roared, as he put up his hands and felt the mass -of soft dough, not knowing what it was, “it’s me brains they’ve knocked -out av me! Howly murther! It’s kilt I am! It’s kilt I am!” - -Then he chanced to uncover one eye and saw Pomp in a paroxysm at the -galley window. He glanced down at his hand, which was full of dough. - -Well, the transition was brief. A madder Irishman old Neptune never bore -upon his heaving bosom. - -With angry hands Barney tried to claw the dough from his mop of red -hair. Of course, it only clung the worse. - -He managed to get his eyes clear and his ear, then he made the air blue -about him. - -“Howly shmoke, but I’ll have the heart av yez fer that!” he roared, “yez -black-skinned ape, yez! Have at yez! I’ll tache ye to insult a -gintlemin!” - -“Hi—hi—hi! Massy Lordy!” howled Pomp, “dat am de berry funniest fing!” - -“Yez think it funny eh?” roared Barney. “Well, yez won’t think that way -whin I git done wid yez!” - -“Ho—ho—ho! hi—hi—hi!” - -“Phwat do yez mane by threating me thot way?” roared Barney, trying to -claw the dough out of his hair. - -“How yo’ fink I know yo’ was gwine to get hit?” cried Pomp. “Wha’ yo’ -git in de way, fo’?” - -“Do yez mane to say yez didn’t throw that on purpose?” - -“Course I didn’. I was goin’ to frow it into de sea when yo’ head cum -along an’ jes’ got in de way.” - -“Arrah, an’ that’ll do very well fer yez to say,” cried the Celt, “but -if yez think I belave it——” - -“Shuah, it’s de troof,” protested Pomp. - -“I’ll tache yez to hit me wid a doughball an’ thin lie about it -aftherwards,” roared the Celt. And then he made a dive for the window. - -But Pomp clashed it shut in his face. The Celt rushed around to the -galley door. - -But the darky shut the bolt in this, and for the time was master of the -situation. But, though baffled, Barney was not defeated. - -He retired, vowing the direst of vengeance. It took an hour’s hard work -to get the clinging dough out of his hair. - -Nor did he get any sympathy from any one. When Frank and Wade heard the -story they laughed heartily. This made Barney only the madder. - -“Be me sowl!” he muttered, “I’ll more than aven it up wid that black -rascal. Shure, I’ll tache him manners!” - -How Barney accomplished his purpose we shall see at a later day. - -The Sea Diver kept on its course for the rest of that day. - -Night finally shut down, dark and moonless. But with the searchlight it -was easy for the Diver to travel, with no fear of a collision. - -She was rapidly nearing Key West, and would the next day be in Gulf -waters. The air was fresh and delightful, and the voyagers sat out on -deck until a late hour. - -While thus enjoying themselves, suddenly Barney sprung up. - -“Shure, sor!” he cried, motioning to Frank, “there’s a lot of colored -loights over there. Phwat do yez make av it?” - -“A vessel in distress!” exclaimed Frank, as he scrutinized the distant -signals. “Do you suppose it was our schooner?” - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - A WONDERFUL NARRATIVE. - - -Perhaps the most startled member of the party was Wilbur Wade. He rushed -to the rail, straining his gaze in the direction of the signal lights. - -“I knew it would come!” he cried, excitedly. “I was sure we had not seen -the last of that schooner.” - -Certainly some vessel, distant but a few miles, was flying signal lights -of distress. - -The submarine voyagers would have been inhuman, indeed, not to have -responded. The Diver’s prow was turned toward the lights. - -Rapidly she drew nearer, and the searchlight was focused upon the -vessel. Then there was a cry of recognition. - -“I told you so!” cried Wade, eagerly; “it is the schooner!” - -Nearer the Diver rapidly drew. When within fifty yards of the disabled -schooner there came a loud hail: - -“Steam yacht ahoy!” - -“Ahoy the schooner!” replied Frank. - -“What yacht is that?” - -“This is not a yacht.” - -“Oh, a torpedo cruiser, eh?” - -“No,” replied Frank; “this is the submarine boat, the Sea Diver, Captain -Frank Reade, Jr., of Readestown, U. S. A.” - -There was a moment’s silence. - -Then a surprised voice said: - -“A submarine boat? Do you mean that literally?” - -“I do,” replied Frank. - -“Well, that beats me! Where are you bound?” - -“Before I answer any more questions,” shouted Frank, “let me ask you a -few.” - -“All right.” - -“What craft are you?” - -“This is the schooner-yacht Meta, of the American Yacht Club, Captain -Hardy Poole. We are bound for the Yucatan Channel, but this storm has -taken away our foreyard, and we want to strike some vessel which carries -a spare one.” - -“Are you in distress in any other way?” asked Frank. - -“No.” - -“Well, then, we cannot help you. We wish you success and good-night.” - -“Wait!” shouted the captain of the schooner; “don’t leave us yet. I am -interested in your statement about your craft. I will send off a boat to -bring you aboard. Perhaps I can tell you something of interest.” - -Frank was surprised. - -“What do you mean?” he asked. - -“I will explain later. Look for our boat!” - -Frank hesitated a moment. Then he turned to Wilbur Wade. - -“What can he desire to see us about?” he asked. “Is it worth while to -wait and ascertain?” - -“Oh, by all means!” cried Wade. “Don’t you remember what he said? He is -also bound for the Yucatan Channel!” - -“That is so,” exclaimed Frank, with sudden recollection. - -“I tell you, this schooner is in some way bound to become involved in -our project. Some strange presentiment has told me that!” - -“It is quite a coincidence,” muttered Frank. “Yet I cannot see how his -trip to the channel can in any way affect us.” - -“We shall see. I would like to go aboard the schooner with you, Frank.” - -“Certainly.” - -Frank stepped into the pilot-house and gave Barney orders to lie by and -wait for their return. Then he put on a light overcoat, as did Wade, and -they were ready for the visit. - -Very soon a dark object came bounding over the waves toward them. It was -the yacht’s boat. - -Presently it reached the gangway of the Diver. - -“Ahoy!” came the hail; “this is the Meta’s boat waiting for Captain -Reade.” - -“All right,” cried Frank, as he slid down into the boat. He was followed -by Wade. - -A moment later four strong oarsmen were rowing them rapidly over to the -yacht. - -Once alongside it was an easy matter to mount the gangway and meet the -captain of the Meta awaiting them at the rail. - -He was a tall, powerfully framed man, and in the glare of the lanterns -he was seen to be possessed of a dark, stern cast of features. Frank’s -first glance was not exactly a favorable one. - -He shook hands. - -“This is Mr. Reade, I presume?” asked the captain of the yacht. - -“It is,” replied Frank. “And this, I presume, is Captain Poole? I have -brought my friend, Mr. Wilbur Wade, with me.” - -Poole gave Wade a critical glance. - -“You are both welcome,” he said. “Come into the cabin.” - -Without further ceremony they followed the schooner’s captain. The cabin -of the Meta was richly furnished. - -But both Frank and Wade noted one curious fact. - -Every man of the schooner’s crew, and even Poole himself carried arms. -They wore belts and revolver pouches. - -In these piping times of peace—and certainly in these seas—this could -but be regarded as very strange. To the visitors it even had a sinister -look. - -On their way to the cabin Wade had an opportunity to whisper to Frank: - -“Did you note those pistols?” - -“Yes,” replied Frank. - -“Are they cranks or pirates?” - -Frank could hardly restrain a laugh. - -“It is very mysterious!” he said. “Keep your eyes open. We will soon -find out what it means.” - -As they entered the cabin Poole motioned them to seats at a table. He -sat opposite. - -He was now plainly revealed in the glare of the cabin lamp. As his -visitors thus got a good look at him, each experienced a peculiar -sensation. - -It seemed almost like a chill. - -In all his life Frank thought he had never seen a man of such remarkable -appearance. - -His features were long and almost cadaverous. His eyes dark and piercing -and burning with a strange light. He wore a sharp imperial and pointed -mustache, with a saturnine smile which gave a truly Mephistophelian -appearance. - -In plain terms he was out and out the thorough type of the villain. Such -both Frank and Wade adjudged him. - -For a moment they sat there facing this strange being, who seemed like a -portrait from a piratical past. Poole’s shifty gaze roamed over them, -and then he spoke: - -“I am honored by this visit, Mr. Reade. It is certainly fate which has -thrown us together in this way, for I am very sure that we may be of -mutual service to each other.” - -“Indeed!” said Frank, with a little surprise; “I shall be pleased to -know just how.” - -“First I must tell you a story,” said Poole, with a crafty smile. “It -concerns my mission and the character of my yacht and crew.” - -“Really——” - -“That is all right. I know that you have not failed to size up our -peculiar appearance. Is it not true that we bear the appearance of -latter-day pirates?” - -“Why—I—I—had not thought much about that,” stammered Frank. - -“Ah, yes, you have. It is not usual for people to go armed in these -times. The days of Morgan, the rover, and Kidd, the buccaneer, are long -past; yet we are seen emulating them.” - -Frank and Wade were speechless. They could do nothing but stare at the -speaker. - -He smiled in his saturnine way. - -“Fear not,” he said, in his cool, almost impudent way. “I have not -entrapped you, nor decoyed you on board this yacht for any nefarious -purpose. Your statement that you were the possessor of a submarine boat -has interested me, and I have a remarkable proposition to make. But -first to my story: - -“I am a native of Sicily, though an American by extraction, that is, I -was born in that island, of Yankee parents. I was some years ago the -possessor of a large fortune, but Monte Carlo and a fast life soon -dissipated it. - -“I had a half-brother, by name Alfonso, my father having married a -Spanish lady. We were never good friends. We quarreled at every -available opportunity. - -“Despite this, Alfonso came to me when we were both penniless and -begging for alms in Naples. He was a rogue, was Alfonso, but had no head -for scheming. He assured me that he was on the track of a fortune. - -“He produced a tin box, containing an ancient chart which had been an -heirloom in his mother’s family. It was a map of an isle in the sea and -described the location of a buried treasure upon that isle. Millions in -Peruvian gold had been buried there by a buccaneering ancestor. But, -alas! the latitude and longitude was so obscurely marked that it could -not be deciphered. - -“If there was any way to make that out, then the location of the -treasure might be established and a fortune reaped. Alfonso had great -faith in my sagacity, and deemed it possible that I might accomplish -what others had failed to do. So he brought the charts to me. - -“And he was right. I puzzled over the figures for a long time. Then I -experimented with chemicals. I at length found a certain one which, by -soaking the vellum, raised the obliterated figures and made them -perceptible to the eye. By studying the map I learned that the gold was -buried upon the Isle of Mona, in the Channel of Yucatan. - -“We were half insane with our discovery. But for a time it seemed as if -it would avail us naught. - -“To reach the isle we must have a ship, and a crew of sworn and trusted -men. For a long time we were in a quandary. But at length we found -Signor Barboni, a merchant of Palermo, who lent us his assistance. A -small ship was fitted out secretly and we sailed, nine men of us, -Alfonso and Barboni. - -“In due course we reached Mona. We landed at once and began to search -for the treasure. And here was our grand mistake. - -“We had traced our way into a rocky cavern. Digging in the sand we had, -as we believed, almost reached the gold. A bit of earthen pottery was -thrown out and a coin found, when a reverse came. - -“Suddenly there descended upon us a hundred or more savage Caribs. A -terrible battle ensued. - -“We were not effectively armed, and the odds were tremendous. My brother -Alfonso was brained by one of the savages. Signor Barboni was the next -victim. We fought our way to the surf, and only three of us, covered -with wounds, reached the ship. - -“We spread sails to get away from the accursed place. A calm was on the -sea, however, and there we lay until nightfall. Then a terrible thing -happened.” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - A BOLD ESCAPE. - - -Poole paused a moment, huskily. He arose and took down a decanter and -glasses. - -He filled and offered them to his visitors. They sipped the wine. He -took a copious draught and then went on: - -“Somewhat curiously, the Caribs did not come out to our boat to attack -us. If they had we must have yielded easily. - -“But we soon learned the reason why. They were treasure-mad. With our -picks and shovels they had dug up the gold and were fighting over it -like wolves. - -“As darkness began to shut down the sea began to experience a strange -motion. A dull, cannon-like roar came out of the west. Then we witnessed -a terrible phenomenon. - -“The waters rose like a mighty flood over the isle. At least that was -the way it looked. But instead it was the isle which sank into the sea.” - -Frank and Wade each drew a deep breath. - -They had been intensely interested. - -“Then,” continued Poole, “we had hard work to save the ship, but we made -out to live through the vortex, and having fair weather worked the ship -into the port of Havana. - -“Here we sold her and returned to Paris. I separated from my companions. -Monte Carlo drew me into its grip once more, and one night the devil -aided me and I broke the bank. - -“My first fate was to succumb to the treasure fever. I bought this yacht -and fitted it out with a view to making a fighting vessel of it. This -time I was bound to have means of defense in case of attack. - -“My men are picked and trusty. They are all bound to me by the most -powerful of oaths. I have every sort of diving apparatus aboard. In this -manner I have hoped to recover the treasure. This is my story.” - -Neither Frank nor Wade spoke. There was silence for a moment. Then Poole -said, in a metallic voice: - -“If you have a submarine boat it will be of more service to me than to -you. How will you trade it for this yacht? Name your price!” - -Frank met the other’s gaze steadily, and replied: - -“I do not care to exchange.” - -Poole’s face grew livid. - -His hand instinctively went to his belt. He said: - -“Oh, I can see your game. You will easily recover the treasure yourself -of which I have told you. But I may as well tell you now that game will -not work. You cannot leave this cabin alive unless you come to terms!” - -It was a thrilling moment. - -Wade’s face paled. - -But Frank was as cool as an icicle. - -“That is a strong statement,” he said. “Only a pirate would make it.” - -“As you please,” said Poole, carelessly. “I claim the treasure, and it -shall be mine!” - -“For all of me, you can claim it and recover it,” said Frank. “We are -not hunting for treasure.” - -It was Poole’s turn now to look utter astonishment. - -He sank back in his chair and looked cunningly at his visitors. - -“Where are you bound?” - -“To the Yucatan Channel,” replied Frank. - -“On what errand?” - -“A purely scientific one. My friend here, Mr. Wade, is a member of the -American Scientific Society and claims that at one time an isthmus -existed between the points of Cape San Antonio and Cape Catoche. To -prove the matter we propose to explore the deep sea in that vicinity.” - -Poole drew a deep breath. - -His eyes glittered. - -“Mona was upon that parallel,” he said. “You will be sure to locate the -treasure that belongs to me; I claim it by right of prior discovery. Of -this I warn you!” - -“Claim it, and be hanged!” said Wade, with disgust. “Come, Frank, let us -go back.” - -Both men arose. - -But Poole drew a brace of pistols and placed his back against the cabin -door. He looked ugly. - -“You shall not leave here until you have given me your oath,” he said. - -“You will obstruct us at your peril,” said Frank, very quietly. - -“I seem to have the best of the situation just now,” said the villain, -showing his white teeth. - -“What sort of an oath do you require us to give?” asked Wade. - -“You must swear that you will not touch the sunken treasure of Mona,” -said the villain, intensely. “You look like men of honor. If you give me -your word, you will be likely to keep it.” - -“We will give our word,” replied the scientist. “Eh, Frank?” - -“Certainly,” replied the young inventor. - -Poole studied their faces a moment closely. Then the lines of his face -relaxed. - -“You will pardon the trouble I have put you to, gentlemen,” he said, -“but I am gold-mad. I must have the treasure! I cannot be balked in my -purpose!” - -“Well,” said Wade, “we have agreed to your terms.” - -The villain smiled. - -“There are other things,” he said. - -Frank’s eyes flashed. He drew his lithe form up. - -Wade looked disappointed and not a little alarmed that his temporizing -had not been a better success. - -Poole fixed his keen gaze upon the two men and continued: - -“You have the power to visit the depths of the sea. If Mona is sunk too -deep our diving apparatus must fail. Since you will not trade or sell -your boat, I must charter it for the purpose of bringing up the gold. I -will pay you well for the service—yes, I will give you a fifth of the -treasure. Come now, is not that fair?” - -For a moment Frank Reade, Jr., was so overwhelmed with scorn that he -could not speak. When he did recover his voice it was metallic and -raspy. - -“My friend,” he said, “you labor under a wrong impression. We are not -fools; neither are we to be cajoled or bullied. If you had come to me in -an honorable, open manner I would not have refused the favor, but as it -stands, I would not grant it to you for any consideration. We are going -back to our boat. Be so kind as to unbar that door.” - -In spite of his pretended advantage the villain quailed before Frank’s -eagle gaze and commanding manner. - -He moved uneasily, then took up a whining tone: - -“Now, come, my friend, don’t be unreasonable. I didn’t mean those -threats. You shall not be sorry.” - -Frank took a step forward. The fellow raised one of his pistols. Quick -as lightning Frank grabbed his wrist and then with a downright blow of -his other hand, dashed the other pistol from his grip. At the same -moment he drew back and hurled the villain from the door. It was done in -the twinkling of an eye. - -Poole himself was astounded at the ease with which Frank accomplished -this. His murderous spirit at once flamed up. - -“Curse you!” he hissed. “I’ll have your life for that!” - -He wrenched his hand free and raised the pistol left him. But like a -flash Wade brought his fist down upon the villain’s hand and dashed the -weapon to the floor. - -Then the scientist proved that he could fight as well as solve -geographical problems. With a leap like a panther he had clutched -Poole’s windpipe. - -Frank came to his aid, and together they bore the villain to the cabin -floor. He could make no outcry, and, furious though he was, could not -act. - -Could he have made an outcry, or a signal of alarm, in less time than it -takes to tell it he would have had assistance which would have turned -the tables. - -But Frank and Wade were already determined upon their plan of action. - -They knew well that if they allowed their prisoner to make an outcry -their fate would be sealed. So while Wade held the helpless villain by -the throat Frank forced a gag into his mouth. - -Then he hastily tied his arms and legs with some cord which he found in -the cabin. Thus placed hors-de-combat, the wretch was left. - -Frank and Wade very coolly stepped out of the cabin and closed the door -behind them. A moment later they were on deck. - -Two armed men of the crew stood at the gangway, but neither Frank nor -Wade affected to notice them, and descended to the boat. - -“Row us back!” said Frank, authoritatively to the oarsmen. - -“Ay, ay, sir!” was the reply, and they bent to their work. A few minutes -later Frank and Wade were on board the Sea Diver. - -They had barely gained the deck when an uproar was heard on board the -schooner. - -“They have found him!” exclaimed Wade. “What shall we do, Frank?” - -“Put on all speed, Barney!” cried Frank. “Steer due west!” - -“All roight, sor.” - -The submarine boat shot forward. But just at that moment a jet of flame -shot from the side of the schooner, and a heavy boom smote upon the air. - -A cannonball just grazed the stern of the Sea Diver. - -“Egad!” cried Wade. “That won’t do, Frank! If that had struck us fair we -would have gone to the bottom to stay!” - -“Right!” cried Frank. “Douse the lights, Barney. Veer to the south.” - -All was done in the twinkling of an eye. The Diver was in instant -darkness and was running away like a flash on another course. - -The piratical schooner kept up a random fire in an opposite direction. -But the game had slipped them. - -“Hurrah!” cried Wade, jubilantly, “didn’t we give them a good slip! -Serves the rascals right!” - -“Aye,” replied Frank; “he was more than a rogue, that fellow!” - -“We may see him again.” - -“If we do, we will not place ourselves in the lion’s mouth again.” - -“You are right.” - -It was true that their destination was the same—that is, the Yucatan -Channel, but forewarned is forearmed, and the voyagers were not to be -deceived in the character of Hardy Poole now. - -“Begorra, it’s bad luck to the omadhouns,” cried Barney. “Av we only had -a dynamite gun wid us now, we’d be able to settle their account -foriver!” - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS. - - -The submarine boat ran on until the lights of the schooner were lost -below the horizon. When daylight came there was naught but a clear sea -between them. - -“We are in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico,” said Frank, with some -satisfaction. “Cuba is on our lee.” - -This caused all a thrill of excitement. - -It was not a long run to the extremity of the “ever-faithful isle,” and -then the Channel of Yucatan would be reached. - -Frank reckoned that they would make it easily by the next noon. The Meta -would be certainly a day longer covering the same distance. - -That the schooner would really visit the locality Frank had every reason -to believe. But he anticipated no trouble in keeping out of her way. - -Steadily onward the Sea Diver ran. At length land was sighted to the -southwest. - -“The Isle of Cuba!” cried Wade. - -“No,” said Frank; “Cuba is farther to the east. Those are some little -cays which lay off the coast. We must bear off a little to the west.” - -At this moment Barney sighted a sail. It was a coast lugger and carried -some trading natives from Honduras. - -They signaled the Diver in a careless sort of way and then scurried off -to the eastward. - -“They are afraid of us,” cried Wade. - -Frank laughed. - -“Doubtless they think us a government boat or war vessel,” he said. -“Their trade may be of an illicit kind.” - -However this was, the lugger certainly got out of the way very rapidly. -She was soon lost to view. - -They were now well into the Yucatan Channel. Wilbur Wade was a very busy -man. - -He was hurriedly making his reckoning and drawing his lines for -exploration. The Sea Diver sailed slowly westward the while. - -At length she came to a stop. It was at this point that the quest was to -begin. - -If there was really such a thing in existence as the Sunken Isthmus this -was certainly the locality to look for it. - -“I have been thinking about that sunken Isle of Mona,” said Wade. “Why -might it not have been a part of the isthmus?” - -“Very likely,” agreed Frank. “We may be directly over it now.” - -“Eh!” exclaimed Wade, with a start. “And if we should come across the -treasure——” - -The two men looked at each other. - -“I don’t see why it would not be lawfully ours as well as Poole’s,” said -Frank. “Yet, I have no hankering for it.” - -“Still, we might rescue it from the sea. Certainly if Poole gets it he -will make no good use of it. It would be a mercy to cheat him out of it. -Yet we have given him our oath——” - -“Pshaw!” said Frank. “That does not count. It is not binding after what -followed.” - -“That is true. However, I don’t believe there is a very great chance of -our finding any treasure. Let it stay down there with the drowned -Caribs. Doubtless it is accursed gold.” - -“I am agreeable.” - -Down settled the boat. - -The electric lights flashed forth, and now a remarkable scene was -presented to the view of the voyagers. - -In that one moment of strained gaze it was seen that the hypothesis of -the Sunken Isthmus was a thrilling truth. - -It was an exciting fact. - -Below them the searchlight showed a deep defile between rocky hills. And -upon the sides of those hills there were leafless trees, with arms and -branches and trunks as natural as life. - -The wonderful chemical action of the water in these seas had doubtless -caused a species of petrifaction. Astounded, the voyagers gazed upon the -wonderful spectacle. - -Wade was right in his element. - -His hobby, his pet theory, had found verification. It only needed more -extensive research to establish the fact of the complete isthmus. - -For there was, of course, always the chance that this might be a part of -the sunken Island of Mona. But Wade would not credit this. - -“It is the isthmus,” he declared; “of that I am very sure. Now, to -locate its coasts and contour. This can only be done by following it.” - -So the Diver sailed slowly on, it being an easy matter to trace the line -of the sunken shore. - -“Which way shall we go first?” asked Frank. “To Cape San Antonio or to -Cape Catoche?” - -“To the last,” replied Wade; “then we’ll come back and make a sure thing -of the lines.” - -Over the deep defiles and rocky heights the submarine boat sailed slowly -on. - -The searchlight was kept at work, flashing hither and thither, and every -new object of interest was carefully studied. - -Soon the topography of the Sunken Isthmus began to change. The rocky -hills sloped gradually away into a plain. - -Here the Diver descended very close to the bed of the sea and Wade -outlined quite distinctly the original coast. - -The sinking of the earth’s crust, which had resulted in this submersion -of the isthmus, was not to be easily explained. Some internal revolution -was very likely responsible for it. - -“Now,” cried Wade, after some careful study, “let us change our course -to the south; I would like to know the exact width of the isthmus.” - -The Diver’s course was changed accordingly. For four hours it sailed -over the deep-sea plain. Then indications were plainly seen which told -that this was the southern extremity of the isthmus. - -“Fifty miles,” announced Frank, as he consulted the gauge; “that is the -breadth of the isthmus at this point.” - -“It is probably the average breadth,” said Wade, “although it is not -impossible that it may have been wider in some other localities.” - -The course was now changed to the east. It was not a great distance to -the Cuban coast. - -Half a day’s steady deep-sea sailing showed the usual signs of the -surface, and Frank brought the Diver to a stop just over a jagged reef -of coral. - -There were great reaches of sand before them which trended upwards. That -they ultimately rose above the surface in the form of a beach there was -no doubt. - -“We have reached the end of the isthmus,” declared Frank, “or at least -that end which once joined the Cuban isle.” - -“To make sure of it,” said Wade, “suppose we rise to the surface.” - -Frank touched the tank-lever and the boat sprung upward. The next moment -it was above the surface. - -But all was darkness upon the sea. The hour was 4 A. M. and the sun had -not yet colored the east. - -But Frank turned on the searchlight and showed the cliffs distant not -quite a half mile. That it was the Cuban isle there could be little -doubt. - -However, to make sure, the Diver lay-to off the coast until daybreak. -Then bearings were taken. A small pearl-fishing sloop passed near. - -Wade hailed it and learned for a fact that the coast was that of Cuba. -Then he said: - -“Let us go back to the deep sea. I ask only to follow the isthmus to the -peninsula of Yucatan. All doubt will then be settled. My friend, -Professor Brown, will then be very willing to admit his error.” - -“He will if he is not pig-headed,” said Frank. - -He was about to touch the tank-lever when Barney from the deck, gave a -sudden sharp cry: - -“Whurroo, Misther Frank, shure, it’s a sail off to windward!” - -“A sail?” - -Frank and Wade gazed in that direction. Then both gave a violent start. -A small schooner was seen bearing down upon the Diver. - -Wade’s eyes dilated. - -“It is the Meta!” he exclaimed; “they are making for us!” - -This was the truth. Hardy Poole’s piratical schooner it was, and they -had sighted the submarine boat. - -She was bearing down rapidly, with all sails set. Frank and his -companions watched the schooner with some curiosity. - -But Frank knew that it would never do for the schooner to come within -cannon shot. One ball striking the submarine boat would be likely to -ruin her. - -So he ran up a signal flag of defiance. It was seen by Poole, and a -cannon was fired in reply. - -Then the voyagers skipped into the cabin and Frank sent the Diver to the -bottom. - -Westward now over the sunken isthmus her prow was turned. For hours she -kept on. - -Toward night the place where they had first descended was reached. Here -a stop was made. - -Thus far the trip was a glowing success. No serious mishap had marred -the project. - -But could the submarine voyagers have read the future they would have -experienced not a little of fear and dread apprehension. - -Thrilling events were in store. - -So far there had been discovered no indication or logical evidence of -the possible existence of inhabitants on the isthmus in former days. -Wade was not a little disappointed. - -But when he remembered that there was yet a goodly distance between them -and the Yucatan coast he did not altogether lose faith. - -He hoped for the best. - -All were somewhat exhausted with the incidents of the past forty-eight -hours, so they were glad enough to turn in, Barney being left on guard, -to be relieved by Pomp later in the night. - -This was the usual arrangement. - -Barney was completely exhausted himself, and in spite of his efforts to -the contrary fell asleep at his post. - -He was far advanced into the mystic Land of Nod when a startling thing -happened. - -From the gloom of a defile near there appeared a monster black form. It -glided once or twice around the Diver as if to size it up. - -The creature’s powerful curiosity was aroused and it ventured into the -glare of the searchlight. - -It was a strange creature. - -Had Barney been awake he would have seen a monster specimen of a fish -which seemed a cross between a shark and a whale. But he failed to see -it at that moment, though he speedily became aware of its proximity. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE. - - -The curious fish passed several times around the Diver. Then it drew off -with an apparent air of offended dignity and aroused jealousy. - -What right had this unknown creature to venture into these waters? It -looked as if this was the reasoning of the huge fish. - -Whether it was or not, one thing was certain. The creature had made up -its mind to attack the submarine boat. - -Steadily it drew back, flopping its huge flukes, until finally it -stopped and was motionless a moment. - -Then it darted forward. - -Barney was in the midst of a beautiful dream of home when suddenly he -felt himself flying through space. Then it seemed as if he was coming in -contact with a legion of hard objects and sharp corners. - -In an instant he was wide awake. It required a moment for him to collect -his scattered senses. - -Then he realized that the boat was moving. It was flying upward like a -rocket and suddenly popped up onto the surface of the sea. - -The Celt, astounded beyond measure, rushed into the pilot-house. There -he saw that things were thrown all about. - -There was a dent in the wall of the structure large enough to force the -electric keyboard from its post. The wires were all tangled up or -disconnected and the tank-lever had been closed by the shock. - -“Mither presarve us!” muttered the Celt. “Phwat the divil happened?” - -At that moment Frank and Pomp and Wade came rushing in. - -“For mercy’s sake, what struck us, Barney?” cried the young inventor. -“What’s the matter?” - -“Shure, sor—I—that is—it must have been an airthquake, sor!” - -“More likely an avalanche,” declared Wade. “Heigho! how came we on the -surface?” - -“Golly, look at dat keyb’d!” ejaculated Pomp. - -Frank gazed at Barney. - -“What was the cause of this, sir?” he asked, sternly. “Why don’t you -speak?” - -Poor Barney! - -Cold sweat stood out upon his brow. He knew that he had been guilty of a -serious misdemeanor. A culpable act of negligence. - -“Shure, sor—I—I—don’t know,” he stammered. - -“You don’t know?” exclaimed Frank, severely. “Were you not on guard?” - -“Yis, sor.” - -“And you don’t know what caused all this wreckage?” - -“Well, sor, somethin’ must av sthruck the boat, sor—an’—I didn’t see -phwat it was, sor.” - -Frank looked keenly at the Celt. - -“Tell me truly,” he said; “were you asleep?” - -It was against Barney’s principle to lie. - -“Yis, sor,” he replied. - -Frank turned away. - -“That is enough!” he said, reproachfully. “I thought I could trust you.” - -With his nerves tingling with shame, Barney slunk away. But Frank -uttered no further words of censure, for he knew that the poor fellow -was wellnigh warranted in his negligence, for he was extremely -exhausted. - -Still, he should have kept awake. - -The Diver rocked in the rolling waves of the sea. The night was as dark -as a pocket. - -Frank would have sent the boat to the bottom again, but he soon found -that he was unable to do this. The lever was out of order. - -In order to locate the break he would be obliged to put hours of hard -work into the task. He decided to wait for daylight. - -So he put Pomp on watch and then all retired again to their slumbers. -The coon was not in danger of sleeping after what had happened to -Barney. - -He paced the deck of the Diver and kept a close watch of the sea. It was -in that interval of darkness just before the dawn that he saw a light -off the port bow. - -It seemed to come from the masthead of a distant vessel and was a -colored light. The coon watched it. - -When he saw it was drawing nearer he started to call Frank, but he -changed his mind a moment later. - -The unknown craft passed to windward and the light suddenly vanished and -was not seen again. - -Morning came and brought a surprise. The first thing Pomp’s eager eyes -rested on was a dark hull off to the southward. - -It was a small vessel bearing down toward the Diver. - -Pomp gave a sharp look at it and then muttered: - -“Fo’ de lan’s sake, I done beliebe dat am dat piratical schooner. Reckon -Frank bettah see ‘bout dat.” - -But Frank was already coming on deck. - -He met the excited darky, and seeing his trepidation, asked: - -“What’s the matter now, Pomp?” - -“A heap de mattah, sah. I reckon dat ole schooner am comin’ fo’ us -again.” - -Frank gave a violent start. - -“Is that so?” he ejaculated. “Why, we seem fated to be followed by her. -It will hardly be safe to fall in with her in our present condition, -either.” - -“Yo’ am right, sah.” - -Wade was just behind Frank. - -“Eh, what’s that?” he asked. “You don’t mean to say that that accursed -schooner has overtaken us again?” - -“Dat am so, sah,” replied Pomp. - -“That is very bad.” - -Frank and Wade went to the rail with their glasses. It did not require -much of a scrutiny to determine that Pomp was right. - -It was the Meta, and she had evidently sighted the Diver. She was coming -on with all sails spread. - -“By Jove!” exclaimed Frank, “she will be down onto us in a jiffy. We -must get out of here right away.” - -“For a fact!” agreed Wade. “What shall we do, Frank? We cannot sink the -boat, can we?” - -“No,” replied the young inventor. “Our only hope is to run away from her -until we can get our tank machinery repaired.” - -“But is not the other machinery out of order, too? Have you tried the -motor-lever yet?” - -Frank’s face paled. - -“No,” he admitted, “but I think it will be all right. We will soon know -the truth now!” - -It must be confessed that with some feeling of trepidation and doubt -Frank now entered the pilot-house. He tried to adjust the shattered -keyboard. - -And now he saw that a great peril threatened! The motor-lever would not -work. The electric lights even could not be shut off. - -There was no way to start the machinery of the boat without restoring -the keyboard connection. This would require some hours of hard work. - -In the meantime the Meta was rapidly coming down upon them. Frank -shivered as he thought of this. - -He regretted now that he had not at once set about repairing the -machinery the night before. But it was of no use to cry over spilled -milk. - -Something must be done, and that at once. - -Wade came into the pilot-house white as chalk. - -“They mean to sink us!” he gasped; “they have just fired a shot across -our stern. When they get our range they will certainly hit us!” - -“Run up a signal,” replied Frank, hastily. “You must temporize with -them. Partly accede to their terms. Anything to gain time.” - -And Frank began work at once upon the keyboard. Wade took the tip and -rushed out on deck. - -The Meta was now within easy cannon shot. She was training her gun again -when Wade ran up a signal flag. - -It implied a parley, and at once the Meta answered it. - -“Begorra, I only wish we had our electric gun wid us!” cried Barney. -“Shure, we’d jist play wid thim, yez kin be sure!” - -But Wade knew well that their only hope was a shrewd game of policy. He -went back to the pilot-house. - -“How much time do you want, Frank?” he asked. - -“At least two hours,” replied the young inventor. “Send Barney here to -me.” - -Barney came, and together they worked at repairing the keyboard. Wade -went back to the deck. - -The Meta had signaled again. Wade answered the signal. - -Then the schooner drew within hailing distance. Wade had resolved upon a -daring and diplomatic move. - -“Ahoy, the Diver!” came across the water in Poole’s voice. - -“Ahoy, the Meta!” replied Wade. - -“You signaled us for a parley?” - -“Yes.” - -“Well, what is it?” - -“We have considered your terms,” replied Wade. “Send a boat over and -I’ll come and talk with you.” - -There was a thrill of exultation in Poole’s voice as he replied: - -“I thought you would reach a sensible decision. I will send a boat.” - -A few moments later a boat put off from the schooner. Wade went into the -cabin. - -His purpose was wholly to gain time. It required fifteen minutes for the -boat to cross the intervening distance. - -Then Wade kept them waiting at the gangway fifteen minutes. When he -appeared he managed to squander some time getting into the boat. - -Then it required fully twenty minutes to pull back to the schooner -against the strong wind. Nearly an hour was thus consumed. - -Mounting to the deck Wade met Poole politely, but he did not fail to see -the cunning and treacherous light in the villain’s eye. - -“Where is Mr. Reade?” asked the treasure-hunter, in surprise. - -“He is indisposed, and has authorized me to act in his place,” said -Wade, wincing a little at this white lie. It seemed to satisfy Poole, -however. - -“Come into the cabin,” he said. - -Wade leisurely followed him. He affected a desire to smoke and proffered -Poole a cigar. Some time was thus consumed, and fully a quarter of an -hour was passed before Poole was able to say: - -“Well, have you decided to come to my terms?” - -“We have talked the matter all over,” said Wade, shrewdly; “and we have -decided to accept your story as the truth, though you will pardon me if -I say that this was not the case when we first heard you tell it.” - -The villain looked astonished. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - THE VILLAIN OUTWITTED. - - -“Oh!” he ejaculated. “Then you didn’t believe me?” - -“Of course, you will understand,” said Wade, diplomatically, “that such -a story from the lips of a stranger looked a bit large. We must be -excused for a bit of incredulity.” - -The villain’s face lit up. - -“But you believe it now?” he asked. - -“It looks more plausible,” admitted Wade. “We are prepared to accept it -as true.” - -“I am glad you have come to your senses,” growled the villain. “I -haven’t any hard feelings against you, though it was pretty hard usage -you gave me on board my own vessel.” - -“We acted, as we believed, in self-defense.” - -“Well, I reckon so. However, we’ll let by-gones be by-gones. In regard -to this offer of mine—do you accept it? One-fifth of the gold shall be -yours for the recovery of it.” - -“Do you reckon that a fair share?” asked Wade, diplomatically. - -The villain swore horribly. - -“Why is it not?” he cried. “I am sure that you could get no better terms -from any one. It will make you all rich enough.” - -Wade feigned avarice. - -“I think we ought to have half,” he said. - -Poole uttered a frightful oath. - -“Well, you will never get half!” he cried, “nor nobody else.” Then, -after a moment’s thought: “Well, I’ll do a little better. I’ll give you -one-fourth.” - -Wade took a notebook from his pocket and wrote down all in serious -fashion. - -“Now,” he said, “for other terms. You are to show us the place, and we -are to dive for the gold.” - -Poole rubbed his hands. - -“Yes, yes!” he said, briskly, “but there is a stipulation.” - -“Oh!” - -“You must allow me and two of my men to go down with you while the gold -is being taken up!” - -Wade jotted this down. - -“What else?” he asked. - -“That’s all. What are you doing?” - -“I am making a report to present to Mr. Reade. I will give him these -terms and return with an answer as quickly as possible. Have no -apprehension. He will be quite likely to accept the terms.” - -Poole looked annoyed. - -“I thought you came prepared to accept them?” he said. - -“No, sir!” replied Wade, decisively. “Mr. Reade is the master of the -submarine boat.” - -“And you are his envoy?” - -“Yes.” - -“Tell him to come himself next time. I don’t feel like being trifled -with. Be quick as you can about the answer.” - -“I will report at once!” replied Wade, with a manner which belied his -words. “Have another cigar.” - -“No; confound your cigars!” - -“Sir!” - -“Excuse me, but I am nervous over this situation. Bring me an answer as -quick as you can.” - -Wade pretended to hurry to the gangway. Then he got into the boat. He -had been forty minutes aboard the schooner. - -The men bent to their oars and rowed to the gangway of the Diver. Wade -turned to them and said: - -“You are to wait here for me; do not get impatient.” - -Then he went into the pilot-house. Frank and Barney were puffing like -beavers, amid a heap of debris. - -“How is it?” asked Wade. - -“You are a brick!” cried Frank. “There is only one more nut to adjust. -What did you do?” - -Wade told his story. - -Frank was delighted. - -“We will send him an answer,” he said. “I will write it.” - -He sprung into his private cabin and wrote a hasty note as follows: - - “DEAR CAPTAIN POOLE: My friend Wade has brought me your terms. - They are hardly liberal enough. However, if I decide to accept - them, will let you know at an early day. Very respectfully, - - FRANK READE, JR.” - -Wade could not help a chuckle. - -“How he will swear!” he said. “He will be as mad as a hornet.” - -“But he will not be able to injure us,” said Frank, “for, thanks to your -skillful diplomacy, the Diver is all right once more.” - -Frank went into the gangway and handed the letter to the coxswain. - -“This is for your captain,” he said; “deliver it to him immediately.” - -“All right, sir.” - -The boat shot away. When it was twenty yards distant Frank cried: - -“Into the cabin, everybody! We’re going down!” - -The order was obeyed. The doors and Windows were closed instantly. - -Then Frank touched the tank-valve. There was a sudden quivering of the -boat, and down she went like a flash. - -Poole, standing on his schooner’s deck, was astounded. - -When a few moments later he read the message sent him he was more than -furious. - -“Curse the luck!” he cried. “What stupidity in me! I ought to have held -that fellow as a hostage. They will go and recover the gold themselves -now. Up sails, men! Bear away at the tiller there! We must be the first -to reach the spot. If the water is not too deep our diving suits will be -as good as their boat.” - -The Diver went down quickly to the bottom of the sea. No sooner, -however, had the sandy bottom come into view than another peril -presented itself. - -A huge monster shot out of a dark defile. - -It was the same giant fish which had attacked the boat once before. -Frank saw him coming. - -He at once suspected that this was the fellow who had dented the shell -of the pilot-house. He saw the risk of another collision. - -“Look out!” he shouted. “We may hit that fellow.” - -In the stem of the submarine boat was a long steel ram. This was -provided with electric communication with the dynamos. - -Frank had foreseen just such an exigency. - -He knew that if he could only strike the fish with this heavily-charged -ram the trouble would be quickly over. The monster would be sure to -succumb. - -So he turned the boat about as quickly as possible to meet the fish. He -partly succeeded. - -The cetacean struck the boat just abaft her bow. For a moment the -partial shock it received dazed it. - -The boat was flung almost upon its side, but as it righted Frank -instantly brought it about and drove it forward. - -The ram struck the cetacean in the gills. It literally tore these away -and the monster turned over dead. It was a signal victory. - -“Whew!” exclaimed Wade. “I would not care to meet many of that fellow’s -stripe. He is quite a match for the Diver.” - -“There are many heavier monsters in the deep sea,” declared Frank. “We -may run across a worse tussle yet.” - -“I hope not.” - -However, the coast was clear once more. The Diver ascended the ragged, -rocky hills and passed over what was really a mountain range. - -For what Frank reckoned as a distance of twenty miles, the submarine -boat kept on thus. - -Then the sunken isthmus began to undergo a change. - -Rolling land spread out beneath them, and suddenly Wade clutched Frank’s -arm. - -“Look!” he gasped; “just what I expected.” - -“A submarine city!” - -“Just so!” - -The spectacle presented to the view of the voyagers was a remarkable -one. There in the heart of the rolling country was unmistakably the -walls and housetops, streets and squares of a city. - -But the streets were silent, the windows and doors deserted and kelp and -debris clung to all. It was a marvelous spectacle. - -What curious reflections might be drawn from this spectacle! - -Here was once a thickly-populated center. In these dismal streets a -people thronged, here trade flourished and society held sway. - -What manner of people the lost inhabitants were could only be imagined. -But that they were wellnigh the mark of civilization was certain. - -In one fell hour their great mass of human souls had been swept into -eternity! - -The waters had rushed remorselessly over all, and in the mad vortex life -had counted for naught. What tragedies were there enacted upon this -spot! What moments of horror preceded the dread event! - -Instinctively these thoughts came to all as they gazed upon the sunken -city. Perhaps Wade was the most deeply impressed. - -The Diver sailed slowly down over the sunken city. - -Frank selected a broad square near one of the open gates and allowed the -submarine boat to rest upon the bottom. - -Then he focused the searchlight upon the entire length of a broad street -before them. - -“Here we are, Wade,” he said. “Now is your chance for archæological -research.” - -“Just so,” agreed the scientist. “I judge these people a branch of the -old race which built Palenque and other Yucatan cities. I fear we shall -find but slight clews to guide us.” - -“Then you reckon that time and the action of the salt water has removed -everything of value?” asked Frank. - -“Everything but the bare walls of the buildings,” replied Wade. -“However, we can make a little exploring tour, if you are willing.” - -“I shall be glad,” replied Frank. “Barney, bring up the diving-suits.” - -“All roight, sor.” - -The Celt disappeared in the after-cabin. Very soon he came back with the -suits. - -There were two of them, and they were of an unusual pattern. - -The usual diving-suit, as we all know, is operated by means of an -air-pump and life-line, but these suits were the special invention of -Frank Reade, Jr. - -They consisted simply of a very heavy helmet, with connections with a -square box-like case, which was strapped on the back. - -This was the chemical generator, which furnished plenty of pure air for -the diver for an indefinite period of time. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - THE SUNKEN CITY. - - -The diving-suits were a very clever invention. They were superior to the -old style for the fact that the diver had free use of his limbs and was -hampered by no life-line or tube. - -Frank gave instruction to Barney and Pomp to remain aboard the Diver and -keep a good watch of the two divers all the while. Then he helped Wade -to don his suit and put on his own. - -They were now ready to leave the boat. - -This was accomplished in an ingenious manner. Of course, it would be -impossible to merely open a door and step out. - -Water would rush in and flood the cabin. - -But Frank had provided a vestibule with two doors, one opening into the -cabin and the other out on deck. - -He had merely to enter the vestibule and close the cabin door. Then, by -turning a valve, the vestibule would fill with water. It was easy then -to open the outer door and walk out. - -The return was accomplished much the same, though the pressure of a -lever set the force-pump at work and cleared the water from the -vestibule in quick time. - -Frank and Wade entered the vestibule, and a few moments later were out -on the vessel’s deck. - -They clambered down the side and stood upon the pavement of the sunken -city. - -It was a strange sensation. - -Probably no other men living could boast of the same experience. Down -the street of the sunken city they walked. - -It required Wade some little time to get used to the pressure, he being -inexperienced. - -But soon he had overcome the unpleasant sensation and was quite himself -again. Together they strolled along the thoroughfare. - -There was no conversation, for one could not have heard the other speak -at that depth. Moreover, the helmets deadened the sound. - -But conversation could be carried on by placing the two helmets close -together and shouting. This was only resorted to in case of necessity. - -The buildings of the sunken city were of two stories only and not at all -pretentious—like the ruins of Palenque. - -But there was one higher-arched structure, just back from the street, -which claimed their attention. - -There was a quantity of curious carving and scroll-work in its front. -Frank concluded that it must be either a palace or a temple. - -He was determined to ascertain. - -Motioning to Wade he entered the place. The scientist was not slow to -follow him. - -Each wore upon his helmet a small electric globe. This made objects -plain in the place. - -As they passed through the great portico it was easy to see at once what -sort of a place it was. For a moment they were spellbound. - -It was unquestionably a temple. - -In front of them was a broad dais of stone. Upon this there rested a -gigantic and grotesque image. It was plainly an idol. - -The ancient inhabitants of the sunken city were then idolators. This -fact was settled. - -The idol was fully fifteen feet in height, and in shape was a cross -between a sphynx and satyr. Its eyes were of some brilliant stone. - -Around the temple were other idols of various sizes. Each had its dais, -and there were the worn hollows in the stone made by the knees of -kneeling thousands. - -Frank placed his helmet close to Wade’s and shouted: - -“Is this discovery of value to you?” - -“Much!” replied the scientist; “it establishes the fact of idolatry, and -also that these people were much like the Aztecs and worshiped the same -gods. There are the idols Quetzal and Quetzalcoatl. They are Aztec -gods.” - -“That is certainly a great point,” replied Frank. “Yonder I can see some -hieroglyphics on a stone. Is it possible to read them?” - -“I am not familiar enough with Aztec cryptography,” said Wade. “I shall -not attempt it.” - -But another discovery was made. - -Before the large idol was a broad and richly carved altar. Below it was -a pit for the reception of the blood of the victims. - -The two explorers gazed upon this gruesome object with a thrill. - -“Many a poor wretch has gone to his doom on that stony surface,” -declared Frank. “What barbarity!” - -“True,” agreed Wade; “the ancient ideas of sacrifice were something -simply savage.” - -No small object of any kind of metal could be found. Every vestige of -any material but stone had been absorbed by time and the water. - -So Wade could find no other specimen to take with him but a small idol, -which he placed in his pocket. - -“I shall keep this for a talisman,” he declared. “Perhaps it will bring -me good luck!” - -“I believe I will do the same,” said Frank; “so here goes.” - -He also took one of the idols. Then they left the temple. - -Once out upon the street again they began to look for another object of -interest. - -This soon turned up. - -Passing through a sort of peristyle they came out into a large court, in -the center of which was a large basin. Here no doubt a fountain had once -played. - -This court had no doubt once been the scene of magnificence. There was -every indication of it. - -Statues of the nude adorned its circle. These were hardly to be compared -with Grecian sculpture, but they represented a very good knowledge of -the art. - -Instinctively both men pictured the place as it might once have been. - -Flowering trees and shrubs, noble palms and trailing vines had once made -the spot beautiful. - -The sunlight had once glinted in upon these alabaster walls, with their -setting of beautiful green. It had given light to a gay assemblage of -dark-skinned people, and fell upon the state throne of the king. - -For this stood at one end of the court just as it must have stood in -those old days. It was a great chair of carven stone, with a canopy over -it, or at least the frame where the canopy had once been. - -But nothing was left of all this magnificence but the bare walls. These -alone were imperishable. - -Only their marble sides and columns remained. All else was dust. - -Time and the action of the water had worn them away. - -“This is probably the king’s palace,” said Frank; “don’t you think so?” - -“Yes,” agreed Wade. “I tell you these were no ordinary people.” - -“I believe you.” - -But they did not conduct their research much further. - -There were chambers beyond the whole interior of the sunken palace, but -the two explorers had seen enough. - -Frank began to wonder if all was well aboard the Diver, and as for Wade, -his head ached to bursting. - -So Frank said: - -“Have you gone far enough, Wade?” - -The scientist nodded his head. - -“Yes,” he said, “I am satisfied. Let us go back.” - -Frank was glad to lead the way out again into the street. They then -turned their footsteps toward the submarine boat. - -Barney and Pomp were waiting for them. Straight to the gangway they -came. - -In a few moments they were safe in the cabin once more. The trip had -been a success. - -But Wade was still looking ahead, and was anxious to continue on his way -along the isthmus. - -So the Diver arose and headed for awhile over the sunken city. Then it -left it behind. - -The presence of the sunken city settled a number of facts. It was true -beyond peradventure that there had once been an isthmus between Capes -San Antonio and Catoche. - -It was also certain that there had once dwelt upon it a race of people -of great intelligence. That the sea had wiped all out of existence was -certain. - -Wade studied the matter thoroughly and most scientifically. So he said -to Frank: - -“I have seen enough; let us go along.” - -“All right,” agreed Frank. “A due west course is sure to bring us to -Yucatan.” - -“Very true,” agreed Wade, “but above all things go well armed and -prepared for trouble. I feel sure that we have not seen the last of that -schooner!” - -The young inventor could not help a laugh at Wade’s earnestness. - -“That is your bugbear,” he said. “How are they going to injure us at -this depth of the sea? They have only the very crudest of diving-suits.” - -“I don’t know,” replied Wade, “but I cannot help a feeling of that sort. -I believe we have not seen the last of Poole.” - -“It is a little curious that we have not as yet come to the sunken -isle,” said Frank. “That I must regard as only a small part of the -isthmus which did not sink in the first earthquake.” - -“Beyond a doubt,” agreed Wade. “In that case we shall certainly come -across it.” - -“We will keep a lookout. It should be in about this latitude.” - -The course they were pursuing was along the northern shore of the -isthmus. It was easy to follow its conformation. - -As Frank had declared, they could not be far from the sunken Isle of -Mona. And, indeed, a few hours later they came upon precipitous bluffs -and forests of decaying trees. - -The island was beneath them. There was no doubt of this. The voyagers -were alive with the keenest of interest. - -Ordinarily there would have been but a scant desire to search for the -buried treasure. But their experience with Poole had aroused their -interest. - -Frank had a strong inclination to visit the scene of the treasure hunt. -So he held the Diver closely along the island and shore. - -It was remembered that Poole had described the gold cave as upon the -northern shore. When attacked by the Caribs he and his companions had -escaped in their boat, so it could not have been far from the surf to -the cave. - -It should, therefore, be easy to find. Barney and Pomp were especially -on the lookout. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - AT THE TREASURE CAVE. - - -Slowly and steadily the Diver crept along the shore of the sunken -island. The voyagers were on the qui vive. - -“Perhaps Poole is there before us,” said Wade. “He has had plenty of -time.” - -But Frank was incredulous. - -“I don’t believe it,” he said. “It would take him a long while to locate -the exact spot. Hello! what is that?” - -A dark object loomed up before the gaze of the voyagers. It required but -a moment’s scrutiny to make it out as the hull of a sunken vessel. - -It lay upon the shore of the sunken isle, and might have foundered at -the time of the earthquake. She was a small schooner of the coast -trading class. - -The submarine boat sailed near to her and the searchlight was focused -upon her. But there seemed no good reason for paying her a visit, so -presently she was left behind. - -But now developments came in swift order. Rounding a headland the Diver -came upon a collection of partly demolished huts and other evidences of -habitation. This was doubtless the village of the savage Caribs who had -descended upon the gold hunters. - -Wade was now much excited. - -“We ought to be getting near the spot where the treasure is located,” he -said. “I surely hope so!” - -A few moments later a long cliff-wall was reached. Then a huge, -dark-mouthed cavern yawned to view. - -“Down with the boat!” cried Frank. “Let her rest here, Barney. This is -the spot beyond doubt.” - -The order was obeyed. The submarine boat rested upon the sands and -hastily preparations were made for leaving the cabin. - -As usual Barney and Pomp were left aboard. Frank and Wade quickly donned -their diving-suits. - -Then they left the cabin and soon were striding along the beach. They -had not gone a dozen yards before Wade paused. - -There, imbedded in the sand, was a skeleton. The fishes had long since -eaten away all but the bones. Whether it was the skeleton of one of the -gold hunters or a Carib it was not easy to guess. - -Other skeletons were also found in the vicinity. Then they reached the -mouth of the cave. - -Here were found the rusted digging tools of the gold diggers. Also a -huge cavity in the cavern floor was revealed. - -And partly upon its verge there was a huge chest, with one end knocked -out. In the chest was a heap of round objects. They were coins. - -Much corroded they were, and as Frank and Wade picked up several of them -it was hard to tell whether they were gold or merely silver. - -There were others strewn in the sands of the cavern. The cavity in the -sands did not seem to contain any other chest. - -If this was the total amount of the treasure it certainly was small, and -did not greatly pay for the effort to recover it. However, Frank and -Wade had begun to make preparations to remove it when a startling thing -happened. - -Suddenly into the cavern there flashed a light. Astonished the two -divers turned. Two forms were at the entrance. - -It required but a glance to see that they were divers. Moreover, they -wore the common diving-suit, hampered with life-lines and cords. In an -instant the truth burst upon Frank and Wade. - -They were beyond doubt members of the crew of the Meta. Indeed, Poole -himself doubtless was one of them. - -Frank and Wade placed their helmets together tightly. - -“By Jove!” cried the young inventor, “we’re in a scrape now!” - -“You’re right, Frank. I believe one of them is Poole himself.” - -“There is little doubt of it.” - -“What shall we do?” - -“There is no way but to face them.” - -“Will it be safe? Will they not attack us?” - -“It is likely; but I can see no way to evade them.” - -“Then we must defend ourselves!” - -“Just so; our chances are as good as theirs, and we have an advantage in -having no life-lines to bother us. Come along, we might as well meet -them half way!” - -Poole and his men, for there were now four of the divers in the cavern, -had caught sight of Frank and Wade. - -It could be easily seen from their actions that they were frantic and -would present a hostile front. But Frank and Wade gripped the handles of -their axes and marched steadily on. - -In a few moments they were near the other divers. One of them was -recognized as Poole. - -The villain was the personification of fury. He swung his ax aloft and -made a rush at Frank. - -His companions did the same. It was fortunate for our friends that they -did not come to close quarters. They evaded the attack, for they could -move more easily. - -Frank’s purpose was to get out of the cavern. He knew that if they were -hemmed in there, their fate would be sealed. - -So he motioned Wade to follow him, and, parrying Poole’s attack, hurled -one of his foes back and with a swift rush gained the object. Wade came -close behind him. - -Once outside the cavern the danger was over. The rascals could follow -them but a limited ways. - -Back to the submarine boat Frank and Wade rushed. They clambered aboard -and soon were in the cabin. - -Barney and Pomp were astonished. - -“Fo’ de lan’s sake,” cried the coon, “wha’ am de mattah? Wha’ hab -happened?” - -“Well, Pomp,” replied Wade, “we fell in with Poole again, as I feared we -would. We gave him the slip, though.” - -“Begorra, yez don’t say!” exclaimed Barney, in amazement. “Shure, -howiver did the omadhouns git down here?” - -Wade told the story, to the edification of Barney and Pomp. Meanwhile, -Frank had been examining specimens of the coins which he had found. - -Wade went over to him. - -“Well,” he asked, “what do you make of them, Frank?” - -“Nothing but silver,” he said. “A heap of pistareens—that is all.” - -The scientist was astonished. - -“Mercy!” he exclaimed; “what a disappointment that will be to Poole! He -declared that millions in gold were buried in that cavern.” - -“So his avarice is repaid,” said Frank, with a laugh. “Poor wretch! Let -him have his treasure and all the good it may do him.” - -“Then you will not interfere?” - -“Certainly not.” - -“Good,” cried Wade. “Let us then go on to Yucatan and finish our -exploration of the sunken isthmus. We will leave Mr. Poole to the -exclusive enjoyment of his much-vaunted treasure.” - -“Just so,” said Frank. “Start the engines, Barney; let us get under -way.” - -Barney hastened to obey. As the Diver sailed away to the westward the -searchlight was focused upon the cavern mouth. - -There a curious scene was revealed. - -Poole and his men were digging in the sands for the coins scattered by -the Caribs. They seemed to act like madmen, so strong was the treasure -fever upon them. - -The submarine voyagers were glad to leave the sunken Isle of Mona behind -them. The Diver glided on through the deep sea. - -They made rapid course now toward Yucatan. The course was very easy to -follow, the sunken isthmus being an established fact. - -Many beautiful sights were daily witnessed in the sea depths. Many -strange specimens were secured. - -But no incident of a thrilling sort occurred until one day they had -arrived within a few miles of Cape Catoche, as Frank estimated by his -measurement of distance. - -“It should be in sight,” he declared, “if we were on the surface.” - -“Why not rise and take a sight at it to make sure?” asked Wade. - -“We can,” agreed Frank. - -So he stepped into the pilot-house and touched the lever. The next -moment the submarine boat was flying upward. - -Up out of the briny deep she shot, but the moment she emerged a -disappointment was in store. - -They had expected to sight the rugged headland of Cape Catoche directly -in front of them, but they were in the midst of an impenetrable fog. - -No object could be seen ten yards away. It was a discouraging -predicament. - -“Well!” ejaculated Wade, “here is a pretty how-do-ye-do! What is to be -done?” - -“I reckon we bettah wait fo’ de fog to lift, sah!” suggested Pomp. - -“Bejabers, it may be a good while at that,” averred Barney. - -“Oh, I think not,” said Wade. “What shall it be, Frank?” - -“We will lay-to for a short while,” said the young inventor. “There can -be no harm in that.” - -So the Diver continued to rock upon the swelling surface of the sea, -while the voyagers at times tried to pierce the fog with their eyes. - -Perhaps an hour had passed thus when a curious thing happened. Out of -the fog there came plainly to the hearing of all, voices raised in -laughter and jest. - -They seemed but a few yards away, and startled, the submarine voyagers -instinctively looked, with the expectation of seeing a vessel bear down -upon them out of the fog. - -But none appeared. - -One moment the voices appeared to sound in one quarter, and then they -would change to another, even sounding directly overhead. - -“Begorra, that’s quare,” cried Barney; “shure, they’re niver in the same -place at all, at all. They must be thraveling around us, an’ divil a bit -do I loike it! Shure, it’s a sorry place for banshees, but on me loife -it may be that same!” - -“Nonsense,” said Frank, sharply, “it is a common enough phenomenon, and -due to the fog.” - -“Right,” cried Wade. “Somewhere near us a ship is anchored and her crew -are doubtless whiling away the time in games and pleasure. A peculiar -condition of the atmosphere brings their voices to us.” - -“Dat am berry funny,” said Pomp, in mystified tones. - -“Begorra, yez are roight,” averred Barney. - -But the voices presently died away, becoming fainter and fainter. Then -the fog was seen to be in motion. - -Gradually it lifted and the sea was seen north, south and east of them, -but to the west there was a long line of coast. - -A bold headland rose to view, and with a thrill of joy Wade cried: - -“That is Cape Catoche. We have thoroughly explored the sunken isthmus. -Our expedition has been a success. We have rendered science a mighty -service, and have good reason to feel proud of it.” - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - POOLE PLAYS A NEW CARD. - - -Down in the ocean depths, Poole and his men had been at work digging out -the supposed mighty treasure of the Isle of Mona. - -Every skeleton was unearthed and the sand around it closely sifted. Thus -the coins were recovered. - -Also further excavations were made in the cavern, but without success. - -However, believing the coins to be gold, the villain was fairly well -satisfied. He piled them into the chest and had it hoisted aboard the -schooner. - -“Ha,” he muttered, “I was just in time to foil those dogs. They were -sure of beating me, but Hardy Poole has staked too much upon this game -to lose. Curse them, I will some day have a chance to settle the score -with them.” - -With this venomous decision he removed his diving-suit and had begun to -examine his treasure when an incident occurred. - -One of the men who had been in the shrouds cried: - -“Sail ho!” - -“What?” cried Poole, with a sudden start. “Bearing our way?” - -“Yes.” - -“What does she look like?” - -“She looks like a fast craft, sir. Most likely a coast guard vessel,” -was the reply. - -“Change course. Bear nor’-nor’-west!” ordered the villain. “We don’t -want to fall in with any Cuban cruiser just now.” - -The schooner lay about on the new course. She was a fairly fast sailer -and cut the water rapidly. - -But in a few moments the man aloft again shouted: - -“Ahoy, the chase!” - -“Eh?” roared Poole. “Is she giving us a chase?” - -“That she is, sir, and she is gaining on us. She has steam up and can -sail two knots to our one.” - -“A steam vessel!” gasped Poole. “Then she is certainly a Cuban cruiser. -She takes us for a filibuster. If she overtakes us nothing will convince -her that we are not and our jig is up! Ho, there, all aloft and crowd on -sail! We must make a run for it! If she overhauls us——” - -“Well?” asked one of the men. - -Poole’s grim face hardened. - -“We will fight for it!” he said, “for they will never take the treasure -from us while we live.” - -The crew cheered at this bold declaration and then scampered aloft. -Meanwhile Poole watched the distant steamer with varied sensations. - -“Just our luck,” he muttered. “By the gods, I believe I am cursed by -fate! Let them overhaul us, curse them! We will give them all the fight -they want.” - -Then he went back to the cabin and began to gloat over the treasure. He -picked up one of the coins and scraped away the rust and mold. Then he -snapped his eyes. - -How was this? - -It was white metal instead of yellow—silver instead of gold! - -If all that bulk of coin was silver, its value was but small; if of -gold, it would be immense. Quite a difference. He dropped the coin with -a grunt. - -He picked up another and scratched its surface. It was also silver. - -Another and another. Then a sickening sensation came over him, and he -smiled in a ghastly way. - -“Silver!” he hissed. “Can all of them be such? Is there no gold?” - -He kept at his work. It soon became apparent to him that this was a -terrible fact. He sank in a chair, with distorted features and bursting -veins. - -For a moment he was apoplectic. Then great curses rolled from his lips. -He struck the table with his clenched hand. - -“They have beaten me!” he hissed; “they have taken the gold and left me -the silver! Curse them! they have beaten me, but the end is not yet!” - -He was too unreasonable to consider the situation logically. He could -accept but one conclusion, and this was that the submarine voyagers had -taken the gold and outwitted him. - -“Why did I allow them to escape me?” he gritted. “I should have killed -them all! They were in my power! Fool! Fool!” - -He raved like a maniac in his impotent wrath, frothed at the mouth, and -might have really yielded to apoplexy or some other fit had not an -interruption come. - -The distant boom of a gun was heard. Poole turned a ghastly pallor. - -He knew what that meant. - -“They are overhauling us!” he gritted. “We are to lose even this -pittance of silver! But I will have the gold if I have to follow Frank -Reade, Jr., to the end of the earth!” - -He hastened upon deck. - -The cruiser had come up within gunshot and had sent a summons to -heave-to. There was no alternative but to obey or fight or go to the -bottom. - -For a moment Poole considered seriously the question of a fight. He -would gladly have accepted it had the conditions been anywhere near -equal. - -But the cruiser had heavier guns and more men. There was no other course -but to heave-to. - -So the schooner came up to the wind, her mainsail slacked, and the two -vessels drifted within speaking distance. - -“Ahoy, the schooner!” came the hail in Spanish. The Cuban flag was seen -to be flying at the yard of the cruiser. - -“Ahoy!” replied Poole. - -“What craft is that?” - -“The Meta; pleasure yacht, under the United States flag,” replied Poole. - -For a time there seemed to be a consultation held aboard the cruiser. -Then another hail came: - -“Captain of the Meta, we are going to send our lieutenant aboard you!” - -“What is that?” shouted Poole. “We are under the protection of the -United States flag. I warn you not to trouble us!” - -A jeering laugh came back. - -“Lower your gangway,” was the reply. - -Then a boat slid down from the Santa Maria’s davits and six men entered -it. One in the uniform of a lieutenant entered and stood in the bow. - -Another boat followed this, with a dozen armed marines. Matters began to -look serious. - -The wrath and alarm felt by Poole was of the most intense description. -He was utterly powerless, though. - -How he would have liked to turn his gun upon the oncoming boats and sink -them! But he did not dare to do this. - -He stood savagely by the gangway, therefore, as they came on. The first -boat touched the Meta’s side, and the natty Spanish lieutenant sprung -upon deck. - -“Buenas, Senor Capitan,” he said, touching his gold-laced cap, with much -politeness. “I am Carriero, lieutenant of His Majesty’s navy. I salute -you in the name of the king of Spain.” - -Poole could talk Spanish fairly well, so he said: - -“Well, what can I do for you, sir?” - -His manner was so brusque that the dapper little Spaniard straightened -up. With an affectation of dignity, he said: - -“We must search your vessel, senor!” - -Then he motioned to the marines. In a moment they were over the rail and -ranged upon the deck. - -The Meta was in the power of the Spanish. Poole turned black in the -face. - -“What!” he roared, “you dare to board a vessel flying the United States -flag? This is an outrage and you will pay dearly for it, I promise you.” - -Carriero smiled suavely in reply. - -“What do you think we are?” cried Poole in desperation. “We are not -filibusters.” - -Again the lieutenant smiled and bowed. Then he spoke sharp orders to his -men. - -A midshipman, with two marines, invaded the forecastle. Two more went -into the forward cabin. Then the lieutenant himself, with two guards, -entered the main cabin. - -Poole followed, expostulating, but it was of no use. - -The vessel was thoroughly searched. Of course, the silver coins were -discovered, and also the fact made clear that the vessel carried arms. - -By Carriero’s orders every gun was seized and brought out on deck. Then -the chest of treasure was also taken. - -A boat was sent back to the Santa Maria, and the captain, Don Azata, was -brought off. He was a fiery, bewhiskered little fellow. - -Without waste of time a court of inquiry was inaugurated on the Meta’s -deck. The decision, based upon the evidence, was quickly rendered. - -The Meta had been captured in Cuban waters carrying an armament. -Certainly this was suspicious and warranted her in being condemned as a -filibustering craft. - -In vain Poole protested. - -The Spanish officers only smiled and discredited his statements. He kept -getting madder and madder. - -Finally he yelled: - -“Get off the deck of my schooner, the whole parcel of you! If you don’t -I’ll kill you!” - -Grabbing an iron bar he knocked the nearest marine senseless. Don Azata -shouted fiery orders and Poole was quickly overpowered. - -The little Spanish captain’s face blazed. A rope was brought. It was -decided to hang the captain of the Meta at his own yard-arm. - -But at this critical moment the captain’s eyes fell upon the chest of -coins. At once he became interested. He fell to examining them. - -Then he catechised Poole. The latter answered ungraciously at first. - -To his surprise the Spanish captain ordered his bonds cut, and, -thrusting his eager face forward into his, said: - -“It is buried treasure; you have dug it out of the ground; tell me, -senor capitan, where you found it, and I will spare your life.” - -“What good will that do you?” asked Poole. “There is no more to be found -there.” - -“Do you think so, senor? There must be gold where this was found. This -is but silver.” - -A sudden swift thought flashed across Poole’s brain. He had abandoned -all hopes of the treasure, but he thirsted for revenge. - -And here seemed a chance offered him. He accepted it. - -A few moments later he was closeted in the cabin with Don Azata. He told -him the whole story of the Isle of Mona. - -The Spanish captain listened. - -“Perdita!” he exclaimed, “that is wonderful! But the treasure was found -upon Spanish soil, and I claim it in the name of the King of Spain. This -Captain Reade, you say, has the gold?” - -“Yes,” cried Poole, “and curse him, he robbed me of it! Follow him and -wrest it from him. I will ask of you no greater favor.” - -“But where shall we look for him?” asked the little captain; “in what -direction shall we sail?” - -“He will be found in the neighborhood of Cape Catoche.” - -“You believe that?” - -“Yes,” replied Poole, “but you will never catch them if you are not -shrewd.” - -“Ah, senor?” - -“You see, his boat is a submarine craft, and he can sink out of sight -and reach in a moment.” - -“Perdita! Senor shall tell me what to do?” - -“Use a subterfuge; trick him!” cried Poole, fiendishly. “When you sight -him lure him toward you! Fly a signal of distress; when he gets within -range give him a shot that will cripple him, or he will get away.” - -Don Azata’s eyes glittered. - -“That would be an assault upon the American flag,” he began. - -“Hang the American flag! Who will ever know the story? Sink the accursed -submarine boat with every man on board! The secret will be well kept. -All we want is the gold.” - -The two rascals looked at each other for fully a minute. Then Don Azata -said, softly: - -“Senor, you are wise; I shall do as you say. It is true that we must -have the gold. May le diable aid us!” - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - A TURNING OF TABLES—THE END. - - -The sunken isthmus had been discovered and explored. The mission of the -Diver and its voyagers was thus accomplished. - -The only thing now left to be done, as it seemed, was to start for home. -All were in favor of this. - -“Bejabers, I’m more than ready to be off,” cried Barney. “Shure, it’s an -outlandish counthry about here, onyway.” - -“Huh,” sniffed Pomp, “I don’t see no country, nuffin’ but de ocean all -about us!” - -“Arrah, an’ don’t yez be so funny,” retorted Barney. “Shure, ain’t the -counthry underneath us, an’ phwativer more kin yez ask fer than that?” - -This put Pomp to thinking, and no more was said just then. But Frank and -Wade discussed the question. - -And the result was, it was finally decided to return home after first -paying a visit to Belize and having the boat’s engines overhauled. - -The Diver, meanwhile, had been drifting all the time nearer to Cape -Catoche. The shore presented an alluring aspect, and Wade exclaimed: - -“I say, Frank, we ought really to run ashore here for a little while. It -will give us a chance to stretch our legs, and I may find a few -specimens.” - -“Or fall into the grip of the Caribs,” laughed Frank. - -“I’ll risk that.” - -So the Diver was steered in close to the shore. A small boat was brought -out and Frank and Wade rowed ashore. - -They went well armed. But they were accorded a genuine surprise. - -In place of possible cannibalistic Caribs or pirates they discovered the -extensive fruit plantation of an enterprising Yankee, named Walton. - -This gentleman invited them up to his dwelling in a lovely grove of -palms, and treated them to pulque and other fine things. - -He even insisted upon their remaining over night. As Frank knew that all -was well on board the Diver he did not refuse. - -Thus it happened that Barney and Pomp spent the night alone on board the -Diver. And they had a high old time. - -Barney managed to square accounts with the darky for the dough episode -of some days past. After a lively scrap they finally made up and were -good friends again. - -They wondered somewhat at the non-return of Frank and Wade. But at -nightfall Frank signaled them from the cliffs and they were reassured. - -With the first gray streak of dawn across the Caribbean Sea the two -jokers were given a little thrill of surprise. - -A vessel had suddenly swung around a headland and was bearing down -toward them. It was a small steamer, and as Barney studied it with his -glass he made an astonishing discovery. - -“For Hivin’s sakes,” he cried, “it’s wan av thim prowlin’ Cuban -cruisers. Phwat the divil are they up to? It’s mischief, I believe.” - -“Golly, wha’ am we gwine to do? Reckon Marse Frank ought to be here!” - -“Bejabers, I’ll put up the Yankee flag an’ they’ll never dare touch us -then,” cried Barney. - -And he ran up the Stars and Stripes. But the Cuban vessel continued to -advance. She ran up a signal flag. - -It read that she desired to speak the submarine boat. This was a -reasonable request and Barney answered it. - -On the quarterdeck stood Azata and Poole. The latter’s first proposition -had been to creep up on the Diver and fire a ball through its hull. - -But Azata had conceived a more cunning plan. The Meta was anchored in a -cove some miles up the coast. - -His game was to speak the Diver and make inquiry concerning the Meta. -This would disarm the submarine voyagers and he would send a boat off to -interview the captain. - -Once his men were on the deck of the Diver quick work would be made. The -submarine voyagers were to be overpowered and the boat seized. - -Then it would be ransacked, the gold recovered, the voyagers shot and -the craft confiscated. The two wretches had not decided further than -this, but there were hints that the Diver would be a good craft to go -seeking sunken treasure with in other parts of the world. - -This was a very fine scheme. Barney and Pomp were all unsuspecting. Yet -they cast anxious glances toward the shore for Frank and Wade. - -They did not appear, however, so Barney had to make the best of it. The -Santa Maria bore down within hailing distance and the summons came: - -“Ahoy, Senor Americano!” - -“Ahoy, yersilf!” replied Barney. - -The hail had come in American and the voice sounded strangely familiar. -But Barney never dreamed that it was really Poole who was shouting. - -“What craft is that?” - -“The Diver, submarine boat,” replied Barney. “Phwat do yez want?” - -“This is the Cuban cruiser, Santa Maria. We are looking for an armed -schooner, the Meta. Have you spoken her?” - -“Tare an’ ‘ounds!” exclaimed Barney; “they’re afther the Meta, an’ may -they catch her. Shure, they’ll hang that Poole as shure as preachin’.” - -Then he replied: - -“Aye, aye, sor! Not more than two or three days ago.” - -“Lower your gangway,” was the Spanish hail, “we want to come aboard and -ask you about her.” - -Barney was for a moment nonplussed. He was averse to being boarded by -any craft. But this must be all right, he reflected. Spain and the -United States were at peace. These Cubans officers could not have any -harmful intention. - -So he and Pomp lowered the gangway. A boatload of marines and an officer -put off. The officer was Azata. - -A few moments later the boat was alongside. Not until then did Barney -see his mistake. - -Over the rail like wolves came the Spaniards. Barney and Pomp fled -toward the pilot-house to close the doors and sink the boat. But they -were too late. - -The Spaniards were upon them. A sharp struggle followed and they were -quickly overpowered. Then from the bottom of the cruiser’s boat Poole -sprung up and cleared the rail with a yell of triumph. - -“Throw them overboard!” he yelled. “Dead men tell no tales! The -submarine boat is ours!” - -But Azata was cooler, and said: - -“Not yet, senor. There is time enough for that. We may need them to tell -us where the gold is. Search the craft!” - -Poole led the marines exultantly into the Diver’s cabin. The submarine -boat was thoroughly ransacked, but of course no gold was found. - -Poole was furious and Azata was crestfallen. The Spanish captain began -to have suspicions that he was the victim of a hoax. - -“Where is the gold, senors?” he asked of Barney and Pomp, in crude -English. - -“There is none on board, sor,” replied Barney, and then the Celt told -the whole story of the quest for the treasure. - -Even Poole began to see his error. After all, his supposition that the -gold was on board the Diver appeared to be founded upon the most -chimerical of evidence. Indeed, there was not the slightest thing to -warrant the assumption. - -Don Azata’s face hardened. He turned upon Poole savagely. - -“You have deceived me,” he said, with true Spanish temper. “You are a -lying dog!” - -“I am no worse than you!” retorted Poole. “You have committed a -piratical act in boarding this vessel.” - -Don Azata folded his arms. - -“My purpose was to demand the gold in the name of the King of Spain,” he -said. “I act in his name. I will have no more to do with you. Unbind the -prisoners!” - -Barney and Pomp were set free. - -They were not a little astonished at this act of the Spaniard. But Don -Azata had his reason, and a good one, for the act. - -Steadily bearing in toward the coast he saw a huge white-hulled steamer. -It required but a glance to recognize one of Uncle Sam’s White Squadron. -The tables were turned. - -Meanwhile a small boat had left the shore and was coming rapidly up. In -a few moments more it was alongside and Frank and Wade sprung aboard. - -The owner of the Diver took in the situation with a sweeping glance. His -eye flashed angrily. - -“What is this, sir?” he demanded angrily of Don Azata. “What right have -you to board this boat in my absence?” - -The Spanish captain bowed to the deck. - -“Is this Captain Reade?” he asked. - -“It is,” replied Frank. - -“I am honored, most noble senor. You will accept my explanation and -apology. This lying dog”—indicating the cowering Poole—“told me that you -were of a piratical character and had seized upon a buried treasure, -which, found in the domain of the good King of Spain, by every right -belongs to him. He induced me to commit this outrage, for which my -government tenders abject apology.” - -Frank turned his gaze upon Poole. - -“You scoundrel!” he exclaimed. “We took none of that buried treasure. -You recovered all of it. So you have sought to make trouble for us, sir? -Well, your effort has proved a boomerang. Do you see yonder vessel? That -is one of our cruisers, and I shall signal her and turn you over to her -officers to be dealt with according to your just deserts.” - -Poole was ghastly pale and trembled like an aspen. - -“Have mercy!” he whined. - -The Spanish officer bowed to the deck again, and made a move to the -gangway. - -“Adios, senor capitan,” he said. “I know in the largeness of your heart -you have pardoned me.” - -Frank smiled grimly and made no reply. He allowed the Spaniards to -depart. A few moments later the Santa Maria was scampering for the Isle -of Cuba with all speed. - -But Poole had no thought of surrendering himself to the mercies of a -naval tribunal. - -He gave a sudden mad yell and ran along the deck. - -“Stop him!” cried Frank. - -But it was too late. - -With one wild plunge he went over the rail. He was a strong swimmer and -went for the shore. Barney would have pursued him in the boat. - -But Frank said: - -“No, let him go. He will never trouble us again, and we are well rid of -him.” - -Whether the villain ever reached the shore or not was never known. Nor -was the fate of the Meta ever learned. - -The white cruiser was not signaled. Instead, the Diver raised her anchor -and set out for Belize. - -The voyage home was a stormy one. When at length the Diver entered the -river leading to Readestown she was pretty badly racked and strained. - -“I’m afraid she’ll not go another cruise, Frank,” said Wade. - -“I’ll not ask her to,” declared the young inventor. “She has done -enough. She has well repaid me.” - -Their arrival in Readestown was the signal for a grand ovation. The -whole city turned out to do them honor. - -Wilbur Wade was very happy. - -He had brought home complete maps and charts of the sunken isthmus, and -many valuable specimens. - -He was the only member of the American Society that visited the deep sea -and witnessed its wonders. - -He had the satisfaction of attending the next meeting of the American -Society and proving his claims in regard to the Sunken Isthmus, to the -utter rout and discomfiture of the fractious Professor Brown. And this -was a happy triumph. - -Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Pomp are yet in Readestown. Of course, the -young inventor is not idle. - -But what his next invention will be we are not as yet prepared to say. -Only time will tell. - -But one thing is sure. None of our adventurers in this tale of the -Sunken Isthmus will quite forget the incidents connected therewith. - -With which statement we have reached the end of our story and with the -reader’s kind permission will write adieu. - - - THE END. - -Read “THE BLACK MOGUL; OR, THROUGH INDIA WITH FRANK READE, JR.,” which -will be the next number (93) of “Frank Reade Weekly Magazine.” - -SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly are always in print. If -you cannot obtain them from any newsdealer, send the price in money or -postage stamps by mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION SQUARE, NEW -YORK, and you will receive the copies you order by return mail. - - - - - “HAPPY DAYS,” - - - The Best Illustrated Weekly Story Paper Published. - - ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY. - -“HAPPY DAYS” is a large 16-page paper containing Interesting Stories, -Poems, Sketches, Comic Stories, Jokes, Answers to Correspondents, and -many other bright features. Its Authors and Artists have a national -reputation. No amount of money is spared to make this weekly the best -published. - - A New Story Begins Every Week in “Happy Days.” - - OUT TO-DAY! OUT TO-DAY! - - The Prince _of_ the Ranch; - - OR, - - OUT WITH THE KANSAS COWBOYS. - - By JAS. D. MONTAGUE. - - Begins in No. 513 of “HAPPY DAYS,” Issued July 29, 1904. - - PRICE 5 CENTS. - - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or Will Be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price by - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, ❧ ❧ 24 Union Square, New York - - - - - PLUCK AND LUCK. - - - CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. EVERY STORY COMPLETE. - - 32 PAGES. BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS. PRICE 5 CENTS. - - LATEST ISSUES: - - 249 A New York Boy In the Soudan; or, The Mahdi’s Slave. By Howard - Austin. - - 250 Jack Wright and His Electric Balloon Ship; or, 30,000 Leagues - Above the Earth. By “Noname.” - - 251 The Game-Cock of Deadwood. A Story of the Wild Northwest. By Jas - C. Merritt. - - 252 Harry Hook, the Boy Fireman of No. 1; or, Always at His Post. By - Ex-Fire Chief Warden. - - 253 The Waifs of New York. By N. S. Woods (The Young American - Actor). - - 254 Jack Wright and His Dandy of the Deep; or, Driven Afloat In the - Sea of Fire. By “Noname.” - - 255 In the Sea of Ice; or, The Perils of a Boy Whaler. By Berton - Bertrew. - - 256 Mad Anthony Wayne, the Hero of Stony Point. By Gen’l. Jas. A. - Gordon. - - 257 The Arkansas Scout; or, Fighting the Redskins. By An Old Scout. - - 258 Jack Wright’s Demon of the Plains; or, Wild Adventures Among the - Cowboys. - - 259 The Merry Ten; or, The Shadows of a Social Club. By Jno. B. - Dowd. - - 260 Dan Driver, the Boy Engineer of the Mountain Express; or, - Railroading on the Denver and Rio Grande. - - 261 Silver Sam of Santa Fe; or, The Lions’ Treasure Cave. By An Old - Scout. - - 262 Jack Wright and His Electric Torpedo Ram; or, The Sunken City of - the Atlantic. By “Noname.” - - 263 The Rival Schools; or, Fighting for the Championship. By Allyn - Draper. - - 264 Jack Reef, the Boy Captain; or, Adventures on the Ocean. By - Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. - - 265 A Boy in Wall Street; or, Dick Hatch, the Young Broker. By H. K. - Shackleford. - - 266 Jack Wright and his Iron-Clad Air Motor; or, Searching for a - Lost Explorer. By “Noname.” - - 267 The Rival Base Ball Clubs; or, The Champions of Columbia - Academy. By Allyn Draper. - - 268 The Boy Cattle King; or, Frank Fordham’s Wild West Ranch. By an - Old Scout. - - 269 Wide Awake Will, The Plucky Boy Fireman of No. 3; or, Fighting - the Flames for Fame and Fortune. By Ex-Fire Chief Warden. - - 270 Jack Wright and His Electric Tricycle; or, Fighting the - Stranglers of the Crimson Desert. By “Noname.” - - 271 The Orphans of New York. A Pathetic Story of a Great City. By N. - S. Wood (the Young American Actor). - - 272 Sitting Bull’s Last Shot; or, The Vengeance of an Indian - Policeman. By Pawnee Bill. - - 273 The Haunted House on the Harlem; or, The Mystery of a Missing - Man. By Howard Austin. - - 274 Jack Wright and His Ocean Plunger; or, The Harpoon Hunters of - the Arctic. By “Noname.” - - 275 Claim 33; or, The Boys of the Mountain. By Jas. C. Merritt. - - 276 The Road to Ruin; or, The Snares and Temptations of New York. By - Jno. B. Dowd. - - 277 A Spy at 16; or, Fighting for Washington and Liberty. By Gen’l - Jas. A. Gordon. - - 278 Jack Wright’s Flying Torpedo; or, The Black Demons of Dismal - Swamp. By “Noname.” - - 279 High Ladder Harry, The Young Fireman of Freeport; or, Always at - the Top. By Ex-Fire Chief Warden. - - 280 100 Chests of Gold; or, The Aztecs’ Buried Secret. By Richard R. - Montgomery. - - 281 Pat Malloy; or, An Irish Boy’s Pluck and Luck. By Allyn Draper. - - 282 Jack Wright and His Electric Sea Ghost; or, A Strange Under - Water Journey. By “Noname.” - - 283 Sixty Mile Sam; or, Bound to be on Time. By Jas. C. Merritt. - - 284 83 Degrees North Latitude; or, the Handwriting In the Iceberg. - By Howard Austin. - - 285 Joe, The Actor’s Boy; or, Famous at Fourteen. By N. S. Wood (the - Young American Actor.) - - 286 Dead For 5 Years; or, The Mystery of a Madhouse. By Allyn - Draper. - - 287 Broker Bob; or, The Youngest Operator in Wall Street. By H. K. - Shackleford. - - 288 Boy Pards; or, Making a Home on the Border. By An Old Scout. - - 289 The Twenty Doctors; or, the Mystery of the Coast. By Capt. Thos. - H. Wilson. - - 290 The Boy Cavalry Scout; or, Life in the Saddle. By Gen’l. Jas. A. - Gordon. - - 291 The Boy Firemen; or, “Stand by the Machine.” By Ex-Fire Chief - Warden. - - 292 Rob, the Runaway; or, From Office Boy to Partner. By Allyn - Draper. - - 293 The Shattered Glass; or, A Country Boy In New York. A True - Temperance Story. By Jno. B. Dowd. - - 294 Lightning Lew, the Boy Scout; or, Perils in the West. By Gen’l. - Jas. A. Gordon. - - 295 The Gray House on the Rock; or, The Ghosts of Ballentyne Hall. - By Jas. C. Merritt. - - 296 A Poor Boy’s Fight; or, The Hero of the School. By Howard - Austin. - - 297 Captain Jack Tempest; or, The Prince of the Sea. By Capt. Thos. - H. Wilson. - - 298 Billy Button, the Young Clown and Bareback Rider. By Berton - Bertrew. - - 299 An Engineer at 16; or, The Prince of the Lightning Express. By - Jas. C. Merritt. - - 300 To the North Pole in a Balloon. By Berton Betrew. - - 301 Kit Carson’s Little Scout; or, The Renegade’s Doom. By An Old - Scout. - - 302 From the Street; or, The Fortunes of a Bootblack. By N. S. Wood - (the Young American Actor). - - 303 Old Putnam’s Pet; or, The Young Patriot Spy. A Story of the - Revolution. By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon. - - 304 The Boy Speculators of Brookton; or, Millionaires, at Nineteen. - By Allyn Draper. - - 305 Rob Rudder, the Boy Pilot of the Mississippi. By Howard Austin. - - 306 The Downward Path; or, The Road to Ruin. A True Temperance - Story. By H. K. Shackleford. - - 307 Up From the Ranks; or, From Corporal to General. A Story of the - Great Rebellion. By Gen’l Jas. A. Gordon. - - 308 Expelled From School; or, The Rebels of Beechdale Academy. By - Allyn Draper. - - 309 Larry, the Life Saver; or, A Born Fireman. By Ex-Fire Chief - Warden. - - 310 The Brand of Siberia; or, The Boy Tracker of the Steppes. By - Allan Arnold. - - 311 Across the Continent with a Circus; or, The Twin Riders of the - Ring. By Berton Bertrew. - - 312 On Board a Man-of-War; or, Jack Farragut in the U. S. Navy. By - Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. - - 313 Nick and Jed, the King Trappers of the Border. By An Old Scout. - - 314 Red Light Dick, The Engineer Prince; or, The Bravest Boy on the - Railroad. By Jas. C. Merritt. - - 315 Leadville Jack, the Game Cock of the West. By An Old Scout. - - 316 Adrift in the Sea of Grass; or, The Strange Voyage of a Missing - Ship. By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson. - - 317 Out of the Gutter; or, Fighting the Battle Alone. A True - Temperance Story. By H. K. Shackleford. - - 318 The Scouts of the Santee; or, Redcoats and Whigs. A Story of the - American Revolution. By Gen’l Jas. A. Gordon. - - 319 Edwin Forrest’s Boy Pupil; or, The Struggles and Triumphs of a - Boy Actor. By N. S. Wood, the Young American Actor. - - 320 Air Line Will, The Young Engineer of the New Mexico Express. By - Jas. C. Merritt. - - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York - -IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS - -of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be -obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following -Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and -we will send them to you by return mail. =POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME -AS MONEY.= - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. .... 190 - - DEAR SIR—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me: - - .... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos.................................... - .... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos................................ - .... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos.............................. - .... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos.................................. - .... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos.................................. - .... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ‘76, Nos......................... - .... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos............................. - - Name............. Street and No. .......... Town ........ State .... - - - - - These Books Tell You Everything! - - - A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA! - -Each book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear -type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. Most of the -books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated -upon are explained in such a simple manner that any child can thoroughly -understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to -know anything about the subjects mentioned. - - * * * * * - -THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO -ANY ADDRESS FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY -THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS -MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y. - - MESMERISM. - - No. 81. HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most approved methods of - mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of diseases by animal - magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. - S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” etc. - - PALMISTRY. - - No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most approved methods of - reading the lines on the hand, together with a full - explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, and - the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By Leo - Hugo Koch, A. C. S. Fully illustrated. - - HYPNOTISM. - - No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and instructive - information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also - explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the - leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S. - - SPORTING. - - No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete hunting and fishing - guide ever published. It contains full instructions about - guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, together with - descriptions of game and fish. - - No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully illustrated. Every - boy should know how to row and sail a boat. Full instructions - are given in this little book, together with instructions on - swimming and riding, companion sports to boating. - - No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.—A complete treatise on - the horse. Describing the most useful horses for business, the - best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for diseases - peculiar to the horse. - - No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy book for boys, - containing full directions for constructing canoes and the - most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. By C. - Stansfield Hicks. - - FORTUNE TELLING. - - No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.—Containing the great - oracle of human destiny; also the true meaning of almost any - kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, and curious - games of cards. A complete book. - - No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody dreams, from the little - child to the aged man and woman. This little book gives the - explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky and - unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate. - - No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of knowing what - his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or misery, - wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little - book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell - the fortune of your friends. - - No. 76. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.—Containing rules for - telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, or the - secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events - by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated. By A. - Anderson. - - ATHLETIC. - - No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full instruction for the use - of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, horizontal bars - and various other methods of developing a good, healthy - muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can - become strong and healthy by following the instructions - contained in this little book. - - No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. Containing - over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the different - positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of - these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how - to box without an instructor. - - No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full instructions for - all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. - Embracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. - Macdonald. A handy and useful book. - - No. 34. HOW TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for fencing and - the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. - Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the - best positions in fencing. A complete book. - - TRICKS WITH CARDS. - - No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing explanations of the - general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable to card - tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring - sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the - use of specially prepared cards. By Professor Haffner. - Illustrated. - - No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Embracing all of the - latest and most deceptive card tricks, with illustrations. By - A. Anderson. - - No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing deceptive Card - Tricks as performed by leading conjurors and magicians. - Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated. - - MAGIC. - - No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and card tricks, - containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks of - the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed - by our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of - this book, as it will both amuse and instruct. - - No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight explained by - his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how the secret - dialogues were carried on between the magician and the boy on - the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only - authentic explanation of second sight. - - No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the grandest assortment - of magical illusions ever placed before the public. Also - tricks with cards, incantations, etc. - - No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over one hundred - highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. By A. - Anderson. Handsomely illustrated. - - No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over fifty of the - latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also containing the - secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson. - - No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full directions for - making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By A. Anderson. - Fully illustrated. - - No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing many curious tricks - with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. Anderson. Fully - illustrated. - - No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR.—Containing tricks with Dominos, - Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Embracing thirty-six - illustrations. By A. Anderson. - - No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a complete description - of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand, together with - many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson. Illustrated. - - MECHANICAL. - - No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy should know how - inventions originated. This book explains them all, giving - examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, - pneumatics, mechanics, etc. The most instructive book - published. - - No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full instructions how - to proceed in order to become a locomotive engineer; also - directions for building a model locomotive; together with a - full description of everything an engineer should know. - - No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full directions how to make - a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Æolian Harp, Xylophone and other - musical instruments; together with a brief description of - nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or modern - times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S. Fitzgerald, for - twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines. - - No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containing a description of the - lantern, together with its history and invention. Also full - directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely - illustrated. By John Allen. - - No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing complete - instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks. By - A. Anderson. Fully illustrated. - - LETTER WRITING. - - No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most complete little book, - containing full directions for writing love-letters, and when - to use them, giving specimen letters for young and old. - - No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES.—Giving complete instructions - for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; also letters of - introduction, notes and requests. - - No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.—Containing full - directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects; also - giving sample letters for instruction. - - No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A wonderful little book, telling you - how to write to your sweetheart, your father, mother, sister, - brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and anybody you - wish to write to. Every young man and every young lady in the - land should have this book. - - No. 74. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Containing full instructions - for writing letters on almost any subject; also rules for - punctuation and composition, with specimen letters. - - THE STAGE. - - No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE BOOK.—Containing a great - variety of the latest jokes used by the most famous end men. - No amateur minstrels is complete without this wonderful little - book. - - No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.—Containing a varied - assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch and Irish. Also end - men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amusement and amateur - shows. - - No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE AND JOKE BOOK.—Something - new and very instructive. Every boy should obtain this book, - as it contains full instructions for organizing an amateur - minstrel troupe. - - No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original joke books - ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It - contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., - of Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical - joker of the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial - joke should obtain a copy immediately. - - No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing complete instructions how - to make up for various characters on the stage; together with - the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, Scenic Artist and - Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager. - - No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the latest jokes, - anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and ever - popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome colored - cover containing a half-tone photo of the author. - - HOUSEKEEPING. - - No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing full instructions - for constructing a window garden either in town or country, - and the most approved methods for raising beautiful flowers at - home. The most complete book of the kind ever published. - - No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books on cooking - ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, fish, - game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of - pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most - popular cooks. - - No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for everybody, - boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to make - almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, - brackets, cements, Æolian harps, and bird lime for catching - birds. - - ELECTRICAL. - - No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A description of the - wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism; together - with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, - etc. By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty - illustrations. - - No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Containing full directions - for making electrical machines, induction coils, dynamos, and - many novel toys to be worked by electricity. By R. A. R. - Bennett. Fully illustrated. - - No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a large collection - of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, together - with illustrations. By A. Anderson. - - ENTERTAINMENT. - - No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry Kennedy. The secret - given away. Every intelligent boy reading this book of - instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multitudes - every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the - art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It - is the greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of - fun) in it. - - No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A very valuable little - book just published. A complete compendium of games, sports, - card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable for parlor - or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the money - than any book published. - - No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little book, - containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, - backgammon, croquet, dominoes, etc. - - No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all the leading - conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches and - witty sayings. - - No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little book, giving - the rules and full directions for playing Euchre, Cribbage, - Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, Auction - Pitch, All Fours, and many other popular games of cards. - - No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hundred interesting - puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A complete book. - Fully illustrated. By A. Andersen. - - ETIQUETTE. - - No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—It is a great life - secret, and one that every young man desires to know all - about. There’s happiness in it. - - No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette of good - society and the easiest and most approved methods of appearing - to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and - in the drawing-room. - - DECLAMATION. - - No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS.—Containing the most - popular selections in use, comprising Dutch dialect, French - dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together with many - standard readings. - - No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing fourteen illustrations, - giving the different positions requisite to become a good - speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from - all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the - most simple and concise manner possible. - - No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting debates, outlines - for debates, questions for discussion, and the best sources - for procuring information on the questions given. - - SOCIETY. - - No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are fully - explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of - handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, - it contains a full list of the language and sentiment of - flowers, which is interesting to everybody, both old and - young. You cannot be happy without one. - - No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome little book - just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions in - the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, - how to dress, and full directions for calling off in all - popular square dances. - - No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, courtship and - marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette to be - observed, with many curious and interesting things not - generally known. - - No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the art of - dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the - selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up. - - No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the brightest and most - valuable little books ever given to the world. Everybody - wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and female. - The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this book and - be convinced how to become beautiful. - - BIRDS AND ANIMALS. - - No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and containing full - instructions for the management and training of the canary, - mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc. - - No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND RABBITS.—A useful - and instructive book. Handsomely illustrated. By Ira Drofraw. - - No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints on how to catch - moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. Also how to - cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington Keene. - - No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A valuable book, giving - instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting and preserving - birds, animals and insects. - - No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving complete information as - to the manner and method of raising, keeping, taming, - breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full - instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by - twenty-eight illustrations, making it the most complete book - of the kind ever published. - - MISCELLANEOUS. - - No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and instructive book, - giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also experiments in - acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions - for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This - book cannot be equaled. - - No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for making all kinds - of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc. - - No. 19.—FRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANCE TABLES, POCKET - COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving the official distances on all the - railroads of the United States and Canada. Also table of - distances by water to foreign ports, hack fares in the - principal cities, reports of the census, etc., etc., making it - one of the most complete and handy books published. - - No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wonderful book, containing - useful and practical information in the treatment of ordinary - diseases and ailments common to every family. Abounding in - useful and effective recipes for general complaints. - - No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Containing valuable - information regarding the collecting and arranging of stamps - and coins. Handsomely illustrated. - - No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, the world-known - detective. In which he lays down some valuable and sensible - rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures and - experiences of well-known detectives. - - No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Containing useful information - regarding the Camera and how to work it; also how to make - Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other Transparencies. - Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. Abney. - - No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY CADET.—Containing full - explanations how to gain admittance, course of Study, - Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post Guard, Police - Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should know to be - a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How - to Become a Naval Cadet.” - - No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete instructions of how to - gain admission to the Annapolis Naval Academy. Also containing - the course of instruction, description of grounds and - buildings, historical sketch, and everything a boy should know - to become an officer in the United States Navy. Compiled and - written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a West Point - Military Cadet.” - - PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS. - Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - - - - - SECRET SERVICE - - OLD AND YOUNG KING BRADY, DETECTIVES. - - PRICE 5 CTS. 32 PAGES. COLORED COVERS. ISSUED WEEKLY - - LATEST ISSUES: - - 204 The Bradys In Baxter Street; or, The House Without a Door. - - 205 The Bradys Midnight Call; or, The Mystery of Harlem Heights. - - 206 The Bradys Behind the Bars; or, Working on Blackwells Island. - - 207 The Bradys and the Brewer’s Bonds; or, Working on a Wall Street - Case. - - 208 The Bradys on the Bowery; or, The Search for a Missing Girl. - - 209 The Bradys and the Pawnbroker; or, A Very Mysterious Case. - - 210 The Bradys and the Gold Fakirs; or, Working for the Mint. - - 211 The Bradys at Bonanza Bay; or, Working on a Million Dollar Clew. - - 212 The Bradys and the Black Riders; or, The Mysterious Murder at - Wildtown. - - 213 The Bradys and Senator Slam; or, Working With Washington Crooks. - - 214 The Bradys and the Man from Nowhere; or, Their Very Hardest - Case. - - 215 The Bradys and “No. 99”; or, The Search for a Mad Millionaire. - - 216 The Bradys at Baffin’s Bay; or, The Trail Which Led to the - Arctic. - - 217 The Bradys and Gim Lee; or, Working a Clew in Chinatown. - - 218 The Bradys and the “Yegg” Men; or, Seeking a Clew on the Road. - - 219 The Bradys and the Blind Banker; or, Ferreting Out the Wall - Street Thieves. - - 220 The Bradys and the Black Cat; or, Working Among the Card Crooks - of Chicago. - - 221 The Bradys and the Texas Oil King; or, Seeking a Clew in the - Southwest. - - 222 The Bradys and the Night Hawk; or, New York at Midnight. - - 223 The Bradys in the Bad Lands; or, Hot work in South Dakota. - - 224 The Bradys at Breakneck Hall; or, The Mysterious House on the - Harlem. - - 225 The Bradys and the Fire Marshal; or, Hot Work in Hornersville. - - 226 The Bradys and the Three Sheriffs; or, Doing a Turn In - Tennessee. - - 227 The Bradys and the Opium Smugglers; or, A Hot Trail on the - Pacific Coast. - - 228 The Bradys Boomerang; or, Shaking Up the Wall Street Wire - Tappers. - - 229 The Bradys Among the Rockies; or, Working Away Out West. - - 230 The Bradys and Judge Lynch; or, After the Arkansas Terror. - - 231 The Bradys and the Bagg Boys; or, Hustling in the Black Hills. - - 232 The Bradys and Captain Bangs; or, The Mystery of a Mississippi - Steamer. - - 233 The Bradys in Maiden Lane; or, Tracking the Diamond Crooks. - - 234 The Bradys and Wells-Fargo Case; or, The Mystery of the Montana - Mail. - - 235 The Bradys and “Bowery Bill”; or, The Crooks of Coon Alley. - - 236 The Bradys at Bushel Bend; or, Smoking Out the Chinese - Smugglers. - - 237 The Bradys and the Messenger Boy; or, The A. D. T. Mystery. - - 238 The Bradys and the Wire Gang; or, The Great Race-Track Swindle. - - 239 The Bradys Among the Mormons; or, Secret Work in Salt Lake City. - - 240 The Bradys and “Fancy Frank”; or, The Velvet Gang of Flood Bar. - - 241 The Bradys at Battle Cliff; or, Chased Up the Grand Canyon. - - 242 The Bradys and “Mustang Mike”; or, The Man With the Branded - Hand. - - 243 The Bradys at Gold Hill; or, The Mystery of the Man from - Montana. - - 244 The Bradys and Pilgrim Pete; or, The Tough Sports of Terror - Gulch. - - 245 The Bradys and the Black Eagle Express; or, The Fate of the - Frisco Flyer. - - 246 The Bradys and Hi-Lo-Jak; or, Dark Deeds in Chinatown. - - 247 The Bradys and the Texas Rangers; or, Rounding up the Green - Goods Fakirs. - - 248 The Bradys and “Simple Sue”; or, The Keno Queen of Sawdust City. - - 249 The Bradys and the Wall Street Wizard; or, the Cash That Did Not - Come. - - 250 The Bradys and Cigarette Charlie; or, the Smoothest Crook in the - World. - - 251 The Bradys at Bandit Gulch; or, From Wall Street to the Far - West. - - 252 The Bradys in the Foot-Hills; or, The Blue Band of Hard Luck - Gulch. - - 253 The Bradys and Brady the Banker; or, The Secret of the Old Santa - Fe Trail. - - 254 The Bradys’ Graveyard Clue; or, Dealings With Doctor Death. - - 255 The Bradys and “Lonely Luke”; or, The Hard Gang of Hardscrabble. - - 256 The Bradys and Tombstone Tom; or, A Hurry Call from Arizona. - - 257 The Bradys’ Backwoods Trail; or, Landing the Log Rollers Gang. - - 258 The Bradys and “Joe Jinger”; or, The Clew in the Convict Camp. - - 259 The Bradys at Madman’s Roost; or, A Clew from the Golden Gate. - - 260 The Bradys and the Border Band; or, Six Weeks’ Work Along the - Line. - - 261 The Bradys in Sample City; or, The Gang of the Silver Seven. - - 262 The Bradys’ Mott Street Mystery; or, The Case of Mrs. Ching - Chow. - - 263 The Bradys’ Black Butte Raid; or, Trailing the Idaho “Terror.” - - 264 The Bradys and Jockey Joe; or, Crooked Work at the Racetrack. - - 265 The Bradys at Kicking Horse Canyon; or, Working for the Canadian - Pacific. - - 266 The Bradys and “Black Jack”; or, Tracking the Negro Crooks. - - 267 The Bradys’ Wild West Clew; or, Knocking About Nevada. - - 268 The Bradys’ Dash to Deadwood; or, A Mystery of the Black Hills. - - 269 The Bradys and “Humpy Hank”; or, The Silver Gang of Shasta. - - 270 The Bradys and Dr. Dockery; or, The Secret Band of Seven. - - 271 The Bradys’ Western Raid; or, Trailing A “Bad” Man to Texas. - - 272 The Bradys at Fort Yuma; or, The Mix-up with the “King of - Mexico.” - - 273 The Bradys and the Bond King; or, Working on a Wall Street Case. - - 274 The Bradys and Fakir Fred; or, The Mystery of the County Fair. - - 275 The Bradys’ California Call; or, Hot Work in Hangtown. - - 276 The Bradys’ Million Dollar Camp; or, Rough Times in Rattlesnake - Canyon. - - 277 The Bradys and the Black Hounds; or, The Mystery of the Midas - Mine. - - 278 The Bradys Up Bad River; or, After the Worst Man of All. - - 279 The Bradys and “Uncle Hiram”; or, Hot Work with a Hayseed Crook. - - 280 The Bradys and Kid King; or, Tracking the Arizona Terror. - - 281 The Bradys’ Chicago Clew; or, Exposing the Board of Trade - Crooks. - - 282 The Bradys and Silver King; or, After the Man of Mystery. - - 283 The Bradys’ Hard Struggle; or, The Search for the Missing - Fingers. - - 284 The Bradys in Sunflower City; or, After “Bad” Man Brown. - - 285 The Bradys and “Wild Bill”; or, The Sharp Gang of Sundown. - - 286 The Bradys in the Saddle; or, Chasing “Broncho Bill.” - - 287 The Bradys and the Mock Millionaire; or, The Trail which Led to - Tuxedo. - - 288 The Bradys’ Wall Street Trail; or, The Matter of X-Y-Z. - - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - -IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS - -of our libraries, and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be -obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following -Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and -we will send them to you by return mail. =POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME -AS MONEY.= - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. .... 190 - - DEAR SIR—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me: - - .... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos.................................... - .... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos................................ - .... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos.............................. - .... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos.................................. - .... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos.................................. - .... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ‘76, Nos......................... - .... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos............................. - - Name ............ Street and No. ......... Town ......... State .... - - - - - FRANK READE WEEKLY MAGAZINE. - - - Containing Stories of Adventures on Land, Sea, and in the Air. - - BY “NONAME.” - - EACH NUMBER IN A HANDSOMELY ILLUMINATED COVER. - - A 32-PAGE BOOK FOR FIVE CENTS. - -All our readers know Frank Reade, Jr., the greatest inventor of the age, -and his two fun-loving chums, Barney and Pomp. The stories published in -this magazine contain a true account of the wonderful and exciting -adventures of the famous inventor, with his marvellous flying machines, -electrical overland engines, and his extraordinary submarine boats. Each -number is a rare treat. Tell your newsdealer to get you a copy. - - LATEST ISSUES. - - 30 Adrift In Africa; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Among the Ivory Hunters - with His New Electric Wagon. - - 31 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for a Lost Man in His Latest Air - Wonder. - - 32 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Sea Serpent; or, Six Thousand - Miles Under the Sea. - - 33 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Prairie Whirlwind; or, The Mystery of the - Hidden Canyon. - - 34 Around the Horizon for Ten Thousand Miles; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s - Most Wonderful Trip. - - 35 Lost in the Atlantic Valley; or, Frank Reade, Jr., and his - Wonder, the “Dart.” - - 36 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Desert Explorer; or, The Underground City of - the Sahara. - - 37 Lost in the Mountains of the Moon; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great - Trip with the “Scud.” - - 38 Under the Amazon for a Thousand Miles. - - 39 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Clipper of the Prairie; or, Fighting the - Apaches in the Southwest. - - 40 The Chase of a Comet; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Aerial Trip with the - “Flash.” - - 41 Across the Frozen Sea; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Snow - Cutter. - - 42 Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Buckboard; or, Thrilling Adventures in - North Australia. - - 43 Around the Arctic Circle; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Famous Flight - With His Air Ship. - - 44 Frank Reade Jr.’s Search for the Silver Whale; or, Under the - Ocean in the Electric “Dolphin.” - - 45 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Electric Car; or, Outwitting a - Desperate Gang. - - 46 To the End of the Earth; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Great Mid-Air - Flight. - - 47 The Missing Island; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Voyage Under the Sea. - - 48 Frank Reade, Jr., in Central India; or, the Search for the Lost - Savants. - - 49 Frank Reade, Jr. Fighting the Terror of the Coast. - - 50 100 Miles Below the Surface of the Sea; or, The Marvelous Trip of - Frank Reade, Jr. - - 51 Abandoned in Alaska; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Thrilling Search for - a Lost Gold Claim. - - 52 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Twenty-Five Thousand Mile Trip in the Air. - - 53 Under the Yellow Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Cave - of Pearls. - - 54 From the Nile to the Niger; or, Frank Reade, Jr. Lost in the - Soudan. - - 55 The Electric Island; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the - Greatest Wonder on Earth. - - 56 The Underground Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Subterranean Cruise. - - 57 From Tropic to Tropic; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Tour With His - Bicycle Car. - - 58 Lost in a Comet’s Tail; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Strange Adventure - With His Air-ship. - - 59 Under Four Oceans; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine Chase of a - “Sea Devil.” - - 60 The Mysterious Mirage; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Desert Search for a - Secret City. - - 61 Latitude 90 Degrees; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Most Wonderful - Mid-Air Flight. - - 62 Lost In the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine - Cruise in the Gulf Stream. - - 63 Across Australia with Frank Reade, Jr.; or, In His New Electric - Car. - - 64 Over Two Continents; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Long Distance Flight. - - 65 Under the Equator; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Greatest Submarine - Voyage. - - 66 Astray in the Selvas; or, The Wild Experiences of Frank Reade, - Jr., in South America. - - 67 In the Wild Man’s Land; or, With Frank Reade. Jr., in the Heart - of Australia. - - 68 From Coast to Coast; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Trip Across Africa. - - 69 Beyond the Gold Coast; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Overland Trip. - - 70 Across the Earth; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Trip with His New - Air Ship. - - 71 Six Weeks Buried in a Deep Sea Cave; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great - Submarine Search. - - 72 Across the Desert of Fire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Trip - in a Strange Country. - - 73 The Transient Lake; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Adventures in a - Mysterious Country. - - 74 The Galleon’s Gold; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Deep Sea Search. - - 75 The Lost Caravan; or, Frank Reade, Jr., on the Staked Plains. - - 76 Adrift in Asia With Frank Reade. Jr. - - 77 Under the Indian Ocean With Frank Reade, Jr. - - 78 Along the Orinoco; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in Venezuela. - - 79 The Lost Navigators; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Mid-Air Search. - - 80 Six Sunken Pirates; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Adventures - in the Deep Sea. - - 81 The Island in The Air; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to the - Tropics. - - 82 In White Latitudes; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Ten Thousand Mile - Flight. - - 83 Afloat in a Sunken Forest; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine - Cruise. - - 84 The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New - Continent. - - 85 Over the Orient; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Travels in Turkey. - - 86 The Corral Labyrinth; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Lost in a Deep Sea - Cave. - - 87 Through the Tropics; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Adventures in the - Gran Chaco. - - 88 The White Desert; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to the Land of - Tombs. - - 89 1000 Fathoms Deep; or, With Frank Reade, Jr. in the Sea of Gold. - - 90 In the Black Zone; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Quest for the Mountain - of Ivory. - - 91 The Missing Planet; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Hunt for a Fallen - Star. - - 92 The Sunken Isthmus; or, Frank Reade, Jr. in the Yucatan Channel. - - For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt - of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. - -IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS - -of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be -obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill in the following -Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and -we will send them to you by return mail. =POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME -AS MONEY.= - - FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. .... 190 - - DEAR SIR—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me: - - .... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos..................................... - .... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos................................. - .... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos............................... - .... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos................................... - .... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos................................... - .... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ‘76, Nos.......................... - .... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos.............................. - - Name ............. Street and No. ........ Town ......... State ..... - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Added Table of Contents. - 2. Silently corrected typographical errors. - 3. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - 4. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - 5. Enclosed bold font in =equals=. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sunken Isthmus, by Luis Senarens - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS *** - -***** This file should be named 54654-0.txt or 54654-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/6/5/54654/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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- margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-left: 35%; margin-right: 35%; width: 30%; } - .c019 { margin-left: 11.11%; margin-right: 2.78%; text-indent: -8.33%; } - .c020 { margin-left: 11.11%; margin-right: 2.78%; } - div.tnotes { padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;background-color:#E3E4FA; - border:1px solid silver; margin:2em 10% 0 10%; } - .covernote { visibility: hidden; display: none; } - div.tnotes p { text-align:left; } - @media handheld { .covernote { visibility: visible; display: block;} } - table {text-align: center; } - .fix {font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; } - img {max-height: 100%; width:auto; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sunken Isthmus, by Luis Senarens - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Sunken Isthmus - or, Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel. - -Author: Luis Senarens - -Release Date: May 2, 2017 [EBook #54654] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_001a.jpg' alt='Frank Reade WEEKLY MAGAZINE Containing Stories of Adventures on Land, Sea & in the Air' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='25%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='25%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c001' colspan='3'><i>Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Application made for Second-Class Entry at N. Y. Post Office</i></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>No. 92.</td> - <td class='c003'>NEW YORK, JULY 29, 1904.</td> - <td class='c004'>Price 5 Cents.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_001b.jpg' alt='The Sunken Isthmus; or, Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel. By “Noname”.' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div>In a few minutes they were near the other divers. One of them was recognized as Poole. The villain was the personification of fury. He swung his ax aloft and made a rush at Frank. His companions did the same.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c006' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>FRANK READE</span></div> - <div class='c006'><span class='large'>WEEKLY MAGAZINE.</span></div> - <div class='c006'>CONTAINING STORIES OF ADVENTURES ON LAND, SEA AND IN THE AIR.</div> - <div class='c006'><i>Issued Weekly—By Subscription $2.50 per year. Application made for Second Class entry at the New York, N. Y., Post Office.</i></div> - <div><i>Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1904, in the office of the Librarian of Congress,</i></div> - <div><i>Washington, D. C., by Frank Tousey, 24 Union Square, New York.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='32%' /> -<col width='35%' /> -<col width='32%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c003'><b>No. 92.</b></td> - <td class='c003'>NEW YORK, JULY 29, 1904.</td> - <td class='c007'><b>Price 5 Cents.</b></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h1 class='c008'>THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS;<br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span><br /> <span class='xlarge'>Frank Reade, Jr., in the Yucatan Channel.</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c009'> - <div>By “NONAME.”</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='Contents' class='c010'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> -<table class='table2' summary='CONTENTS'> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#I'>I.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>WHICH IS INTRODUCTORY.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#II'>II.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS UNDERTAKEN.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#III'>III.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#IV'>IV.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>A WONDERFUL NARRATIVE.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#V'>V.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>A BOLD ESCAPE.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#VI'>VI.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#VII'>VII.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#VIII'>VIII.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>THE VILLAIN OUTWITTED.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#IX'>IX.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>THE SUNKEN CITY.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#X'>X.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>AT THE TREASURE CAVE.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#XI'>XI.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>POOLE PLAYS A NEW CARD.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c002'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c011'><a href='#XII'>XII.</a></td> - <td class='c012'>A TURNING OF TABLES—THE END.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='I' class='c010'>CHAPTER I.<br /> <span class='large'>WHICH IS INTRODUCTORY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>By looking at any comprehensive map it can be readily -seen that upon the western end of the Island of Cuba -there is a cape known as San Antonio.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Opposite it and upon the eastern extremity of mystic -Yucatan is Cape Catoche. Between these two points of -land lies that body of water which connects the Gulf of -Mexico with the Caribbean Sea and known as the Yucatan -Channel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Wilbur Wade, the distinguished archæologist, geologist, -naturalist and scientist in general, had startled his -associates of the World’s Geographical Society by a positive -and unheard-of statement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have made very careful soundings in the Yucatan -Channel,” he said; “also I have compared the strata of -the two capes, and it is my firm belief that at a period not -so very remote there existed no channel between the two -points of land. In fact——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then you claim the existence of an isthmus between -Cuba and Yucatan at some time?” interrupted Professor -Brown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just so,” agreed Mr. Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What has become of it, I would like to ask?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was just a bit of cynicism in this query. But -then these two men had never been the warmest of friends. -Wade bit his lip.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you suppose has become of it?” he retorted. -“Surely you don’t think it has taken wings and flown -away?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But you were going to prove the matter to us,” returned -Professor Brown, with a bit of sarcasm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If it is not an impossibility,” said Mr. Wade, ironically, -“my opinion is that the isthmus is at present at -the bottom of the Yucatan Channel.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A number of the scientists moved in their seats. Professor -Brown smiled broadly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A very simple matter to look at,” he said, pointedly. -“Of course, it will be easy to furnish absolute evidence?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Wade turned a cold stare upon the man who could -speak so insultingly. Then he said:</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>“Before I allow the fact to go upon record I shall prove -it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then we shall have an isthmus between Labrador and -Greenland; another ‘twixt Japan and Corea; still another -between Sicily and the Italian Peninsula, and again——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“One moment,” said Wade, politely. “You must remember -that there is nothing improbable in any hypothesis -you have named. If I am not able to prove myself right, -you are not able to prove that the sunken isthmus never -existed. I leave it in all fairness to our fellow-members.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a slight murmur of approval, but there was -yet incredulity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How do you expect to prove that there was once an -isthmus between Cape San Antonio and Cape Catoche, -may I ask, Mr. Wade?” spoke the chairman.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mr. Wade drew himself up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By the only possible method,” he replied. “I shall -visit it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scientists all looked surprised. Professor Brown -actually laughed out loud and slyly tapped his forehead. -Finally the chairman said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Really, Mr. Wade, you must allow that that is quite a -remarkable assertion. In what manner can you expect -to visit this—this imaginary sunken isthmus?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade’s eyes flashed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Imaginary if you will,” he said; “I shall conduct my -investigations with a submarine boat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a great stir in the assemblage. Even Professor -Brown forgot to interject his sarcasm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In a submarine boat?” repeated the chairman. “Does -such a craft exist?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It does!” replied Mr. Wade, suavely. “And a very -dear friend of mine is the inventor and owner.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“His name?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Frank Reade, Jr., of Readestown.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A murmur went through the throng. At once the sentiment -began to change. Professor Brown faded from -view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Not one in that distinguished company but had heard -of Frank Reade, Jr. His name changed the tide.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed!” exclaimed the chairman, with interest. “Is -not Mr. Reade the inventor of an airship?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And of other wonderful things?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So he has built a submarine boat?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He has, and it is a success. He has kindly consented -to assist me in locating the sunken isthmus. This boat -is capable of remaining weeks under the sea. The plan -cannot fail.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In a moment dozens of the men were thronging about -Wade, congratulating him heartily. Skeptical they were -no longer. Foes a moment back, now they were fawning -friends. Truly, nothing creates friendship like one’s success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was at once the lion of the hour. Scores of requests -were showered upon him. Would he procure such a specimen? -Would he solve such a marine problem? Was there -any room on board the Sea Diver for another savant?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Et cetera, et cetera.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One still incredulous man ventured to ask:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Will not the sunken isthmus be like all the rest of the -bed of the sea? How will you prove it was ever above -the surface?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If an isthmus did exist in that locality,” said Wade, -logically, “there must have been habitations upon it. Probably -I shall find ruins of a village, town or city, or remains -of forests or craters, or river beds. There will be -plenty of evidence if there ever was an isthmus.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade went to New York from Washington on the night -train. As he was whirled away upon the fast express -he felt that he had really gained a great victory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I silenced that old hard-skull, Brown,” he muttered, -with keen satisfaction. “And he deserved it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>I know the reader will agree with Wade in this. That -night he consumed in getting back to his Manhattan home.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next day he packed his effects and started for -Readestown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Deep down in the heart of lovely hills upon a river navigable -to the sea was the beautiful little city of Readestown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A number of generations of Reades had lived there, and -all had been inventors. But Frank Reade, Jr., the handsome -young scion of the race, had proved the most famous -of all.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The fact was, everything he took hold of succeeded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was bound to “go,” and with a snap and vim characteristic -of the young American.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In undertaking the construction of a submarine boat -Frank had hit upon that which had been an enigma to -thousands of inventors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But his marvelous ingenuity won the day and he triumphed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Sea Diver was conceived, outlined, charted and -built. Then she was tested and proved an unqualified success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In her outline the Sea Diver was long, slender and cylindrical, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>in the shape of her hull. This rested upon a deep -keel to insure steadiness, which was a highly important -matter.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The hull of the submarine boat was constructed of -plates of steel, closely riveted. Above the cigar-shaped hull -there was an open deck, extending from stem to stern.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the center of the deck rose the dome, with the -skylight and great observation window. Under this was -the luxuriously-appointed cabin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Just forward of this dome was the pilot-house, a smaller -dome with heavy plate-glass windows. Here the steersman -could direct the course of the boat and operate the -electric keyboard which directed the vessel’s engines, for -the motive power of the Sea Diver was electricity, furnished -by a wonderful storage system.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Aft there arose a square structure with bull’s-eye windows, -with a railed quarterdeck above it. This was called the -after-cabin, and here were the staterooms and living quarters -of the submarine travelers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On this quarter deck there was a powerful searchlight, -capable of a reach of fully two miles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The interior of the Sea Diver lacked nothing in the -way of equipment and appointment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were supplies of all kinds aboard for a cruise -of two years.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Amidships and under the big dome were the wonderful -electric engines, by means of which power was furnished -for all the mechanism of the boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the pilot-house was the electric keyboard. Here were -the various little buttons and brass levers by means of -which the doors and windows could be hermetically sealed, -the huge tank filled with water instantly for the sinking -of the boat, or again for raising it by the expulsion of the -water with pneumatic pressure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus the boat could be made to sink or rise at any desired -depth; to go forward or back at the pressure of a -button.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As wonderful as anything was the system of circulation -by means of chemically-made oxygen. Under the pilot-house -there was placed a generator which was capable of -manufacturing pure oxygen, and also of extracting and -destroying the bad air or gases as fast as they were created.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Little pipes and open valves extended to every part of -the boat through which the oxygen was continually disseminated, -so that the submarine boat might remain an -indefinite time under water and the voyagers could be -sure of breathing pure air all the time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In fact, not a detail was lacking to make the Sea Diver -a safe vessel, a comfortable home and a symmetrical, beautiful -craft.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was true that Frank Reade, Jr., had done his best -to perfect the new submarine boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That he had been successful it was easy enough to -see. Nobody had more confidence in him than his friend, -Mr. Wilbur Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scientist was ready to embark upon a voyage to any -part of the submarine world without considering for a moment -the possible perils of such a thing. He was a firm -believer in the practicability of submarine navigation, and -the seaworthiness of the new boat.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='II' class='c010'>CHAPTER II.<br /> <span class='large'>IN WHICH THE PROJECT IS UNDERTAKEN.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. Wade reached Readestown in due time. He proceeded -at once to a hotel and ate an early breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he called a carriage and rode down to the machine -shops of Frank Reade, Jr. At that early hour he -did not feel certain of meeting the young inventor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But at the gate there was a sawed-off, comical little -darky, who scraped and bowed and said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, sah; I done reckon Marse Frank been lookin’ fo’ -yo’ fo’ two days, sah. He am in his office, sah. Show -yo’ in, or does yo’ know de way?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I know the way, Pomp,” said Wade, alighting from -his carriage. “I’ll find him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Across the machine shop yard he went rapidly. He was -about to enter a small brick building by a half-open door -when a man came out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was a genuine type of Irishman, with comical mug, -dancing blue eyes and a shock of red hair. He stopped at -sight of Mr. Wade and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Begorra, and I belave that is the gintlemin himsilf. -Top av the day to ye, sor. Is yer name Misther Wade, sor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is,” replied the scientist. “And you are Barney?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yis, sor; an’ I was jist on the way to the tillygraph -office wid a message from Misther Frank for yez, sor. Shure, -there’ll be no use av sindin’ it now.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then he was about to wire me?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yis sor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, I must have kept him waiting,” declared Wade. -“I will go right in and see him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s roight, sor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade passed through a narrow hallway and entered a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>square, high-ceiled room, hung with curious looking charts -and diagrams. A large table was also covered with the -same.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this sat a handsome young man, with a rare type -of intellectual features, and the air which belongs to a -brainy man.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Wade!” he exclaimed, putting out his hand. “I was -just going to wire you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So I learn,” cried the scientist. “I am more than -sorry if I have delayed you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is all right; you are quite ready for the start?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Good! The Sea Diver is all equipped, and lies out -there in the tank. All we have to do is to go aboard, -run her down the canal to the river, and be off.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For the Sunken Isthmus?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just so.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If it exists.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At any rate, we shall have a submarine voyage; but -there is good reason to believe that it exists.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So I believe, though my fellow-members of the World’s -Society are a bit incredulous. We had quite an argument -at the last session.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ah!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But when I informed them that I was going to visit -the spot in a real submarine boat, they thought I was daft -or gone mad until I mentioned your name. That was -like magic.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank laughed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do they know me?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed, yes, as the inventor of the airship. That settled -a large measure of doubt in their minds right off. -Then there were those who desired to share our fortunes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This amused Frank muchly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No doubt of it,” he laughed. “They began to see the -elements of success in your project. You can afford to -snub them well, whether the isthmus is discovered or not.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well,” said Wade, with a thrill of pleasure in his voice, -“I look forward with the keenest of pleasure to exploring -the waters of the Yucatan Channel. I am in complete -readiness to start.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very good,” said Frank; “we will go on board to-night -and start with the early morning light. The Sea Diver -lies in the tank, all ready. Shall we take a look at her?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With pleasure,” replied Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They left the office and crossed the yard to a gate. Passing -through this, another and larger yard was seen. In -the center of this was a large basin or tank of water.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And in it floated the new submarine boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>The tank was connected by a series of locks with a -canal which led down to the river. It was thus an -easy matter to sail direct from the factory yard for any part -of the world.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade went on board the submarine boat. The -latter picked out his stateroom and made other necessary -arrangements. Then he said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will go back to the hotel, Frank, and get my trunks. -Then I will take up my quarters permanently aboard the -Sea Diver.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very good,” agreed Frank. “We will sail at an early -hour in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>After Wade had gone, Frank called Barney and Pomp. -He told these two servitors of his purpose, and added:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You must be all in readiness; there must be no delay.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All roight,” cried Barney, as he ducked his head and -threw a handspring; “it’s mesilf as will be there, sor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Golly, dis chile neber miss de chance, Marse Frank,” -cried Pomp, cutting a double-shuffle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These two comical characters had been associated with -all the thrilling experiences of Frank Reade, Jr., in his -world-wide travels.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney and Pomp were his faithful companions, and he -would hardly have been able to fill their places. Barney -was an expert engineer and electrician, and Pomp was the -prince of cooks and a generally handy man.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were excellent company, and Frank never felt at a -loss for entertainment while in their company. He could -ill have spared Barney and Pomp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney and Pomp were the best of friends in all things, -but each was as full of fun as a nut is of meat. Consequently -there was nothing they enjoyed more than a rough -and tumble wrestle or the playing of a practical joke.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If half the things they said to each other could have -been taken seriously, there would have been good ground -for a duel at most any time. But they knew better.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So there were to be four people in the crew of the Sea -Diver. Besides Barney and Pomp, there were Frank -Reade, Jr., and Wilbur Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All were on board the boat that night and all was in -readiness for the early start. It is safe to say that none -in the party slept much that night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney and Pomp were first astir.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As they made things ship-shape and breakfast was announced -by Pomp, Frank and Wade came tumbling out. -Then, after a light meal, Frank went into the pilot-house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were men on hand to open the locks and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>boat was locked down into the canal. Thence it glided -on down into the river.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was an easy matter for Frank to place his finger upon -an electric button and direct the course of the boat where -he chose.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When they emerged into the river they were surprised -to see a great throng upon the river banks. Thousands -of people were there gathered to get a look at the new -submarine boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They cheered vociferously as the Sea Diver appeared. -Down the river the submarine boat glided.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon Readestown was left behind. Other towns were -passed, and in due course the river widened and the open -sea was spread out to their view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The great submarine cruise was really begun.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Out into the Atlantic the Sea Diver ran. Frank still -kept her to the surface.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For he knew that she could travel faster and easier there. -There would be enough deep-sea traveling later on.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The course of the Diver was set for the Gulf of Mexico.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Land faded quickly from view and soon only the boundless -expanse of the sea was on every hand. The horizon -was at times dotted with sails, and once one of the vessels -in passing spoke the Sea Diver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For two days the submarine boat kept her southward -course. Then one morning as the voyagers tumbled out -on deck Frank noted that the wind was in the east and -was beginning to kick up a nasty sea.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The little boat rode the water like a cork. There was -no question as to her seaworthiness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But great, lowering clouds overhung the sky and pattering -drops of rain fell. Distant vessels were seen scudding -under bare poles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It’s my opinion,” said Wade who was something of a -sailor, “that we are going to have a big blow.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I agree with you,” said Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“However, I reckon the Diver is well able to cope with -any such a storm?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed, yes,” said Frank. “If it gets too rough on the -surface we can take a trip below.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sure enough; we would never feel the storm there.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is hardly likely. Heigho! What is that? On my -word, I believe those were signals of distress!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank pointed to a distant vessel which had the appearance -of a large schooner-yacht. There was no doubt but -that the signal of distress was at her masthead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She’s in trouble, surely,” cried Wade. “Can she have -struck a leak?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>“Begorra, she’s carryin’ too much sail fer the loikes av -this breeze,” cried Barney. “Shure, it’s crazy they are!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was true. The schooner carried every rag of canvas. -This was plainly a reckless thing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It looked as if the crew were panic-stricken, or else ignorant -of the proper course of safety. Certainly the yacht -was in a dangerous strait.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The submarine voyagers were in a bit of a quandary. -What should they do?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Humanity dictated that they go to her assistance. Prudence, -however, asserted the policy of keeping away from -her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was no means of knowing how many were in her -crew. They would doubtless have to leave the schooner -and would all pile aboard the Sea Diver. This would be -a perilous thing for the submarine voyagers. Moreover, -what would be done with them?</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank reflected some moments, then he said, with sudden -resolution:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Humanity demands it. I cannot conscientiously refuse -to give them aid.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s right,” cried Wade. “We ought not to hesitate.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank stepped into the pilot-house, but even as his fingers -touched the keyboard a warning cry came from Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is too late,” he cried.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='III' class='c010'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <span class='large'>AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>This startling announcement of Wade’s caused a chill to -traverse Frank’s frame. He shot a hasty glance at the -distant vessel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he saw the startling scene which had induced -Wade’s declaration.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The storm had swooped down upon the schooner like a -foul fiend. One brief glimpse of her fate was had.</p> - -<p class='c000'>She was seen to keel over with the force of the blast. -Then her sails were in ribbons and her foremast snapped -like a pipestem.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next moment she was on her beam-ends. Then the -black cloud shut her from view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The next moment the storm struck the Sea Diver. What -followed was ever after like a dream.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The hurricane almost blew the staunch little boat out of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>the water. Enormous seas were hurrying and crashing -over her deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank had ordered all into the cabin, and the doors -and windows were closed hermetically. But the shock of -the storm threatened to dash the little craft to pieces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank saw the possibility of much damage being done, -so he cried:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Stand by the engines, Barney, I am going to send the -boat down.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank pressed an electric button. In a moment the Sea -Diver sank below the surface.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Down she settled, and for a moment all was darkness -aboard her. Then Frank pressed a small button.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In a moment every electric light aboard was in full blast. -A wonderful scene was spread to view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The depth of the sea at this point was not more than -one hundred and fifty fathoms, so that the voyagers very -quickly came in sight of the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Unlike the bed of the Pacific or the Indian Oceans, the -Atlantic is mostly devoid of coral reefs or reaches of white -sand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a vast area of mud and slime, with some few -marine plants spread to view. Huge serpent-like eels wriggled -through this, and myriads of dark-hued fish scurried -away rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scene was a sombre and by no means attractive -one. Wade was not much impressed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Pshaw,” he exclaimed, in sheer disappointment, “so -this is the home of the mermaid and the charm of the -deep sea, of which we read such alluring accounts? Ugh! -What a disillusion!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ah, but this is not a type of deep-sea regions,” replied -Frank. “This is a dirty part of the Atlantic, but before -we return I think you will see some beautiful sights. We -shall find it different in the Caribbean.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I hope so,” replied the scientist, with disgust. “Certainly -this is a horrible conception of deep-sea life, but I -cannot help thinking of that vessel. Do you suppose she -is weathering the storm?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is a question,” replied Frank. “She was in very -bad shape. However, let us hope that she will.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Amen to that. Is there nothing we can do to give her -aid?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I fear not; at least until the storm abates.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She may be at the bottom by that time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is possible. If afloat, however, she will be crippled -and sorely in need of aid.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Sea Diver did not rest upon the muddy bottom, but -was held in suspension about twenty feet from it. Frank’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>purpose was to return to the surface as quickly as possible -after the abating of the storm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After an hour had passed it was ventured to ascend. -Frank took the wheel of the Diver and held her steady.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Up she went.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon she felt the motion of the sea’s surface. It was -not rough, and Frank concluded that the hurricane had -passed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he let the Diver leap up into daylight. The electric -lights were shut off at the same moment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Eagerly the voyagers swept the rolling expanse with -their eyes. Not a sign of the schooner or any other vessel -could be seen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She has gone to the bottom,” gasped Wade; “her fate -is sealed!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>So it seemed. Frank procured his glass and scanned -the vast expanse. He closed it, finally, saying:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She has either gone down, or else the storm has blown -her beyond our range of vision.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you believe the latter possible?” asked Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is very likely.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t know why it is,” said the scientist, “but I am -mightily interested in that vessel. I would like to know -her fate for a certainty.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed!” exclaimed Frank, with some surprise. “Why -more interested in her than any other craft we might -meet?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I can hardly tell,” replied Wade, “but it is a certain -fact that I am. I have some sort of a curious feeling that -our career is in some manner intertwined with hers.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank could not resist a laugh.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Moonshine!” he said. “Your imagination is getting -the best of you, Mr. Wade.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scientist shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It may be all nonsense,” he said, “but we shall see.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sea was yet a trifle rough. The hurricane had swept -away beyond the horizon and was quite out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Sea Diver once more stood away on her course. In -a little while matters had assumed the usual routine.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney was at work slushing the deck to get rid of the -accumulation gained by the boat’s submersion. There -were heaps of seaweed, great masses of jellyfish and other -forms of marine life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pomp was in the galley preparing a smoking repast. He -had opened a window to admit air, and Barney chanced -to pass near it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was an ill moment for the Celt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pomp had mixed some dough for bread a short while -before, and now had discovered that the yeast was unfit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>for use, and the bread as a result, was spoiled. This put -the darky out of temper.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’ see wha’ was de mattah wif dat ar yeast,” he -grumbled. “Kain’t seem to do nuffin’ wif it. Dere am all -dat dough sp’iled. It meks me berry mad. Well, dere’s -one fing it can make food fo’, an’ dat am de fishes. So -here goes!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The coon picked up the huge mass of dough and hurled -it through the open window. He expected that it would -land far out in the water. But it didn’t.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As luck had it, Barney was just passing that way. He -came in a line with the window just in time to get that -soft, sticky mass full in the side of the head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The soft dough split around his skull, with such force -did it strike him, and stopped his ear, nostrils and eyes. -The Celt went down as if struck by a cannonball.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a second he was unable to realize what had happened. -Pomp was for that brief instant aghast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Massy Lordy!” he muttered; “I done hit somebody!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he ran to the window and looked out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When he saw who it was and noted Barney’s comical -plight he could not help but roar with laughter.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Celt scrambled to his feet. His mop was at one end -of the deck and his pail of suds at the other.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tare an’ ‘ounds!” he roared, as he put up his hands -and felt the mass of soft dough, not knowing what it was, -“it’s me brains they’ve knocked out av me! Howly -murther! It’s kilt I am! It’s kilt I am!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he chanced to uncover one eye and saw Pomp in a -paroxysm at the galley window. He glanced down at his -hand, which was full of dough.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Well, the transition was brief. A madder Irishman old -Neptune never bore upon his heaving bosom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With angry hands Barney tried to claw the dough from -his mop of red hair. Of course, it only clung the worse.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He managed to get his eyes clear and his ear, then he -made the air blue about him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Howly shmoke, but I’ll have the heart av yez fer that!” -he roared, “yez black-skinned ape, yez! Have at yez! -I’ll tache ye to insult a gintlemin!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hi—hi—hi! Massy Lordy!” howled Pomp, “dat am -de berry funniest fing!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yez think it funny eh?” roared Barney. “Well, yez -won’t think that way whin I git done wid yez!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ho—ho—ho! hi—hi—hi!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Phwat do yez mane by threating me thot way?” roared -Barney, trying to claw the dough out of his hair.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How yo’ fink I know yo’ was gwine to get hit?” cried -Pomp. “Wha’ yo’ git in de way, fo’?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>“Do yez mane to say yez didn’t throw that on purpose?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Course I didn’. I was goin’ to frow it into de sea -when yo’ head cum along an’ jes’ got in de way.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Arrah, an’ that’ll do very well fer yez to say,” cried -the Celt, “but if yez think I belave it——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shuah, it’s de troof,” protested Pomp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll tache yez to hit me wid a doughball an’ thin lie -about it aftherwards,” roared the Celt. And then he made -a dive for the window.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Pomp clashed it shut in his face. The Celt rushed -around to the galley door.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the darky shut the bolt in this, and for the time -was master of the situation. But, though baffled, Barney -was not defeated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He retired, vowing the direst of vengeance. It took an -hour’s hard work to get the clinging dough out of his -hair.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Nor did he get any sympathy from any one. When -Frank and Wade heard the story they laughed heartily. This -made Barney only the madder.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Be me sowl!” he muttered, “I’ll more than aven it up -wid that black rascal. Shure, I’ll tache him manners!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>How Barney accomplished his purpose we shall see at a -later day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Sea Diver kept on its course for the rest of that -day.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Night finally shut down, dark and moonless. But with -the searchlight it was easy for the Diver to travel, with no -fear of a collision.</p> - -<p class='c000'>She was rapidly nearing Key West, and would the next -day be in Gulf waters. The air was fresh and delightful, -and the voyagers sat out on deck until a late hour.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While thus enjoying themselves, suddenly Barney sprung -up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shure, sor!” he cried, motioning to Frank, “there’s a -lot of colored loights over there. Phwat do yez make -av it?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A vessel in distress!” exclaimed Frank, as he scrutinized -the distant signals. “Do you suppose it was our -schooner?”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='IV' class='c010'>CHAPTER IV.<br /> <span class='large'>A WONDERFUL NARRATIVE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Perhaps the most startled member of the party was Wilbur -Wade. He rushed to the rail, straining his gaze in the -direction of the signal lights.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>“I knew it would come!” he cried, excitedly. “I was -sure we had not seen the last of that schooner.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Certainly some vessel, distant but a few miles, was flying -signal lights of distress.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The submarine voyagers would have been inhuman, indeed, -not to have responded. The Diver’s prow was turned -toward the lights.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Rapidly she drew nearer, and the searchlight was focused -upon the vessel. Then there was a cry of recognition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I told you so!” cried Wade, eagerly; “it is the -schooner!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Nearer the Diver rapidly drew. When within fifty yards -of the disabled schooner there came a loud hail:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Steam yacht ahoy!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy the schooner!” replied Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What yacht is that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is not a yacht.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, a torpedo cruiser, eh?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No,” replied Frank; “this is the submarine boat, the -Sea Diver, Captain Frank Reade, Jr., of Readestown, -U. S. A.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a moment’s silence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then a surprised voice said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A submarine boat? Do you mean that literally?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I do,” replied Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, that beats me! Where are you bound?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Before I answer any more questions,” shouted Frank, -“let me ask you a few.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All right.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What craft are you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is the schooner-yacht Meta, of the American -Yacht Club, Captain Hardy Poole. We are bound for the -Yucatan Channel, but this storm has taken away our foreyard, -and we want to strike some vessel which carries a -spare one.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are you in distress in any other way?” asked Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, then, we cannot help you. We wish you success -and good-night.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Wait!” shouted the captain of the schooner; “don’t -leave us yet. I am interested in your statement about your -craft. I will send off a boat to bring you aboard. Perhaps -I can tell you something of interest.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank was surprised.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you mean?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will explain later. Look for our boat!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank hesitated a moment. Then he turned to Wilbur -Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>“What can he desire to see us about?” he asked. “Is it -worth while to wait and ascertain?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, by all means!” cried Wade. “Don’t you remember -what he said? He is also bound for the Yucatan -Channel!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is so,” exclaimed Frank, with sudden recollection.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I tell you, this schooner is in some way bound to become -involved in our project. Some strange presentiment -has told me that!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is quite a coincidence,” muttered Frank. “Yet I -cannot see how his trip to the channel can in any way -affect us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We shall see. I would like to go aboard the schooner -with you, Frank.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank stepped into the pilot-house and gave Barney orders -to lie by and wait for their return. Then he put on -a light overcoat, as did Wade, and they were ready for -the visit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Very soon a dark object came bounding over the waves -toward them. It was the yacht’s boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Presently it reached the gangway of the Diver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy!” came the hail; “this is the Meta’s boat waiting -for Captain Reade.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All right,” cried Frank, as he slid down into the boat. -He was followed by Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A moment later four strong oarsmen were rowing them -rapidly over to the yacht.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Once alongside it was an easy matter to mount the gangway -and meet the captain of the Meta awaiting them at -the rail.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was a tall, powerfully framed man, and in the glare -of the lanterns he was seen to be possessed of a dark, stern -cast of features. Frank’s first glance was not exactly a -favorable one.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He shook hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is Mr. Reade, I presume?” asked the captain of -the yacht.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is,” replied Frank. “And this, I presume, is Captain -Poole? I have brought my friend, Mr. Wilbur Wade, -with me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole gave Wade a critical glance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are both welcome,” he said. “Come into the -cabin.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Without further ceremony they followed the schooner’s -captain. The cabin of the Meta was richly furnished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But both Frank and Wade noted one curious fact.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Every man of the schooner’s crew, and even Poole himself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>carried arms. They wore belts and revolver pouches.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In these piping times of peace—and certainly in these -seas—this could but be regarded as very strange. To the visitors -it even had a sinister look.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On their way to the cabin Wade had an opportunity to -whisper to Frank:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Did you note those pistols?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” replied Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Are they cranks or pirates?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank could hardly restrain a laugh.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is very mysterious!” he said. “Keep your eyes open. -We will soon find out what it means.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>As they entered the cabin Poole motioned them to seats -at a table. He sat opposite.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was now plainly revealed in the glare of the cabin -lamp. As his visitors thus got a good look at him, each experienced -a peculiar sensation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It seemed almost like a chill.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In all his life Frank thought he had never seen a man of -such remarkable appearance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His features were long and almost cadaverous. His eyes -dark and piercing and burning with a strange light. He -wore a sharp imperial and pointed mustache, with a saturnine -smile which gave a truly Mephistophelian appearance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In plain terms he was out and out the thorough type of -the villain. Such both Frank and Wade adjudged him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a moment they sat there facing this strange being, -who seemed like a portrait from a piratical past. Poole’s -shifty gaze roamed over them, and then he spoke:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am honored by this visit, Mr. Reade. It is certainly -fate which has thrown us together in this way, for I am -very sure that we may be of mutual service to each other.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Indeed!” said Frank, with a little surprise; “I shall -be pleased to know just how.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“First I must tell you a story,” said Poole, with a crafty -smile. “It concerns my mission and the character of my -yacht and crew.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Really——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is all right. I know that you have not failed to -size up our peculiar appearance. Is it not true that we -bear the appearance of latter-day pirates?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why—I—I—had not thought much about that,” stammered -Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ah, yes, you have. It is not usual for people to go -armed in these times. The days of Morgan, the rover, and -Kidd, the buccaneer, are long past; yet we are seen emulating -them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade were speechless. They could do nothing -but stare at the speaker.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>He smiled in his saturnine way.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fear not,” he said, in his cool, almost impudent way. -“I have not entrapped you, nor decoyed you on board -this yacht for any nefarious purpose. Your statement that -you were the possessor of a submarine boat has interested -me, and I have a remarkable proposition to make. But -first to my story:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am a native of Sicily, though an American by extraction, -that is, I was born in that island, of Yankee parents. -I was some years ago the possessor of a large fortune, -but Monte Carlo and a fast life soon dissipated it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I had a half-brother, by name Alfonso, my father having -married a Spanish lady. We were never good friends. -We quarreled at every available opportunity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Despite this, Alfonso came to me when we were both -penniless and begging for alms in Naples. He was a -rogue, was Alfonso, but had no head for scheming. He -assured me that he was on the track of a fortune.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He produced a tin box, containing an ancient chart -which had been an heirloom in his mother’s family. It was -a map of an isle in the sea and described the location of a -buried treasure upon that isle. Millions in Peruvian gold -had been buried there by a buccaneering ancestor. But, -alas! the latitude and longitude was so obscurely marked -that it could not be deciphered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If there was any way to make that out, then the location -of the treasure might be established and a fortune -reaped. Alfonso had great faith in my sagacity, and -deemed it possible that I might accomplish what others had -failed to do. So he brought the charts to me.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And he was right. I puzzled over the figures for a -long time. Then I experimented with chemicals. I at -length found a certain one which, by soaking the vellum, -raised the obliterated figures and made them perceptible -to the eye. By studying the map I learned that the gold -was buried upon the Isle of Mona, in the Channel of Yucatan.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We were half insane with our discovery. But for a -time it seemed as if it would avail us naught.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To reach the isle we must have a ship, and a crew -of sworn and trusted men. For a long time we were in a -quandary. But at length we found Signor Barboni, a -merchant of Palermo, who lent us his assistance. A small -ship was fitted out secretly and we sailed, nine men of us, -Alfonso and Barboni.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In due course we reached Mona. We landed at once -and began to search for the treasure. And here was our -grand mistake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We had traced our way into a rocky cavern. Digging in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>the sand we had, as we believed, almost reached the gold. -A bit of earthen pottery was thrown out and a coin found, -when a reverse came.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Suddenly there descended upon us a hundred or more -savage Caribs. A terrible battle ensued.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We were not effectively armed, and the odds were tremendous. -My brother Alfonso was brained by one of the -savages. Signor Barboni was the next victim. We fought -our way to the surf, and only three of us, covered with -wounds, reached the ship.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We spread sails to get away from the accursed place. A -calm was on the sea, however, and there we lay until nightfall. -Then a terrible thing happened.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='V' class='c010'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <span class='large'>A BOLD ESCAPE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Poole paused a moment, huskily. He arose and took -down a decanter and glasses.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He filled and offered them to his visitors. They sipped -the wine. He took a copious draught and then went on:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Somewhat curiously, the Caribs did not come out to -our boat to attack us. If they had we must have yielded -easily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But we soon learned the reason why. They were treasure-mad. -With our picks and shovels they had dug up -the gold and were fighting over it like wolves.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“As darkness began to shut down the sea began to experience -a strange motion. A dull, cannon-like roar came out -of the west. Then we witnessed a terrible phenomenon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The waters rose like a mighty flood over the isle. At -least that was the way it looked. But instead it was the -isle which sank into the sea.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade each drew a deep breath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had been intensely interested.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then,” continued Poole, “we had hard work to save -the ship, but we made out to live through the vortex, and -having fair weather worked the ship into the port of -Havana.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Here we sold her and returned to Paris. I separated -from my companions. Monte Carlo drew me into its grip -once more, and one night the devil aided me and I broke -the bank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My first fate was to succumb to the treasure fever. I -bought this yacht and fitted it out with a view to making -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>a fighting vessel of it. This time I was bound to have -means of defense in case of attack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My men are picked and trusty. They are all bound to -me by the most powerful of oaths. I have every sort of -diving apparatus aboard. In this manner I have hoped to -recover the treasure. This is my story.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Neither Frank nor Wade spoke. There was silence for -a moment. Then Poole said, in a metallic voice:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If you have a submarine boat it will be of more service -to me than to you. How will you trade it for this yacht? -Name your price!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank met the other’s gaze steadily, and replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I do not care to exchange.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole’s face grew livid.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His hand instinctively went to his belt. He said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, I can see your game. You will easily recover the -treasure yourself of which I have told you. But I may -as well tell you now that game will not work. You cannot -leave this cabin alive unless you come to terms!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was a thrilling moment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade’s face paled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank was as cool as an icicle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is a strong statement,” he said. “Only a pirate -would make it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“As you please,” said Poole, carelessly. “I claim the -treasure, and it shall be mine!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For all of me, you can claim it and recover it,” said -Frank. “We are not hunting for treasure.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was Poole’s turn now to look utter astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He sank back in his chair and looked cunningly at his -visitors.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where are you bound?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To the Yucatan Channel,” replied Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“On what errand?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A purely scientific one. My friend here, Mr. Wade, is a -member of the American Scientific Society and claims that -at one time an isthmus existed between the points of Cape -San Antonio and Cape Catoche. To prove the matter we -propose to explore the deep sea in that vicinity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole drew a deep breath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His eyes glittered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mona was upon that parallel,” he said. “You will be -sure to locate the treasure that belongs to me; I claim it -by right of prior discovery. Of this I warn you!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Claim it, and be hanged!” said Wade, with disgust. -“Come, Frank, let us go back.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Both men arose.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Poole drew a brace of pistols and placed his back -against the cabin door. He looked ugly.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>“You shall not leave here until you have given me your -oath,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You will obstruct us at your peril,” said Frank, very -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I seem to have the best of the situation just now,” said -the villain, showing his white teeth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What sort of an oath do you require us to give?” asked -Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You must swear that you will not touch the sunken -treasure of Mona,” said the villain, intensely. “You look -like men of honor. If you give me your word, you will -be likely to keep it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will give our word,” replied the scientist. “Eh, -Frank?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly,” replied the young inventor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole studied their faces a moment closely. Then the -lines of his face relaxed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You will pardon the trouble I have put you to, gentlemen,” -he said, “but I am gold-mad. I must have the -treasure! I cannot be balked in my purpose!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well,” said Wade, “we have agreed to your terms.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The villain smiled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There are other things,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank’s eyes flashed. He drew his lithe form up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade looked disappointed and not a little alarmed that -his temporizing had not been a better success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole fixed his keen gaze upon the two men and continued:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You have the power to visit the depths of the sea. If -Mona is sunk too deep our diving apparatus must fail. -Since you will not trade or sell your boat, I must charter -it for the purpose of bringing up the gold. I will pay -you well for the service—yes, I will give you a fifth of -the treasure. Come now, is not that fair?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a moment Frank Reade, Jr., was so overwhelmed -with scorn that he could not speak. When he did recover -his voice it was metallic and raspy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My friend,” he said, “you labor under a wrong impression. -We are not fools; neither are we to be cajoled or -bullied. If you had come to me in an honorable, open -manner I would not have refused the favor, but as it -stands, I would not grant it to you for any consideration. -We are going back to our boat. Be so kind as to unbar -that door.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In spite of his pretended advantage the villain quailed -before Frank’s eagle gaze and commanding manner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He moved uneasily, then took up a whining tone:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now, come, my friend, don’t be unreasonable. I didn’t -mean those threats. You shall not be sorry.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>Frank took a step forward. The fellow raised one of his -pistols. Quick as lightning Frank grabbed his wrist and -then with a downright blow of his other hand, dashed the -other pistol from his grip. At the same moment he drew -back and hurled the villain from the door. It was done in -the twinkling of an eye.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole himself was astounded at the ease with which -Frank accomplished this. His murderous spirit at once -flamed up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Curse you!” he hissed. “I’ll have your life for that!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He wrenched his hand free and raised the pistol left -him. But like a flash Wade brought his fist down upon -the villain’s hand and dashed the weapon to the floor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then the scientist proved that he could fight as well as -solve geographical problems. With a leap like a panther -he had clutched Poole’s windpipe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank came to his aid, and together they bore the villain -to the cabin floor. He could make no outcry, and, -furious though he was, could not act.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Could he have made an outcry, or a signal of alarm, in -less time than it takes to tell it he would have had assistance -which would have turned the tables.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank and Wade were already determined upon their -plan of action.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They knew well that if they allowed their prisoner to -make an outcry their fate would be sealed. So while Wade -held the helpless villain by the throat Frank forced a gag -into his mouth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he hastily tied his arms and legs with some cord -which he found in the cabin. Thus placed hors-de-combat, -the wretch was left.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade very coolly stepped out of the cabin and -closed the door behind them. A moment later they were -on deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Two armed men of the crew stood at the gangway, but -neither Frank nor Wade affected to notice them, and descended -to the boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Row us back!” said Frank, authoritatively to the oarsmen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ay, ay, sir!” was the reply, and they bent to their -work. A few minutes later Frank and Wade were on board -the Sea Diver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had barely gained the deck when an uproar was -heard on board the schooner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have found him!” exclaimed Wade. “What shall -we do, Frank?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Put on all speed, Barney!” cried Frank. “Steer due -west!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All roight, sor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>The submarine boat shot forward. But just at that moment -a jet of flame shot from the side of the schooner, and -a heavy boom smote upon the air.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A cannonball just grazed the stern of the Sea Diver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Egad!” cried Wade. “That won’t do, Frank! If that -had struck us fair we would have gone to the bottom to -stay!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Right!” cried Frank. “Douse the lights, Barney. Veer -to the south.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>All was done in the twinkling of an eye. The Diver was -in instant darkness and was running away like a flash on -another course.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The piratical schooner kept up a random fire in an opposite -direction. But the game had slipped them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hurrah!” cried Wade, jubilantly, “didn’t we give them -a good slip! Serves the rascals right!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Aye,” replied Frank; “he was more than a rogue, that -fellow!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We may see him again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“If we do, we will not place ourselves in the lion’s mouth -again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are right.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was true that their destination was the same—that -is, the Yucatan Channel, but forewarned is forearmed, and -the voyagers were not to be deceived in the character of -Hardy Poole now.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Begorra, it’s bad luck to the omadhouns,” cried Barney. -“Av we only had a dynamite gun wid us now, we’d be able -to settle their account foriver!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='VI' class='c010'>CHAPTER VI.<br /> <span class='large'>THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The submarine boat ran on until the lights of the -schooner were lost below the horizon. When daylight came -there was naught but a clear sea between them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We are in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico,” said -Frank, with some satisfaction. “Cuba is on our lee.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This caused all a thrill of excitement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was not a long run to the extremity of the “ever-faithful -isle,” and then the Channel of Yucatan would be -reached.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank reckoned that they would make it easily by the -next noon. The Meta would be certainly a day longer covering -the same distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>That the schooner would really visit the locality Frank -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>had every reason to believe. But he anticipated no trouble -in keeping out of her way.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Steadily onward the Sea Diver ran. At length land -was sighted to the southwest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Isle of Cuba!” cried Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No,” said Frank; “Cuba is farther to the east. Those -are some little cays which lay off the coast. We must bear -off a little to the west.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At this moment Barney sighted a sail. It was a coast -lugger and carried some trading natives from Honduras.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They signaled the Diver in a careless sort of way and -then scurried off to the eastward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are afraid of us,” cried Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank laughed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Doubtless they think us a government boat or war -vessel,” he said. “Their trade may be of an illicit kind.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>However this was, the lugger certainly got out of the -way very rapidly. She was soon lost to view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were now well into the Yucatan Channel. Wilbur -Wade was a very busy man.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was hurriedly making his reckoning and drawing his -lines for exploration. The Sea Diver sailed slowly westward -the while.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length she came to a stop. It was at this point -that the quest was to begin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If there was really such a thing in existence as the -Sunken Isthmus this was certainly the locality to look -for it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have been thinking about that sunken Isle of Mona,” -said Wade. “Why might it not have been a part of the -isthmus?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very likely,” agreed Frank. “We may be directly -over it now.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Eh!” exclaimed Wade, with a start. “And if we should -come across the treasure——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The two men looked at each other.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t see why it would not be lawfully ours as well -as Poole’s,” said Frank. “Yet, I have no hankering for -it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Still, we might rescue it from the sea. Certainly if -Poole gets it he will make no good use of it. It would be -a mercy to cheat him out of it. Yet we have given him -our oath——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Pshaw!” said Frank. “That does not count. It is -not binding after what followed.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is true. However, I don’t believe there is a very -great chance of our finding any treasure. Let it stay down -there with the drowned Caribs. Doubtless it is accursed -gold.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>“I am agreeable.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Down settled the boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The electric lights flashed forth, and now a remarkable -scene was presented to the view of the voyagers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In that one moment of strained gaze it was seen that -the hypothesis of the Sunken Isthmus was a thrilling truth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was an exciting fact.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Below them the searchlight showed a deep defile between -rocky hills. And upon the sides of those hills there were -leafless trees, with arms and branches and trunks as natural -as life.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The wonderful chemical action of the water in these seas -had doubtless caused a species of petrifaction. Astounded, -the voyagers gazed upon the wonderful spectacle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade was right in his element.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His hobby, his pet theory, had found verification. It only -needed more extensive research to establish the fact of the -complete isthmus.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For there was, of course, always the chance that this -might be a part of the sunken Island of Mona. But Wade -would not credit this.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is the isthmus,” he declared; “of that I am very -sure. Now, to locate its coasts and contour. This can -only be done by following it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>So the Diver sailed slowly on, it being an easy matter -to trace the line of the sunken shore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Which way shall we go first?” asked Frank. “To Cape -San Antonio or to Cape Catoche?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To the last,” replied Wade; “then we’ll come back and -make a sure thing of the lines.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Over the deep defiles and rocky heights the submarine -boat sailed slowly on.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The searchlight was kept at work, flashing hither and -thither, and every new object of interest was carefully -studied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Soon the topography of the Sunken Isthmus began to -change. The rocky hills sloped gradually away into a -plain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here the Diver descended very close to the bed of the -sea and Wade outlined quite distinctly the original coast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sinking of the earth’s crust, which had resulted in -this submersion of the isthmus, was not to be easily explained. -Some internal revolution was very likely responsible -for it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now,” cried Wade, after some careful study, “let us -change our course to the south; I would like to know the -exact width of the isthmus.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Diver’s course was changed accordingly. For four -hours it sailed over the deep-sea plain. Then indications -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>were plainly seen which told that this was the southern extremity -of the isthmus.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fifty miles,” announced Frank, as he consulted the -gauge; “that is the breadth of the isthmus at this point.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is probably the average breadth,” said Wade, “although -it is not impossible that it may have been wider -in some other localities.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The course was now changed to the east. It was not a -great distance to the Cuban coast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Half a day’s steady deep-sea sailing showed the usual -signs of the surface, and Frank brought the Diver to a -stop just over a jagged reef of coral.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were great reaches of sand before them which -trended upwards. That they ultimately rose above the surface -in the form of a beach there was no doubt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We have reached the end of the isthmus,” declared -Frank, “or at least that end which once joined the Cuban -isle.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To make sure of it,” said Wade, “suppose we rise to -the surface.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank touched the tank-lever and the boat sprung upward. -The next moment it was above the surface.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But all was darkness upon the sea. The hour was 4 -A. M. and the sun had not yet colored the east.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank turned on the searchlight and showed the -cliffs distant not quite a half mile. That it was the Cuban -isle there could be little doubt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>However, to make sure, the Diver lay-to off the coast -until daybreak. Then bearings were taken. A small pearl-fishing -sloop passed near.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade hailed it and learned for a fact that the coast was -that of Cuba. Then he said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Let us go back to the deep sea. I ask only to follow -the isthmus to the peninsula of Yucatan. All doubt will -then be settled. My friend, Professor Brown, will then be -very willing to admit his error.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He will if he is not pig-headed,” said Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was about to touch the tank-lever when Barney -from the deck, gave a sudden sharp cry:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Whurroo, Misther Frank, shure, it’s a sail off to windward!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A sail?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade gazed in that direction. Then both -gave a violent start. A small schooner was seen bearing -down upon the Diver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade’s eyes dilated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is the Meta!” he exclaimed; “they are making for -us!”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>This was the truth. Hardy Poole’s piratical schooner -it was, and they had sighted the submarine boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>She was bearing down rapidly, with all sails set. Frank -and his companions watched the schooner with some curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank knew that it would never do for the schooner -to come within cannon shot. One ball striking the submarine -boat would be likely to ruin her.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he ran up a signal flag of defiance. It was seen by -Poole, and a cannon was fired in reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then the voyagers skipped into the cabin and Frank -sent the Diver to the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Westward now over the sunken isthmus her prow was -turned. For hours she kept on.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Toward night the place where they had first descended -was reached. Here a stop was made.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus far the trip was a glowing success. No serious -mishap had marred the project.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But could the submarine voyagers have read the future -they would have experienced not a little of fear and dread -apprehension.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thrilling events were in store.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So far there had been discovered no indication or logical -evidence of the possible existence of inhabitants on the -isthmus in former days. Wade was not a little disappointed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But when he remembered that there was yet a goodly -distance between them and the Yucatan coast he did not -altogether lose faith.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He hoped for the best.</p> - -<p class='c000'>All were somewhat exhausted with the incidents of the -past forty-eight hours, so they were glad enough to turn -in, Barney being left on guard, to be relieved by Pomp -later in the night.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was the usual arrangement.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney was completely exhausted himself, and in spite -of his efforts to the contrary fell asleep at his post.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was far advanced into the mystic Land of Nod when -a startling thing happened.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the gloom of a defile near there appeared a monster -black form. It glided once or twice around the Diver -as if to size it up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The creature’s powerful curiosity was aroused and it -ventured into the glare of the searchlight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was a strange creature.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Had Barney been awake he would have seen a monster -specimen of a fish which seemed a cross between a shark -and a whale. But he failed to see it at that moment, -though he speedily became aware of its proximity.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span> - <h2 id='VII' class='c010'>CHAPTER VII.<br /> <span class='large'>A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The curious fish passed several times around the Diver. -Then it drew off with an apparent air of offended dignity -and aroused jealousy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>What right had this unknown creature to venture into -these waters? It looked as if this was the reasoning of -the huge fish.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whether it was or not, one thing was certain. The -creature had made up its mind to attack the submarine -boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Steadily it drew back, flopping its huge flukes, until -finally it stopped and was motionless a moment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then it darted forward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney was in the midst of a beautiful dream of home -when suddenly he felt himself flying through space. Then -it seemed as if he was coming in contact with a legion of -hard objects and sharp corners.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In an instant he was wide awake. It required a moment -for him to collect his scattered senses.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he realized that the boat was moving. It was -flying upward like a rocket and suddenly popped up onto -the surface of the sea.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Celt, astounded beyond measure, rushed into the -pilot-house. There he saw that things were thrown all -about.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a dent in the wall of the structure large -enough to force the electric keyboard from its post. The -wires were all tangled up or disconnected and the tank-lever -had been closed by the shock.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mither presarve us!” muttered the Celt. “Phwat the -divil happened?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At that moment Frank and Pomp and Wade came rushing -in.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For mercy’s sake, what struck us, Barney?” cried the -young inventor. “What’s the matter?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shure, sor—I—that is—it must have been an airthquake, -sor!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“More likely an avalanche,” declared Wade. “Heigho! -how came we on the surface?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Golly, look at dat keyb’d!” ejaculated Pomp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank gazed at Barney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What was the cause of this, sir?” he asked, sternly. -“Why don’t you speak?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poor Barney!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Cold sweat stood out upon his brow. He knew that he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>had been guilty of a serious misdemeanor. A culpable act -of negligence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Shure, sor—I—I—don’t know,” he stammered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You don’t know?” exclaimed Frank, severely. “Were -you not on guard?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yis, sor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And you don’t know what caused all this wreckage?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, sor, somethin’ must av sthruck the boat, sor—an’—I -didn’t see phwat it was, sor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank looked keenly at the Celt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tell me truly,” he said; “were you asleep?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was against Barney’s principle to lie.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yis, sor,” he replied.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank turned away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is enough!” he said, reproachfully. “I thought -I could trust you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With his nerves tingling with shame, Barney slunk away. -But Frank uttered no further words of censure, for he -knew that the poor fellow was wellnigh warranted in his -negligence, for he was extremely exhausted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Still, he should have kept awake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Diver rocked in the rolling waves of the sea. The -night was as dark as a pocket.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank would have sent the boat to the bottom again, -but he soon found that he was unable to do this. The -lever was out of order.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In order to locate the break he would be obliged to put -hours of hard work into the task. He decided to wait for -daylight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he put Pomp on watch and then all retired again to -their slumbers. The coon was not in danger of sleeping -after what had happened to Barney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He paced the deck of the Diver and kept a close watch of -the sea. It was in that interval of darkness just before the -dawn that he saw a light off the port bow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It seemed to come from the masthead of a distant vessel -and was a colored light. The coon watched it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When he saw it was drawing nearer he started to call -Frank, but he changed his mind a moment later.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The unknown craft passed to windward and the light -suddenly vanished and was not seen again.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Morning came and brought a surprise. The first thing -Pomp’s eager eyes rested on was a dark hull off to the -southward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was a small vessel bearing down toward the Diver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Pomp gave a sharp look at it and then muttered:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fo’ de lan’s sake, I done beliebe dat am dat piratical -schooner. Reckon Frank bettah see ‘bout dat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank was already coming on deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>He met the excited darky, and seeing his trepidation, -asked:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What’s the matter now, Pomp?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A heap de mattah, sah. I reckon dat ole schooner am -comin’ fo’ us again.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank gave a violent start.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Is that so?” he ejaculated. “Why, we seem fated to -be followed by her. It will hardly be safe to fall in with -her in our present condition, either.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yo’ am right, sah.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade was just behind Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Eh, what’s that?” he asked. “You don’t mean to say -that that accursed schooner has overtaken us again?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Dat am so, sah,” replied Pomp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is very bad.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade went to the rail with their glasses. It -did not require much of a scrutiny to determine that Pomp -was right.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was the Meta, and she had evidently sighted the Diver. -She was coming on with all sails spread.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By Jove!” exclaimed Frank, “she will be down onto -us in a jiffy. We must get out of here right away.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For a fact!” agreed Wade. “What shall we do, Frank? -We cannot sink the boat, can we?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No,” replied the young inventor. “Our only hope is to -run away from her until we can get our tank machinery -repaired.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But is not the other machinery out of order, too? -Have you tried the motor-lever yet?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank’s face paled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No,” he admitted, “but I think it will be all right. We -will soon know the truth now!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It must be confessed that with some feeling of trepidation -and doubt Frank now entered the pilot-house. He -tried to adjust the shattered keyboard.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And now he saw that a great peril threatened! The -motor-lever would not work. The electric lights even could -not be shut off.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was no way to start the machinery of the boat -without restoring the keyboard connection. This would -require some hours of hard work.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the meantime the Meta was rapidly coming down upon -them. Frank shivered as he thought of this.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He regretted now that he had not at once set about -repairing the machinery the night before. But it was of no -use to cry over spilled milk.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Something must be done, and that at once.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade came into the pilot-house white as chalk.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They mean to sink us!” he gasped; “they have just -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>fired a shot across our stern. When they get our range -they will certainly hit us!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Run up a signal,” replied Frank, hastily. “You must -temporize with them. Partly accede to their terms. Anything -to gain time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>And Frank began work at once upon the keyboard. -Wade took the tip and rushed out on deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Meta was now within easy cannon shot. She was -training her gun again when Wade ran up a signal flag.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It implied a parley, and at once the Meta answered it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Begorra, I only wish we had our electric gun wid us!” -cried Barney. “Shure, we’d jist play wid thim, yez kin -be sure!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Wade knew well that their only hope was a shrewd -game of policy. He went back to the pilot-house.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How much time do you want, Frank?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At least two hours,” replied the young inventor. “Send -Barney here to me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney came, and together they worked at repairing the -keyboard. Wade went back to the deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Meta had signaled again. Wade answered the signal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then the schooner drew within hailing distance. Wade -had resolved upon a daring and diplomatic move.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy, the Diver!” came across the water in Poole’s -voice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy, the Meta!” replied Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You signaled us for a parley?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, what is it?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We have considered your terms,” replied Wade. “Send -a boat over and I’ll come and talk with you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a thrill of exultation in Poole’s voice as he -replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I thought you would reach a sensible decision. I will -send a boat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few moments later a boat put off from the schooner. -Wade went into the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His purpose was wholly to gain time. It required fifteen -minutes for the boat to cross the intervening distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then Wade kept them waiting at the gangway fifteen -minutes. When he appeared he managed to squander some -time getting into the boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then it required fully twenty minutes to pull back to -the schooner against the strong wind. Nearly an hour was -thus consumed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Mounting to the deck Wade met Poole politely, but he -did not fail to see the cunning and treacherous light in the -villain’s eye.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>“Where is Mr. Reade?” asked the treasure-hunter, in -surprise.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He is indisposed, and has authorized me to act in his -place,” said Wade, wincing a little at this white lie. It -seemed to satisfy Poole, however.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Come into the cabin,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade leisurely followed him. He affected a desire to -smoke and proffered Poole a cigar. Some time was thus -consumed, and fully a quarter of an hour was passed before -Poole was able to say:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, have you decided to come to my terms?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We have talked the matter all over,” said Wade, -shrewdly; “and we have decided to accept your story as the -truth, though you will pardon me if I say that this was -not the case when we first heard you tell it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The villain looked astonished.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='VIII' class='c010'>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> <span class='large'>THE VILLAIN OUTWITTED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh!” he ejaculated. “Then you didn’t believe me?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Of course, you will understand,” said Wade, diplomatically, -“that such a story from the lips of a stranger looked -a bit large. We must be excused for a bit of incredulity.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The villain’s face lit up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But you believe it now?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It looks more plausible,” admitted Wade. “We are -prepared to accept it as true.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am glad you have come to your senses,” growled the -villain. “I haven’t any hard feelings against you, though -it was pretty hard usage you gave me on board my own -vessel.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We acted, as we believed, in self-defense.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, I reckon so. However, we’ll let by-gones be by-gones. -In regard to this offer of mine—do you accept -it? One-fifth of the gold shall be yours for the recovery -of it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you reckon that a fair share?” asked Wade, diplomatically.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The villain swore horribly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why is it not?” he cried. “I am sure that you could -get no better terms from any one. It will make you all -rich enough.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade feigned avarice.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I think we ought to have half,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>Poole uttered a frightful oath.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, you will never get half!” he cried, “nor nobody -else.” Then, after a moment’s thought: “Well, I’ll do -a little better. I’ll give you one-fourth.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade took a notebook from his pocket and wrote down -all in serious fashion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Now,” he said, “for other terms. You are to show us -the place, and we are to dive for the gold.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole rubbed his hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes, yes!” he said, briskly, “but there is a stipulation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You must allow me and two of my men to go down -with you while the gold is being taken up!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade jotted this down.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What else?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That’s all. What are you doing?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am making a report to present to Mr. Reade. I will -give him these terms and return with an answer as quickly -as possible. Have no apprehension. He will be quite likely -to accept the terms.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole looked annoyed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I thought you came prepared to accept them?” he -said.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, sir!” replied Wade, decisively. “Mr. Reade is the -master of the submarine boat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And you are his envoy?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tell him to come himself next time. I don’t feel like -being trifled with. Be quick as you can about the answer.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I will report at once!” replied Wade, with a manner -which belied his words. “Have another cigar.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No; confound your cigars!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sir!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Excuse me, but I am nervous over this situation. Bring -me an answer as quick as you can.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade pretended to hurry to the gangway. Then he got -into the boat. He had been forty minutes aboard the -schooner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The men bent to their oars and rowed to the gangway -of the Diver. Wade turned to them and said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are to wait here for me; do not get impatient.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he went into the pilot-house. Frank and Barney -were puffing like beavers, amid a heap of debris.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How is it?” asked Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You are a brick!” cried Frank. “There is only one -more nut to adjust. What did you do?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade told his story.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>Frank was delighted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will send him an answer,” he said. “I will write -it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He sprung into his private cabin and wrote a hasty note -as follows:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<span class='sc'>Dear Captain Poole</span>: My friend Wade has brought -me your terms. They are hardly liberal enough. However, -if I decide to accept them, will let you know at an -early day. Very respectfully,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Frank Reade, Jr.</span>”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Wade could not help a chuckle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“How he will swear!” he said. “He will be as mad as -a hornet.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But he will not be able to injure us,” said Frank, “for, -thanks to your skillful diplomacy, the Diver is all right -once more.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank went into the gangway and handed the letter to -the coxswain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is for your captain,” he said; “deliver it to him -immediately.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All right, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boat shot away. When it was twenty yards distant -Frank cried:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Into the cabin, everybody! We’re going down!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The order was obeyed. The doors and Windows were -closed instantly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then Frank touched the tank-valve. There was a sudden -quivering of the boat, and down she went like a flash.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole, standing on his schooner’s deck, was astounded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When a few moments later he read the message sent him -he was more than furious.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Curse the luck!” he cried. “What stupidity in me! -I ought to have held that fellow as a hostage. They will -go and recover the gold themselves now. Up sails, men! -Bear away at the tiller there! We must be the first to -reach the spot. If the water is not too deep our diving -suits will be as good as their boat.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Diver went down quickly to the bottom of the sea. -No sooner, however, had the sandy bottom come into view -than another peril presented itself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A huge monster shot out of a dark defile.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was the same giant fish which had attacked the boat -once before. Frank saw him coming.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He at once suspected that this was the fellow who had -dented the shell of the pilot-house. He saw the risk of -another collision.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look out!” he shouted. “We may hit that fellow.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the stem of the submarine boat was a long steel ram. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>This was provided with electric communication with the -dynamos.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank had foreseen just such an exigency.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He knew that if he could only strike the fish with this -heavily-charged ram the trouble would be quickly over. The -monster would be sure to succumb.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he turned the boat about as quickly as possible to -meet the fish. He partly succeeded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The cetacean struck the boat just abaft her bow. For a -moment the partial shock it received dazed it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The boat was flung almost upon its side, but as it righted -Frank instantly brought it about and drove it forward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ram struck the cetacean in the gills. It literally -tore these away and the monster turned over dead. It was -a signal victory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Whew!” exclaimed Wade. “I would not care to meet -many of that fellow’s stripe. He is quite a match for -the Diver.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There are many heavier monsters in the deep sea,” declared -Frank. “We may run across a worse tussle yet.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I hope not.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>However, the coast was clear once more. The Diver ascended -the ragged, rocky hills and passed over what was -really a mountain range.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For what Frank reckoned as a distance of twenty miles, -the submarine boat kept on thus.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then the sunken isthmus began to undergo a change.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Rolling land spread out beneath them, and suddenly -Wade clutched Frank’s arm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look!” he gasped; “just what I expected.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A submarine city!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just so!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The spectacle presented to the view of the voyagers was -a remarkable one. There in the heart of the rolling country -was unmistakably the walls and housetops, streets and -squares of a city.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the streets were silent, the windows and doors deserted -and kelp and debris clung to all. It was a marvelous -spectacle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>What curious reflections might be drawn from this spectacle!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here was once a thickly-populated center. In these dismal -streets a people thronged, here trade flourished and -society held sway.</p> - -<p class='c000'>What manner of people the lost inhabitants were could -only be imagined. But that they were wellnigh the mark -of civilization was certain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In one fell hour their great mass of human souls had -been swept into eternity!</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>The waters had rushed remorselessly over all, and in the -mad vortex life had counted for naught. What tragedies -were there enacted upon this spot! What moments of horror -preceded the dread event!</p> - -<p class='c000'>Instinctively these thoughts came to all as they gazed -upon the sunken city. Perhaps Wade was the most deeply -impressed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Diver sailed slowly down over the sunken city.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank selected a broad square near one of the open gates -and allowed the submarine boat to rest upon the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he focused the searchlight upon the entire length -of a broad street before them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Here we are, Wade,” he said. “Now is your chance -for archæological research.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just so,” agreed the scientist. “I judge these people -a branch of the old race which built Palenque and other -Yucatan cities. I fear we shall find but slight clews to -guide us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then you reckon that time and the action of the salt -water has removed everything of value?” asked Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Everything but the bare walls of the buildings,” replied -Wade. “However, we can make a little exploring -tour, if you are willing.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I shall be glad,” replied Frank. “Barney, bring up -the diving-suits.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All roight, sor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Celt disappeared in the after-cabin. Very soon he -came back with the suits.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were two of them, and they were of an unusual -pattern.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The usual diving-suit, as we all know, is operated by -means of an air-pump and life-line, but these suits were -the special invention of Frank Reade, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They consisted simply of a very heavy helmet, with connections -with a square box-like case, which was strapped -on the back.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was the chemical generator, which furnished plenty -of pure air for the diver for an indefinite period of time.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='IX' class='c010'>CHAPTER IX.<br /> <span class='large'>THE SUNKEN CITY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The diving-suits were a very clever invention. They -were superior to the old style for the fact that the diver -had free use of his limbs and was hampered by no life-line -or tube.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>Frank gave instruction to Barney and Pomp to remain -aboard the Diver and keep a good watch of the two divers -all the while. Then he helped Wade to don his suit and -put on his own.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were now ready to leave the boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was accomplished in an ingenious manner. Of -course, it would be impossible to merely open a door and -step out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Water would rush in and flood the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank had provided a vestibule with two doors, one -opening into the cabin and the other out on deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had merely to enter the vestibule and close the cabin -door. Then, by turning a valve, the vestibule would fill -with water. It was easy then to open the outer door and -walk out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The return was accomplished much the same, though -the pressure of a lever set the force-pump at work and -cleared the water from the vestibule in quick time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade entered the vestibule, and a few moments -later were out on the vessel’s deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They clambered down the side and stood upon the pavement -of the sunken city.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was a strange sensation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Probably no other men living could boast of the same -experience. Down the street of the sunken city they -walked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It required Wade some little time to get used to the -pressure, he being inexperienced.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But soon he had overcome the unpleasant sensation and -was quite himself again. Together they strolled along the -thoroughfare.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was no conversation, for one could not have heard -the other speak at that depth. Moreover, the helmets deadened -the sound.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But conversation could be carried on by placing the two -helmets close together and shouting. This was only resorted -to in case of necessity.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The buildings of the sunken city were of two stories only -and not at all pretentious—like the ruins of Palenque.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But there was one higher-arched structure, just back -from the street, which claimed their attention.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There was a quantity of curious carving and scroll-work -in its front. Frank concluded that it must be either a -palace or a temple.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was determined to ascertain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Motioning to Wade he entered the place. The scientist -was not slow to follow him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Each wore upon his helmet a small electric globe. This -made objects plain in the place.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>As they passed through the great portico it was easy to -see at once what sort of a place it was. For a moment -they were spellbound.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was unquestionably a temple.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In front of them was a broad dais of stone. Upon this -there rested a gigantic and grotesque image. It was plainly -an idol.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ancient inhabitants of the sunken city were then -idolators. This fact was settled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The idol was fully fifteen feet in height, and in shape -was a cross between a sphynx and satyr. Its eyes were of -some brilliant stone.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Around the temple were other idols of various sizes. -Each had its dais, and there were the worn hollows in -the stone made by the knees of kneeling thousands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank placed his helmet close to Wade’s and shouted:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Is this discovery of value to you?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Much!” replied the scientist; “it establishes the fact -of idolatry, and also that these people were much like the -Aztecs and worshiped the same gods. There are the idols -Quetzal and Quetzalcoatl. They are Aztec gods.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is certainly a great point,” replied Frank. “Yonder -I can see some hieroglyphics on a stone. Is it possible -to read them?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am not familiar enough with Aztec cryptography,” -said Wade. “I shall not attempt it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But another discovery was made.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Before the large idol was a broad and richly carved -altar. Below it was a pit for the reception of the blood -of the victims.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The two explorers gazed upon this gruesome object with -a thrill.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Many a poor wretch has gone to his doom on that -stony surface,” declared Frank. “What barbarity!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“True,” agreed Wade; “the ancient ideas of sacrifice -were something simply savage.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>No small object of any kind of metal could be found. -Every vestige of any material but stone had been absorbed -by time and the water.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So Wade could find no other specimen to take with him -but a small idol, which he placed in his pocket.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I shall keep this for a talisman,” he declared. “Perhaps -it will bring me good luck!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I believe I will do the same,” said Frank; “so here -goes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He also took one of the idols. Then they left the -temple.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Once out upon the street again they began to look for -another object of interest.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>This soon turned up.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Passing through a sort of peristyle they came out into -a large court, in the center of which was a large basin. -Here no doubt a fountain had once played.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This court had no doubt once been the scene of magnificence. -There was every indication of it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Statues of the nude adorned its circle. These were hardly -to be compared with Grecian sculpture, but they represented -a very good knowledge of the art.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Instinctively both men pictured the place as it might -once have been.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Flowering trees and shrubs, noble palms and trailing -vines had once made the spot beautiful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The sunlight had once glinted in upon these alabaster -walls, with their setting of beautiful green. It had given -light to a gay assemblage of dark-skinned people, and fell -upon the state throne of the king.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For this stood at one end of the court just as it must -have stood in those old days. It was a great chair of -carven stone, with a canopy over it, or at least the frame -where the canopy had once been.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But nothing was left of all this magnificence but the -bare walls. These alone were imperishable.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Only their marble sides and columns remained. All else -was dust.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Time and the action of the water had worn them away.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is probably the king’s palace,” said Frank; “don’t -you think so?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” agreed Wade. “I tell you these were no ordinary -people.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I believe you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But they did not conduct their research much further.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were chambers beyond the whole interior of the -sunken palace, but the two explorers had seen enough.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank began to wonder if all was well aboard the Diver, -and as for Wade, his head ached to bursting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So Frank said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Have you gone far enough, Wade?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scientist nodded his head.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” he said, “I am satisfied. Let us go back.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank was glad to lead the way out again into the street. -They then turned their footsteps toward the submarine -boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney and Pomp were waiting for them. Straight to -the gangway they came.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In a few moments they were safe in the cabin once more. -The trip had been a success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Wade was still looking ahead, and was anxious to -continue on his way along the isthmus.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>So the Diver arose and headed for awhile over the sunken -city. Then it left it behind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The presence of the sunken city settled a number of facts. -It was true beyond peradventure that there had once been -an isthmus between Capes San Antonio and Catoche.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was also certain that there had once dwelt upon it -a race of people of great intelligence. That the sea had -wiped all out of existence was certain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade studied the matter thoroughly and most scientifically. -So he said to Frank:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have seen enough; let us go along.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“All right,” agreed Frank. “A due west course is sure -to bring us to Yucatan.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Very true,” agreed Wade, “but above all things go well -armed and prepared for trouble. I feel sure that we have -not seen the last of that schooner!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The young inventor could not help a laugh at Wade’s -earnestness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is your bugbear,” he said. “How are they going -to injure us at this depth of the sea? They have only the -very crudest of diving-suits.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t know,” replied Wade, “but I cannot help a -feeling of that sort. I believe we have not seen the last -of Poole.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is a little curious that we have not as yet come to -the sunken isle,” said Frank. “That I must regard as -only a small part of the isthmus which did not sink in the -first earthquake.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Beyond a doubt,” agreed Wade. “In that case we shall -certainly come across it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will keep a lookout. It should be in about this -latitude.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The course they were pursuing was along the northern -shore of the isthmus. It was easy to follow its conformation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As Frank had declared, they could not be far from the -sunken Isle of Mona. And, indeed, a few hours later they -came upon precipitous bluffs and forests of decaying -trees.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The island was beneath them. There was no doubt of -this. The voyagers were alive with the keenest of interest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ordinarily there would have been but a scant desire to -search for the buried treasure. But their experience with -Poole had aroused their interest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank had a strong inclination to visit the scene of the -treasure hunt. So he held the Diver closely along the island -and shore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was remembered that Poole had described the gold -cave as upon the northern shore. When attacked by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>Caribs he and his companions had escaped in their boat, -so it could not have been far from the surf to the cave.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It should, therefore, be easy to find. Barney and Pomp -were especially on the lookout.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='X' class='c010'>CHAPTER X.<br /> <span class='large'>AT THE TREASURE CAVE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Slowly and steadily the Diver crept along the shore of -the sunken island. The voyagers were on the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">qui vive</span>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perhaps Poole is there before us,” said Wade. “He -has had plenty of time.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank was incredulous.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I don’t believe it,” he said. “It would take him a -long while to locate the exact spot. Hello! what is that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A dark object loomed up before the gaze of the voyagers. -It required but a moment’s scrutiny to make it -out as the hull of a sunken vessel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It lay upon the shore of the sunken isle, and might -have foundered at the time of the earthquake. She was -a small schooner of the coast trading class.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The submarine boat sailed near to her and the searchlight -was focused upon her. But there seemed no good -reason for paying her a visit, so presently she was left -behind.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But now developments came in swift order. Rounding -a headland the Diver came upon a collection of partly -demolished huts and other evidences of habitation. This -was doubtless the village of the savage Caribs who had descended -upon the gold hunters.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade was now much excited.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We ought to be getting near the spot where the treasure -is located,” he said. “I surely hope so!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few moments later a long cliff-wall was reached. Then -a huge, dark-mouthed cavern yawned to view.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Down with the boat!” cried Frank. “Let her rest here, -Barney. This is the spot beyond doubt.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The order was obeyed. The submarine boat rested upon -the sands and hastily preparations were made for leaving -the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As usual Barney and Pomp were left aboard. Frank and -Wade quickly donned their diving-suits.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then they left the cabin and soon were striding along the -beach. They had not gone a dozen yards before Wade -paused.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There, imbedded in the sand, was a skeleton. The fishes -had long since eaten away all but the bones. Whether it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>was the skeleton of one of the gold hunters or a Carib it -was not easy to guess.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Other skeletons were also found in the vicinity. Then -they reached the mouth of the cave.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Here were found the rusted digging tools of the gold -diggers. Also a huge cavity in the cavern floor was revealed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And partly upon its verge there was a huge chest, with -one end knocked out. In the chest was a heap of round -objects. They were coins.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Much corroded they were, and as Frank and Wade picked -up several of them it was hard to tell whether they were -gold or merely silver.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There were others strewn in the sands of the cavern. -The cavity in the sands did not seem to contain any other -chest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>If this was the total amount of the treasure it certainly -was small, and did not greatly pay for the effort to recover -it. However, Frank and Wade had begun to make preparations -to remove it when a startling thing happened.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Suddenly into the cavern there flashed a light. Astonished -the two divers turned. Two forms were at the entrance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It required but a glance to see that they were divers. -Moreover, they wore the common diving-suit, hampered -with life-lines and cords. In an instant the truth burst -upon Frank and Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were beyond doubt members of the crew of the -Meta. Indeed, Poole himself doubtless was one of them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank and Wade placed their helmets together tightly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By Jove!” cried the young inventor, “we’re in a scrape -now!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You’re right, Frank. I believe one of them is Poole -himself.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There is little doubt of it.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What shall we do?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There is no way but to face them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Will it be safe? Will they not attack us?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is likely; but I can see no way to evade them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then we must defend ourselves!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just so; our chances are as good as theirs, and we have -an advantage in having no life-lines to bother us. Come -along, we might as well meet them half way!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole and his men, for there were now four of the divers -in the cavern, had caught sight of Frank and Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It could be easily seen from their actions that they were -frantic and would present a hostile front. But Frank and -Wade gripped the handles of their axes and marched steadily -on.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>In a few moments they were near the other divers. One -of them was recognized as Poole.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The villain was the personification of fury. He swung -his ax aloft and made a rush at Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His companions did the same. It was fortunate for our -friends that they did not come to close quarters. They -evaded the attack, for they could move more easily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank’s purpose was to get out of the cavern. He knew -that if they were hemmed in there, their fate would be -sealed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he motioned Wade to follow him, and, parrying -Poole’s attack, hurled one of his foes back and with a -swift rush gained the object. Wade came close behind -him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Once outside the cavern the danger was over. The rascals -could follow them but a limited ways.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Back to the submarine boat Frank and Wade rushed. -They clambered aboard and soon were in the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney and Pomp were astonished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fo’ de lan’s sake,” cried the coon, “wha’ am de mattah? -Wha’ hab happened?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, Pomp,” replied Wade, “we fell in with Poole -again, as I feared we would. We gave him the slip, -though.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Begorra, yez don’t say!” exclaimed Barney, in amazement. -“Shure, howiver did the omadhouns git down -here?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade told the story, to the edification of Barney and -Pomp. Meanwhile, Frank had been examining specimens -of the coins which he had found.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wade went over to him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well,” he asked, “what do you make of them, Frank?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nothing but silver,” he said. “A heap of pistareens—that -is all.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The scientist was astonished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Mercy!” he exclaimed; “what a disappointment that -will be to Poole! He declared that millions in gold were -buried in that cavern.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“So his avarice is repaid,” said Frank, with a laugh. -“Poor wretch! Let him have his treasure and all the -good it may do him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Then you will not interfere?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Certainly not.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Good,” cried Wade. “Let us then go on to Yucatan -and finish our exploration of the sunken isthmus. We will -leave Mr. Poole to the exclusive enjoyment of his much-vaunted -treasure.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just so,” said Frank. “Start the engines, Barney; let -us get under way.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>Barney hastened to obey. As the Diver sailed away to the -westward the searchlight was focused upon the cavern -mouth.</p> - -<p class='c000'>There a curious scene was revealed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole and his men were digging in the sands for the -coins scattered by the Caribs. They seemed to act like -madmen, so strong was the treasure fever upon them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The submarine voyagers were glad to leave the sunken -Isle of Mona behind them. The Diver glided on through -the deep sea.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They made rapid course now toward Yucatan. The -course was very easy to follow, the sunken isthmus being -an established fact.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Many beautiful sights were daily witnessed in the sea -depths. Many strange specimens were secured.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But no incident of a thrilling sort occurred until one day -they had arrived within a few miles of Cape Catoche, as -Frank estimated by his measurement of distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It should be in sight,” he declared, “if we were on the -surface.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why not rise and take a sight at it to make sure?” -asked Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We can,” agreed Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he stepped into the pilot-house and touched the lever. The -next moment the submarine boat was flying upward.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Up out of the briny deep she shot, but the moment she -emerged a disappointment was in store.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They had expected to sight the rugged headland of Cape -Catoche directly in front of them, but they were in the -midst of an impenetrable fog.</p> - -<p class='c000'>No object could be seen ten yards away. It was a discouraging -predicament.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well!” ejaculated Wade, “here is a pretty how-do-ye-do! -What is to be done?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I reckon we bettah wait fo’ de fog to lift, sah!” suggested -Pomp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bejabers, it may be a good while at that,” averred Barney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Oh, I think not,” said Wade. “What shall it be, -Frank?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will lay-to for a short while,” said the young inventor. -“There can be no harm in that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>So the Diver continued to rock upon the swelling surface -of the sea, while the voyagers at times tried to pierce -the fog with their eyes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Perhaps an hour had passed thus when a curious thing -happened. Out of the fog there came plainly to the hearing -of all, voices raised in laughter and jest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They seemed but a few yards away, and startled, the submarine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>voyagers instinctively looked, with the expectation -of seeing a vessel bear down upon them out of the -fog.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But none appeared.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One moment the voices appeared to sound in one quarter, -and then they would change to another, even sounding -directly overhead.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Begorra, that’s quare,” cried Barney; “shure, they’re -niver in the same place at all, at all. They must be thraveling -around us, an’ divil a bit do I loike it! Shure, it’s -a sorry place for banshees, but on me loife it may be that -same!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nonsense,” said Frank, sharply, “it is a common -enough phenomenon, and due to the fog.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Right,” cried Wade. “Somewhere near us a ship is -anchored and her crew are doubtless whiling away the time -in games and pleasure. A peculiar condition of the atmosphere -brings their voices to us.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Dat am berry funny,” said Pomp, in mystified tones.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Begorra, yez are roight,” averred Barney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the voices presently died away, becoming fainter -and fainter. Then the fog was seen to be in motion.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Gradually it lifted and the sea was seen north, south -and east of them, but to the west there was a long line of -coast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A bold headland rose to view, and with a thrill of joy -Wade cried:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That is Cape Catoche. We have thoroughly explored -the sunken isthmus. Our expedition has been a success. -We have rendered science a mighty service, and have good -reason to feel proud of it.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='XI' class='c010'>CHAPTER XI.<br /> <span class='large'>POOLE PLAYS A NEW CARD.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>Down in the ocean depths, Poole and his men had been -at work digging out the supposed mighty treasure of the -Isle of Mona.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Every skeleton was unearthed and the sand around it -closely sifted. Thus the coins were recovered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Also further excavations were made in the cavern, but -without success.</p> - -<p class='c000'>However, believing the coins to be gold, the villain was -fairly well satisfied. He piled them into the chest and had -it hoisted aboard the schooner.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ha,” he muttered, “I was just in time to foil those -dogs. They were sure of beating me, but Hardy Poole -has staked too much upon this game to lose. Curse them, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>I will some day have a chance to settle the score with -them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>With this venomous decision he removed his diving-suit -and had begun to examine his treasure when an incident -occurred.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One of the men who had been in the shrouds cried:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Sail ho!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What?” cried Poole, with a sudden start. “Bearing -our way?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What does she look like?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“She looks like a fast craft, sir. Most likely a coast -guard vessel,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Change course. Bear nor’-nor’-west!” ordered the villain. -“We don’t want to fall in with any Cuban cruiser -just now.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The schooner lay about on the new course. She was a -fairly fast sailer and cut the water rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But in a few moments the man aloft again shouted:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy, the chase!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Eh?” roared Poole. “Is she giving us a chase?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That she is, sir, and she is gaining on us. She has -steam up and can sail two knots to our one.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A steam vessel!” gasped Poole. “Then she is certainly -a Cuban cruiser. She takes us for a filibuster. If she overtakes -us nothing will convince her that we are not and our -jig is up! Ho, there, all aloft and crowd on sail! We -must make a run for it! If she overhauls us——”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well?” asked one of the men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole’s grim face hardened.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We will fight for it!” he said, “for they will never take -the treasure from us while we live.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The crew cheered at this bold declaration and then scampered -aloft. Meanwhile Poole watched the distant steamer -with varied sensations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Just our luck,” he muttered. “By the gods, I believe -I am cursed by fate! Let them overhaul us, curse them! -We will give them all the fight they want.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he went back to the cabin and began to gloat over -the treasure. He picked up one of the coins and scraped -away the rust and mold. Then he snapped his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>How was this?</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was white metal instead of yellow—silver instead of -gold!</p> - -<p class='c000'>If all that bulk of coin was silver, its value was but -small; if of gold, it would be immense. Quite a difference. -He dropped the coin with a grunt.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He picked up another and scratched its surface. It was -also silver.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>Another and another. Then a sickening sensation came -over him, and he smiled in a ghastly way.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Silver!” he hissed. “Can all of them be such? Is -there no gold?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He kept at his work. It soon became apparent to him -that this was a terrible fact. He sank in a chair, with -distorted features and bursting veins.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a moment he was apoplectic. Then great curses rolled -from his lips. He struck the table with his clenched -hand.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They have beaten me!” he hissed; “they have taken the -gold and left me the silver! Curse them! they have beaten -me, but the end is not yet!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was too unreasonable to consider the situation logically. -He could accept but one conclusion, and this was -that the submarine voyagers had taken the gold and outwitted -him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Why did I allow them to escape me?” he gritted. “I -should have killed them all! They were in my power! -Fool! Fool!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He raved like a maniac in his impotent wrath, frothed at -the mouth, and might have really yielded to apoplexy or -some other fit had not an interruption come.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The distant boom of a gun was heard. Poole turned a -ghastly pallor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He knew what that meant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“They are overhauling us!” he gritted. “We are to lose -even this pittance of silver! But I will have the gold if -I have to follow Frank Reade, Jr., to the end of the earth!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>He hastened upon deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The cruiser had come up within gunshot and had sent a -summons to heave-to. There was no alternative but to -obey or fight or go to the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a moment Poole considered seriously the question -of a fight. He would gladly have accepted it had the conditions -been anywhere near equal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the cruiser had heavier guns and more men. There -was no other course but to heave-to.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So the schooner came up to the wind, her mainsail -slacked, and the two vessels drifted within speaking distance.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy, the schooner!” came the hail in Spanish. The -Cuban flag was seen to be flying at the yard of the cruiser.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy!” replied Poole.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What craft is that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Meta; pleasure yacht, under the United States -flag,” replied Poole.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a time there seemed to be a consultation held aboard -the cruiser. Then another hail came:</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>“Captain of the Meta, we are going to send our lieutenant -aboard you!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is that?” shouted Poole. “We are under the protection -of the United States flag. I warn you not to trouble -us!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A jeering laugh came back.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Lower your gangway,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then a boat slid down from the Santa Maria’s davits -and six men entered it. One in the uniform of a lieutenant -entered and stood in the bow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Another boat followed this, with a dozen armed marines. -Matters began to look serious.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The wrath and alarm felt by Poole was of the most intense -description. He was utterly powerless, though.</p> - -<p class='c000'>How he would have liked to turn his gun upon the oncoming -boats and sink them! But he did not dare to do -this.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He stood savagely by the gangway, therefore, as they -came on. The first boat touched the Meta’s side, and the -natty Spanish lieutenant sprung upon deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Buenas, Senor Capitan,” he said, touching his gold-laced -cap, with much politeness. “I am Carriero, lieutenant -of His Majesty’s navy. I salute you in the name of the -king of Spain.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole could talk Spanish fairly well, so he said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Well, what can I do for you, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>His manner was so brusque that the dapper little Spaniard -straightened up. With an affectation of dignity, he -said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“We must search your vessel, senor!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he motioned to the marines. In a moment they -were over the rail and ranged upon the deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Meta was in the power of the Spanish. Poole turned -black in the face.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What!” he roared, “you dare to board a vessel flying -the United States flag? This is an outrage and you will -pay dearly for it, I promise you.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Carriero smiled suavely in reply.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What do you think we are?” cried Poole in desperation. -“We are not filibusters.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Again the lieutenant smiled and bowed. Then he spoke -sharp orders to his men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A midshipman, with two marines, invaded the forecastle. -Two more went into the forward cabin. Then the lieutenant -himself, with two guards, entered the main cabin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole followed, expostulating, but it was of no use.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The vessel was thoroughly searched. Of course, the silver -coins were discovered, and also the fact made clear that -the vessel carried arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>By Carriero’s orders every gun was seized and brought -out on deck. Then the chest of treasure was also taken.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A boat was sent back to the Santa Maria, and the captain, -Don Azata, was brought off. He was a fiery, bewhiskered -little fellow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Without waste of time a court of inquiry was inaugurated -on the Meta’s deck. The decision, based upon the evidence, -was quickly rendered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Meta had been captured in Cuban waters carrying -an armament. Certainly this was suspicious and warranted -her in being condemned as a filibustering craft.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In vain Poole protested.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Spanish officers only smiled and discredited his -statements. He kept getting madder and madder.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Finally he yelled:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Get off the deck of my schooner, the whole parcel of -you! If you don’t I’ll kill you!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Grabbing an iron bar he knocked the nearest marine -senseless. Don Azata shouted fiery orders and Poole was -quickly overpowered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The little Spanish captain’s face blazed. A rope was -brought. It was decided to hang the captain of the Meta -at his own yard-arm.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But at this critical moment the captain’s eyes fell upon -the chest of coins. At once he became interested. He fell -to examining them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he catechised Poole. The latter answered ungraciously -at first.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To his surprise the Spanish captain ordered his bonds -cut, and, thrusting his eager face forward into his, said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is buried treasure; you have dug it out of the ground; -tell me, senor capitan, where you found it, and I will -spare your life.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What good will that do you?” asked Poole. “There is -no more to be found there.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do you think so, senor? There must be gold where -this was found. This is but silver.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>A sudden swift thought flashed across Poole’s brain. He -had abandoned all hopes of the treasure, but he thirsted -for revenge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And here seemed a chance offered him. He accepted it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few moments later he was closeted in the cabin with -Don Azata. He told him the whole story of the Isle of -Mona.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Spanish captain listened.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perdita!” he exclaimed, “that is wonderful! But the -treasure was found upon Spanish soil, and I claim it in -the name of the King of Spain. This Captain Reade, you -say, has the gold?”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>“Yes,” cried Poole, “and curse him, he robbed me of -it! Follow him and wrest it from him. I will ask of -you no greater favor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“But where shall we look for him?” asked the little -captain; “in what direction shall we sail?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“He will be found in the neighborhood of Cape Catoche.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You believe that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Yes,” replied Poole, “but you will never catch them if -you are not shrewd.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ah, senor?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You see, his boat is a submarine craft, and he can sink -out of sight and reach in a moment.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Perdita! Senor shall tell me what to do?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Use a subterfuge; trick him!” cried Poole, fiendishly. -“When you sight him lure him toward you! Fly a signal -of distress; when he gets within range give him a shot -that will cripple him, or he will get away.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Don Azata’s eyes glittered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That would be an assault upon the American flag,” he -began.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Hang the American flag! Who will ever know the -story? Sink the accursed submarine boat with every man -on board! The secret will be well kept. All we want is -the gold.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The two rascals looked at each other for fully a minute. -Then Don Azata said, softly:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Senor, you are wise; I shall do as you say. It is true -that we must have the gold. May le diable aid us!”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='XII' class='c010'>CHAPTER XII.<br /> <span class='large'>A TURNING OF TABLES—THE END.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>The sunken isthmus had been discovered and explored. -The mission of the Diver and its voyagers was thus accomplished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The only thing now left to be done, as it seemed, was to -start for home. All were in favor of this.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bejabers, I’m more than ready to be off,” cried Barney. -“Shure, it’s an outlandish counthry about here, onyway.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Huh,” sniffed Pomp, “I don’t see no country, nuffin’ -but de ocean all about us!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Arrah, an’ don’t yez be so funny,” retorted Barney. -“Shure, ain’t the counthry underneath us, an’ phwativer -more kin yez ask fer than that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This put Pomp to thinking, and no more was said just -then. But Frank and Wade discussed the question.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And the result was, it was finally decided to return home -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>after first paying a visit to Belize and having the boat’s -engines overhauled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Diver, meanwhile, had been drifting all the time -nearer to Cape Catoche. The shore presented an alluring -aspect, and Wade exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I say, Frank, we ought really to run ashore here for a -little while. It will give us a chance to stretch our legs, -and I may find a few specimens.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Or fall into the grip of the Caribs,” laughed Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll risk that.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>So the Diver was steered in close to the shore. A small -boat was brought out and Frank and Wade rowed ashore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They went well armed. But they were accorded a genuine -surprise.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In place of possible cannibalistic Caribs or pirates they -discovered the extensive fruit plantation of an enterprising -Yankee, named Walton.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This gentleman invited them up to his dwelling in a -lovely grove of palms, and treated them to pulque and other -fine things.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He even insisted upon their remaining over night. As -Frank knew that all was well on board the Diver he did -not refuse.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus it happened that Barney and Pomp spent the night -alone on board the Diver. And they had a high old -time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney managed to square accounts with the darky for -the dough episode of some days past. After a lively scrap -they finally made up and were good friends again.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They wondered somewhat at the non-return of Frank -and Wade. But at nightfall Frank signaled them from -the cliffs and they were reassured.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the first gray streak of dawn across the Caribbean -Sea the two jokers were given a little thrill of surprise.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A vessel had suddenly swung around a headland and -was bearing down toward them. It was a small steamer, -and as Barney studied it with his glass he made an astonishing -discovery.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For Hivin’s sakes,” he cried, “it’s wan av thim prowlin’ -Cuban cruisers. Phwat the divil are they up to? It’s mischief, -I believe.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Golly, wha’ am we gwine to do? Reckon Marse Frank -ought to be here!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Bejabers, I’ll put up the Yankee flag an’ they’ll never -dare touch us then,” cried Barney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>And he ran up the Stars and Stripes. But the Cuban -vessel continued to advance. She ran up a signal flag.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It read that she desired to speak the submarine boat. -This was a reasonable request and Barney answered it.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>On the quarterdeck stood Azata and Poole. The latter’s -first proposition had been to creep up on the Diver and -fire a ball through its hull.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Azata had conceived a more cunning plan. The -Meta was anchored in a cove some miles up the coast.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His game was to speak the Diver and make inquiry -concerning the Meta. This would disarm the submarine -voyagers and he would send a boat off to interview the captain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Once his men were on the deck of the Diver quick work -would be made. The submarine voyagers were to be overpowered -and the boat seized.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then it would be ransacked, the gold recovered, the voyagers -shot and the craft confiscated. The two wretches had -not decided further than this, but there were hints that -the Diver would be a good craft to go seeking sunken -treasure with in other parts of the world.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This was a very fine scheme. Barney and Pomp were -all unsuspecting. Yet they cast anxious glances toward -the shore for Frank and Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They did not appear, however, so Barney had to make -the best of it. The Santa Maria bore down within hailing -distance and the summons came:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy, Senor Americano!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ahoy, yersilf!” replied Barney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The hail had come in American and the voice sounded -strangely familiar. But Barney never dreamed that it -was really Poole who was shouting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What craft is that?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Diver, submarine boat,” replied Barney. “Phwat -do yez want?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This is the Cuban cruiser, Santa Maria. We are looking -for an armed schooner, the Meta. Have you spoken -her?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Tare an’ ‘ounds!” exclaimed Barney; “they’re afther -the Meta, an’ may they catch her. Shure, they’ll hang that -Poole as shure as preachin’.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Then he replied:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Aye, aye, sor! Not more than two or three days -ago.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Lower your gangway,” was the Spanish hail, “we want -to come aboard and ask you about her.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney was for a moment nonplussed. He was averse -to being boarded by any craft. But this must be all right, -he reflected. Spain and the United States were at peace. -These Cubans officers could not have any harmful intention.</p> - -<p class='c000'>So he and Pomp lowered the gangway. A boatload of -marines and an officer put off. The officer was Azata.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>A few moments later the boat was alongside. Not until -then did Barney see his mistake.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Over the rail like wolves came the Spaniards. Barney -and Pomp fled toward the pilot-house to close the doors -and sink the boat. But they were too late.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Spaniards were upon them. A sharp struggle followed -and they were quickly overpowered. Then from the -bottom of the cruiser’s boat Poole sprung up and cleared -the rail with a yell of triumph.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Throw them overboard!” he yelled. “Dead men tell -no tales! The submarine boat is ours!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Azata was cooler, and said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Not yet, senor. There is time enough for that. We -may need them to tell us where the gold is. Search the -craft!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole led the marines exultantly into the Diver’s cabin. -The submarine boat was thoroughly ransacked, but of -course no gold was found.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole was furious and Azata was crestfallen. The Spanish -captain began to have suspicions that he was the victim -of a hoax.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Where is the gold, senors?” he asked of Barney and -Pomp, in crude English.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“There is none on board, sor,” replied Barney, and then -the Celt told the whole story of the quest for the treasure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Even Poole began to see his error. After all, his supposition -that the gold was on board the Diver appeared to -be founded upon the most chimerical of evidence. Indeed, -there was not the slightest thing to warrant the assumption.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Don Azata’s face hardened. He turned upon Poole savagely.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You have deceived me,” he said, with true Spanish -temper. “You are a lying dog!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am no worse than you!” retorted Poole. “You have -committed a piratical act in boarding this vessel.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Don Azata folded his arms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“My purpose was to demand the gold in the name of -the King of Spain,” he said. “I act in his name. I will -have no more to do with you. Unbind the prisoners!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Barney and Pomp were set free.</p> - -<p class='c000'>They were not a little astonished at this act of the -Spaniard. But Don Azata had his reason, and a good -one, for the act.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Steadily bearing in toward the coast he saw a huge white-hulled -steamer. It required but a glance to recognize one -of Uncle Sam’s White Squadron. The tables were turned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile a small boat had left the shore and was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>coming rapidly up. In a few moments more it was alongside -and Frank and Wade sprung aboard.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The owner of the Diver took in the situation with a -sweeping glance. His eye flashed angrily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“What is this, sir?” he demanded angrily of Don Azata. -“What right have you to board this boat in my absence?”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Spanish captain bowed to the deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Is this Captain Reade?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is,” replied Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am honored, most noble senor. You will accept my -explanation and apology. This lying dog”—indicating the -cowering Poole—“told me that you were of a piratical -character and had seized upon a buried treasure, which, -found in the domain of the good King of Spain, by every -right belongs to him. He induced me to commit this outrage, -for which my government tenders abject apology.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank turned his gaze upon Poole.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You scoundrel!” he exclaimed. “We took none of that -buried treasure. You recovered all of it. So you have -sought to make trouble for us, sir? Well, your effort has -proved a boomerang. Do you see yonder vessel? That is -one of our cruisers, and I shall signal her and turn you -over to her officers to be dealt with according to your just -deserts.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Poole was ghastly pale and trembled like an aspen.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Have mercy!” he whined.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Spanish officer bowed to the deck again, and made a -move to the gangway.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Adios, senor capitan,” he said. “I know in the largeness -of your heart you have pardoned me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank smiled grimly and made no reply. He allowed -the Spaniards to depart. A few moments later the Santa -Maria was scampering for the Isle of Cuba with all speed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Poole had no thought of surrendering himself to -the mercies of a naval tribunal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He gave a sudden mad yell and ran along the deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Stop him!” cried Frank.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But it was too late.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With one wild plunge he went over the rail. He was -a strong swimmer and went for the shore. Barney would -have pursued him in the boat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But Frank said:</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No, let him go. He will never trouble us again, and -we are well rid of him.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whether the villain ever reached the shore or not was -never known. Nor was the fate of the Meta ever learned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The white cruiser was not signaled. Instead, the Diver -raised her anchor and set out for Belize.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The voyage home was a stormy one. When at length -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>the Diver entered the river leading to Readestown she was -pretty badly racked and strained.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’m afraid she’ll not go another cruise, Frank,” said -Wade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I’ll not ask her to,” declared the young inventor. “She -has done enough. She has well repaid me.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Their arrival in Readestown was the signal for a grand -ovation. The whole city turned out to do them honor.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Wilbur Wade was very happy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had brought home complete maps and charts of the -sunken isthmus, and many valuable specimens.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He was the only member of the American Society that -visited the deep sea and witnessed its wonders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>He had the satisfaction of attending the next meeting -of the American Society and proving his claims in regard -to the Sunken Isthmus, to the utter rout and discomfiture -of the fractious Professor Brown. And this was a happy -triumph.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Frank Reade, Jr., Barney and Pomp are yet in Readestown. -Of course, the young inventor is not idle.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>But what his next invention will be we are not as yet -prepared to say. Only time will tell.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But one thing is sure. None of our adventurers in this -tale of the Sunken Isthmus will quite forget the incidents -connected therewith.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With which statement we have reached the end of our -story and with the reader’s kind permission will write -adieu.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c009'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Read “THE BLACK MOGUL; OR, THROUGH INDIA -WITH FRANK READE, JR.,” which will be the -next number (93) of “Frank Reade Weekly Magazine.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>SPECIAL NOTICE: All back numbers of this weekly -are always in print. If you cannot obtain them from any -newsdealer, send the price in money or postage stamps by -mail to FRANK TOUSEY, PUBLISHER, 24 UNION -SQUARE, NEW YORK, and you will receive the copies -you order by return mail.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c016'> - <div>“HAPPY DAYS,”</div> - <div class='c009'>The Best Illustrated Weekly Story Paper Published.</div> - <div class='c006'>ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“HAPPY DAYS” is a large 16-page paper containing Interesting Stories, Poems, Sketches, Comic -Stories, Jokes, Answers to Correspondents, and many other bright features. Its Authors and Artists -have a national reputation. No amount of money is spared to make this weekly the best published.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A New Story Begins Every Week in “Happy Days.”</div> - <div class='c006'>OUT TO-DAY!      OUT TO-DAY!</div> - <div class='c006'>The Prince <i>of</i> the Ranch;</div> - <div class='c006'>OR,</div> - <div class='c006'>OUT WITH THE KANSAS COWBOYS.</div> - <div class='c006'>By JAS. D. MONTAGUE.</div> - <div class='c006'>Begins in No. 513 of “HAPPY DAYS,” Issued July 29, 1904.</div> - <div class='c006'>PRICE 5 CENTS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='37%' /> -<col width='24%' /> -<col width='37%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c001' colspan='3'>For Sale by All Newsdealers, or Will Be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price by</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c003'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,</td> - <td class='c003'>❧ ❧</td> - <td class='c007'>24 Union Square, New York</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c016'> - <div>PLUCK AND LUCK.</div> - <div class='c009'>CONTAINS ALL SORTS OF STORIES. EVERY STORY COMPLETE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='30%' /> -<col width='39%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c003'>32 PAGES.</td> - <td class='c003'>BEAUTIFULLY COLORED COVERS.</td> - <td class='c007'>PRICE 5 CENTS.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>LATEST ISSUES:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>249 A New York Boy In the Soudan; or, The Mahdi’s Slave. By Howard -Austin.</p> - -<p class='c017'>250 Jack Wright and His Electric Balloon Ship; or, 30,000 Leagues -Above the Earth. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>251 The Game-Cock of Deadwood. A Story of the Wild Northwest. -By Jas C. Merritt.</p> - -<p class='c017'>252 Harry Hook, the Boy Fireman of No. 1; or, Always at His Post. -By Ex-Fire Chief Warden.</p> - -<p class='c017'>253 The Waifs of New York. By N. S. Woods (The Young American -Actor).</p> - -<p class='c017'>254 Jack Wright and His Dandy of the Deep; or, Driven Afloat In the -Sea of Fire. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>255 In the Sea of Ice; or, The Perils of a Boy Whaler. By Berton -Bertrew.</p> - -<p class='c017'>256 Mad Anthony Wayne, the Hero of Stony Point. By Gen’l. Jas. -A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>257 The Arkansas Scout; or, Fighting the Redskins. By An Old -Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>258 Jack Wright’s Demon of the Plains; or, Wild Adventures Among -the Cowboys.</p> - -<p class='c017'>259 The Merry Ten; or, The Shadows of a Social Club. By Jno. B. -Dowd.</p> - -<p class='c017'>260 Dan Driver, the Boy Engineer of the Mountain Express; or, -Railroading on the Denver and Rio Grande.</p> - -<p class='c017'>261 Silver Sam of Santa Fe; or, The Lions’ Treasure Cave. By An -Old Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>262 Jack Wright and His Electric Torpedo Ram; or, The Sunken -City of the Atlantic. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>263 The Rival Schools; or, Fighting for the Championship. By -Allyn Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>264 Jack Reef, the Boy Captain; or, Adventures on the Ocean. By -Capt. Thos. H. Wilson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>265 A Boy in Wall Street; or, Dick Hatch, the Young Broker. By -H. K. Shackleford.</p> - -<p class='c017'>266 Jack Wright and his Iron-Clad Air Motor; or, Searching for a -Lost Explorer. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>267 The Rival Base Ball Clubs; or, The Champions of Columbia -Academy. By Allyn Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>268 The Boy Cattle King; or, Frank Fordham’s Wild West Ranch. -By an Old Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>269 Wide Awake Will, The Plucky Boy Fireman of No. 3; or, Fighting -the Flames for Fame and Fortune. By Ex-Fire Chief Warden.</p> - -<p class='c017'>270 Jack Wright and His Electric Tricycle; or, Fighting the Stranglers -of the Crimson Desert. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>271 The Orphans of New York. A Pathetic Story of a Great City. -By N. S. Wood (the Young American Actor).</p> - -<p class='c017'>272 Sitting Bull’s Last Shot; or, The Vengeance of an Indian Policeman. -By Pawnee Bill.</p> - -<p class='c017'>273 The Haunted House on the Harlem; or, The Mystery of a Missing -Man. By Howard Austin.</p> - -<p class='c017'>274 Jack Wright and His Ocean Plunger; or, The Harpoon Hunters -of the Arctic. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>275 Claim 33; or, The Boys of the Mountain. By Jas. C. Merritt.</p> - -<p class='c017'>276 The Road to Ruin; or, The Snares and Temptations of New -York. By Jno. B. Dowd.</p> - -<p class='c017'>277 A Spy at 16; or, Fighting for Washington and Liberty. By -Gen’l Jas. A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>278 Jack Wright’s Flying Torpedo; or, The Black Demons of Dismal -Swamp. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>279 High Ladder Harry, The Young Fireman of Freeport; or, Always -at the Top. By Ex-Fire Chief Warden.</p> - -<p class='c017'>280 100 Chests of Gold; or, The Aztecs’ Buried Secret. By Richard -R. Montgomery.</p> - -<p class='c017'>281 Pat Malloy; or, An Irish Boy’s Pluck and Luck. By Allyn -Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>282 Jack Wright and His Electric Sea Ghost; or, A Strange Under -Water Journey. By “Noname.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>283 Sixty Mile Sam; or, Bound to be on Time. By Jas. C. Merritt.</p> - -<p class='c017'>284 83 Degrees North Latitude; or, the Handwriting In the Iceberg. -By Howard Austin.</p> - -<p class='c017'>285 Joe, The Actor’s Boy; or, Famous at Fourteen. By N. S. Wood -(the Young American Actor.)</p> - -<p class='c017'>286 Dead For 5 Years; or, The Mystery of a Madhouse. By Allyn -Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>287 Broker Bob; or, The Youngest Operator in Wall Street. By -H. K. Shackleford.</p> - -<p class='c017'>288 Boy Pards; or, Making a Home on the Border. By An Old -Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>289 The Twenty Doctors; or, the Mystery of the Coast. By Capt. -Thos. H. Wilson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>290 The Boy Cavalry Scout; or, Life in the Saddle. By Gen’l. Jas. -A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>291 The Boy Firemen; or, “Stand by the Machine.” By Ex-Fire Chief -Warden.</p> - -<p class='c017'>292 Rob, the Runaway; or, From Office Boy to Partner. By Allyn -Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>293 The Shattered Glass; or, A Country Boy In New York. A True -Temperance Story. By Jno. B. Dowd.</p> - -<p class='c017'>294 Lightning Lew, the Boy Scout; or, Perils in the West. By Gen’l. -Jas. A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>295 The Gray House on the Rock; or, The Ghosts of Ballentyne Hall. -By Jas. C. Merritt.</p> - -<p class='c017'>296 A Poor Boy’s Fight; or, The Hero of the School. By Howard -Austin.</p> - -<p class='c017'>297 Captain Jack Tempest; or, The Prince of the Sea. By Capt. Thos. -H. Wilson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>298 Billy Button, the Young Clown and Bareback Rider. By Berton -Bertrew.</p> - -<p class='c017'>299 An Engineer at 16; or, The Prince of the Lightning Express. By -Jas. C. Merritt.</p> - -<p class='c017'>300 To the North Pole in a Balloon. By Berton Betrew.</p> - -<p class='c017'>301 Kit Carson’s Little Scout; or, The Renegade’s Doom. By An Old -Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>302 From the Street; or, The Fortunes of a Bootblack. By N. S. Wood -(the Young American Actor).</p> - -<p class='c017'>303 Old Putnam’s Pet; or, The Young Patriot Spy. A Story of the -Revolution. By Gen. Jas. A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>304 The Boy Speculators of Brookton; or, Millionaires, at Nineteen. -By Allyn Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>305 Rob Rudder, the Boy Pilot of the Mississippi. By Howard Austin.</p> - -<p class='c017'>306 The Downward Path; or, The Road to Ruin. A True Temperance -Story. By H. K. Shackleford.</p> - -<p class='c017'>307 Up From the Ranks; or, From Corporal to General. A Story of -the Great Rebellion. By Gen’l Jas. A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>308 Expelled From School; or, The Rebels of Beechdale Academy. -By Allyn Draper.</p> - -<p class='c017'>309 Larry, the Life Saver; or, A Born Fireman. By Ex-Fire Chief -Warden.</p> - -<p class='c017'>310 The Brand of Siberia; or, The Boy Tracker of the Steppes. By -Allan Arnold.</p> - -<p class='c017'>311 Across the Continent with a Circus; or, The Twin Riders of the -Ring. By Berton Bertrew.</p> - -<p class='c017'>312 On Board a Man-of-War; or, Jack Farragut in the U. S. Navy. -By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>313 Nick and Jed, the King Trappers of the Border. By An Old -Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>314 Red Light Dick, The Engineer Prince; or, The Bravest Boy on -the Railroad. By Jas. C. Merritt.</p> - -<p class='c017'>315 Leadville Jack, the Game Cock of the West. By An Old Scout.</p> - -<p class='c017'>316 Adrift in the Sea of Grass; or, The Strange Voyage of a Missing Ship. -By Capt. Thos. H. Wilson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>317 Out of the Gutter; or, Fighting the Battle Alone. A True Temperance -Story. By H. K. Shackleford.</p> - -<p class='c017'>318 The Scouts of the Santee; or, Redcoats and Whigs. A Story of the -American Revolution. By Gen’l Jas. A. Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>319 Edwin Forrest’s Boy Pupil; or, The Struggles and Triumphs of a Boy -Actor. By N. S. Wood, the Young American Actor.</p> - -<p class='c017'>320 Air Line Will, The Young Engineer of the New Mexico Express. By -Jas. C. Merritt.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c001' colspan='2'>For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by</td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c003'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,</td> - <td class='c007'>24 Union Square, New York</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS</p> - -<p class='c000'>of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill -in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by return -mail. <b>POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY.</b></p> - -<div class='fix'> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. .... 190</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me:</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>.... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos....................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos..............................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos..................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos..................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ‘76, Nos.........................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos.............................</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Name............. Street and No. .......... Town ........ State ....</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c016'> - <div>These Books Tell You Everything!</div> - <div class='c009'>A COMPLETE SET IS A REGULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA!</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Each book consists of sixty-four pages, printed on good paper, in clear type and neatly bound in an attractive, illustrated cover. -Most of the books are also profusely illustrated, and all of the subjects treated upon are explained in such a simple manner that any -child can thoroughly understand them. Look over the list as classified and see if you want to know anything about the subjects -mentioned.</p> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<p class='c000'>THESE BOOKS ARE FOR SALE BY ALL NEWSDEALERS OR WILL BE SENT BY MAIL TO ANY ADDRESS -FROM THIS OFFICE ON RECEIPT OF PRICE, TEN CENTS EACH, OR ANY THREE BOOKS FOR TWENTY-FIVE -CENTS. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY. Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, N.Y.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c019'> - <div>MESMERISM.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 81. HOW TO MESMERIZE.—Containing the most approved -methods of mesmerism; also how to cure all kinds of -diseases by animal magnetism, or, magnetic healing. By Prof. Leo -Hugo Koch, A. C. S., author of “How to Hypnotize,” etc.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>PALMISTRY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 82. HOW TO DO PALMISTRY.—Containing the most approved -methods of reading the lines on the hand, together with -a full explanation of their meaning. Also explaining phrenology, -and the key for telling character by the bumps on the head. By -Leo Hugo Koch, A. C. S. Fully illustrated.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>HYPNOTISM.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 83. HOW TO HYPNOTIZE.—Containing valuable and instructive -information regarding the science of hypnotism. Also -explaining the most approved methods which are employed by the -leading hypnotists of the world. By Leo Hugo Koch, A.C.S.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>SPORTING.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 21. HOW TO HUNT AND FISH.—The most complete -hunting and fishing guide ever published. It contains full instructions -about guns, hunting dogs, traps, trapping and fishing, -together with descriptions of game and fish.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 26. HOW TO ROW, SAIL AND BUILD A BOAT.—Fully -illustrated. Every boy should know how to row and sail a boat. -Full instructions are given in this little book, together with instructions -on swimming and riding, companion sports to boating.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 47. HOW TO BREAK, RIDE AND DRIVE A HORSE.—A -complete treatise on the horse. Describing the most useful horses -for business, the best horses for the road; also valuable recipes for -diseases peculiar to the horse.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 48. HOW TO BUILD AND SAIL CANOES.—A handy -book for boys, containing full directions for constructing canoes -and the most popular manner of sailing them. Fully illustrated. -By C. Stansfield Hicks.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>FORTUNE TELLING.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 1. NAPOLEON’S ORACULUM AND DREAM BOOK.—Containing -the great oracle of human destiny; also the true meaning -of almost any kind of dreams, together with charms, ceremonies, -and curious games of cards. A complete book.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 23. HOW TO EXPLAIN DREAMS.—Everybody dreams, -from the little child to the aged man and woman. This little book -gives the explanation to all kinds of dreams, together with lucky -and unlucky days, and “Napoleon’s Oraculum,” the book of fate.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 28. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES.—Everyone is desirous of -knowing what his future life will bring forth, whether happiness or -misery, wealth or poverty. You can tell by a glance at this little -book. Buy one and be convinced. Tell your own fortune. Tell -the fortune of your friends.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 76. HOW TO TELL FORTUNES BY THE HAND.—Containing -rules for telling fortunes by the aid of lines of the hand, -or the secret of palmistry. Also the secret of telling future events -by aid of moles, marks, scars, etc. Illustrated. By A. Anderson.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>ATHLETIC.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 6. HOW TO BECOME AN ATHLETE.—Giving full instruction -for the use of dumb bells, Indian clubs, parallel bars, -horizontal bars and various other methods of developing a good, -healthy muscle; containing over sixty illustrations. Every boy can -become strong and healthy by following the instructions contained -in this little book.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 10. HOW TO BOX.—The art of self-defense made easy. -Containing over thirty illustrations of guards, blows, and the different -positions of a good boxer. Every boy should obtain one of -these useful and instructive books, as it will teach you how to box -without an instructor.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 25. HOW TO BECOME A GYMNAST.—Containing full -instructions for all kinds of gymnastic sports and athletic exercises. -Embracing thirty-five illustrations. By Professor W. Macdonald. -A handy and useful book.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 34. HOW TO FENCE.—Containing full instruction for -fencing and the use of the broadsword; also instruction in archery. -Described with twenty-one practical illustrations, giving the best -positions in fencing. A complete book.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>TRICKS WITH CARDS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 51. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing -explanations of the general principles of sleight-of-hand applicable -to card tricks; of card tricks with ordinary cards, and not requiring -sleight-of-hand; of tricks involving sleight-of-hand, or the use of -specially prepared cards. By Professor Haffner. Illustrated.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 72. HOW TO DO SIXTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Embracing -all of the latest and most deceptive card tricks, with illustrations. -By A. Anderson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 77. HOW TO DO FORTY TRICKS WITH CARDS.—Containing -deceptive Card Tricks as performed by leading conjurors -and magicians. Arranged for home amusement. Fully illustrated.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>MAGIC.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 2. HOW TO DO TRICKS.—The great book of magic and -card tricks, containing full instruction on all the leading card tricks -of the day, also the most popular magical illusions as performed by -our leading magicians; every boy should obtain a copy of this book, -as it will both amuse and instruct.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 22. HOW TO DO SECOND SIGHT.—Heller’s second sight -explained by his former assistant, Fred Hunt, Jr. Explaining how -the secret dialogues were carried on between the magician and the -boy on the stage; also giving all the codes and signals. The only -authentic explanation of second sight.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 43. HOW TO BECOME A MAGICIAN.—Containing the -grandest assortment of magical illusions ever placed before the -public. Also tricks with cards, incantations, etc.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 68. HOW TO DO CHEMICAL TRICKS.—Containing over -one hundred highly amusing and instructive tricks with chemicals. -By A. Anderson. Handsomely illustrated.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 69. HOW TO DO SLEIGHT OF HAND.—Containing over -fifty of the latest and best tricks used by magicians. Also containing -the secret of second sight. Fully illustrated. By A. Anderson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 70. HOW TO MAKE MAGIC TOYS.—Containing full -directions for making Magic Toys and devices of many kinds. By -A. Anderson. Fully illustrated.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 73. HOW TO DO TRICKS WITH NUMBERS.—Showing -many curious tricks with figures and the magic of numbers. By A. -Anderson. Fully illustrated.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 75. HOW TO BECOME A CONJUROR.—Containing -tricks with Dominos, Dice, Cups and Balls, Hats, etc. Embracing -thirty-six illustrations. By A. Anderson.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 78. HOW TO DO THE BLACK ART.—Containing a complete -description of the mysteries of Magic and Sleight of Hand, -together with many wonderful experiments. By A. Anderson. -Illustrated.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>MECHANICAL.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 29. HOW TO BECOME AN INVENTOR.—Every boy -should know how inventions originated. This book explains them -all, giving examples in electricity, hydraulics, magnetism, optics, -pneumatics, mechanics, etc. The most instructive book published.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 56. HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER.—Containing full -instructions how to proceed in order to become a locomotive engineer; -also directions for building a model locomotive; together -with a full description of everything an engineer should know.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 57. HOW TO MAKE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.—Full -directions how to make a Banjo, Violin, Zither, Æolian Harp, Xylophone -and other musical instruments; together with a brief description -of nearly every musical instrument used in ancient or -modern times. Profusely illustrated. By Algernon S. Fitzgerald, -for twenty years bandmaster of the Royal Bengal Marines.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 59. HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC LANTERN.—Containing -a description of the lantern, together with its history and invention. -Also full directions for its use and for painting slides. Handsomely -illustrated. By John Allen.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 71. HOW TO DO MECHANICAL TRICKS.—Containing -complete instructions for performing over sixty Mechanical Tricks. -By A. Anderson. Fully illustrated.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>LETTER WRITING.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 11. HOW TO WRITE LOVE-LETTERS.—A most complete -little book, containing full directions for writing love-letters, -and when to use them, giving specimen letters for young and old.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 12. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO LADIES.—Giving -complete instructions for writing letters to ladies on all subjects; -also letters of introduction, notes and requests.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 24. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS TO GENTLEMEN.—Containing -full directions for writing to gentlemen on all subjects; -also giving sample letters for instruction.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 53. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS.—A wonderful little -book, telling you how to write to your sweetheart, your father, -mother, sister, brother, employer; and, in fact, everybody and anybody -you wish to write to. Every young man and every young -lady in the land should have this book.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 74. HOW TO WRITE LETTERS CORRECTLY.—Containing -full instructions for writing letters on almost any subject; -also rules for punctuation and composition, with specimen letters.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>THE STAGE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 41. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK END MEN’S JOKE -BOOK.—Containing a great variety of the latest jokes used by the -most famous end men. No amateur minstrels is complete without -this wonderful little book.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 42. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK STUMP SPEAKER.—Containing -a varied assortment of stump speeches, Negro, Dutch -and Irish. Also end men’s jokes. Just the thing for home amusement -and amateur shows.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 45. THE BOYS OF NEW YORK MINSTREL GUIDE -AND JOKE BOOK.—Something new and very instructive. Every -boy should obtain this book, as it contains full instructions for organizing -an amateur minstrel troupe.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 65. MULDOON’S JOKES.—This is one of the most original -joke books ever published, and it is brimful of wit and humor. It -contains a large collection of songs, jokes, conundrums, etc., of -Terrence Muldoon, the great wit, humorist, and practical joker of -the day. Every boy who can enjoy a good substantial joke should -obtain a copy immediately.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 79. HOW TO BECOME AN ACTOR.—Containing complete -instructions how to make up for various characters on the -stage; together with the duties of the Stage Manager, Prompter, -Scenic Artist and Property Man. By a prominent Stage Manager.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 80. GUS WILLIAMS’ JOKE BOOK.—Containing the latest -jokes, anecdotes and funny stories of this world-renowned and -ever popular German comedian. Sixty-four pages; handsome -colored cover containing a half-tone photo of the author.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>HOUSEKEEPING.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 16. HOW TO KEEP A WINDOW GARDEN.—Containing -full instructions for constructing a window garden either in town -or country, and the most approved methods for raising beautiful -flowers at home. The most complete book of the kind ever published.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 30. HOW TO COOK.—One of the most instructive books -on cooking ever published. It contains recipes for cooking meats, -fish, game, and oysters; also pies, puddings, cakes and all kinds of -pastry, and a grand collection of recipes by one of our most popular -cooks.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 37. HOW TO KEEP HOUSE.—It contains information for -everybody, boys, girls, men and women; it will teach you how to -make almost anything around the house, such as parlor ornaments, -brackets, cements, Æolian harps, and bird lime for catching birds.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>ELECTRICAL.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 46. HOW TO MAKE AND USE ELECTRICITY.—A description -of the wonderful uses of electricity and electro magnetism; -together with full instructions for making Electric Toys, Batteries, -etc. By George Trebel, A. M., M. D. Containing over fifty illustrations.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 64. HOW TO MAKE ELECTRICAL MACHINES.—Containing -full directions for making electrical machines, induction -coils, dynamos, and many novel toys to be worked by electricity. -By R. A. R. Bennett. Fully illustrated.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 67. HOW TO DO ELECTRICAL TRICKS.—Containing a -large collection of instructive and highly amusing electrical tricks, -together with illustrations. By A. Anderson.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>ENTERTAINMENT.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 9. HOW TO BECOME A VENTRILOQUIST.—By Harry -Kennedy. The secret given away. Every intelligent boy reading -this book of instructions, by a practical professor (delighting multitudes -every night with his wonderful imitations), can master the -art, and create any amount of fun for himself and friends. It is the -greatest book ever published, and there’s millions (of fun) in it.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 20. HOW TO ENTERTAIN AN EVENING PARTY.—A -very valuable little book just published. A complete compendium -of games, sports, card diversions, comic recitations, etc., suitable -for parlor or drawing-room entertainment. It contains more for the -money than any book published.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 35. HOW TO PLAY GAMES.—A complete and useful little -book, containing the rules and regulations of billiards, bagatelle, -backgammon, croquet, dominoes, etc.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 36. HOW TO SOLVE CONUNDRUMS.—Containing all -the leading conundrums of the day, amusing riddles, curious catches -and witty sayings.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 52. HOW TO PLAY CARDS.—A complete and handy little -book, giving the rules and full directions for playing Euchre, Cribbage, -Casino, Forty-Five, Rounce, Pedro Sancho, Draw Poker, -Auction Pitch, All Fours, and many other popular games of cards.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 66. HOW TO DO PUZZLES.—Containing over three hundred -interesting puzzles and conundrums, with key to same. A -complete book. Fully illustrated. By A. Andersen.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>ETIQUETTE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 13. HOW TO DO IT; OR, BOOK OF ETIQUETTE.—It -is a great life secret, and one that every young man desires to know -all about. There’s happiness in it.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 33. HOW TO BEHAVE.—Containing the rules and etiquette -of good society and the easiest and most approved methods of appearing -to good advantage at parties, balls, the theatre, church, and -in the drawing-room.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>DECLAMATION.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 27. HOW TO RECITE AND BOOK OF RECITATIONS.—Containing -the most popular selections in use, comprising Dutch -dialect, French dialect, Yankee and Irish dialect pieces, together -with many standard readings.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 31. HOW TO BECOME A SPEAKER.—Containing fourteen -illustrations, giving the different positions requisite to become -a good speaker, reader and elocutionist. Also containing gems from -all the popular authors of prose and poetry, arranged in the most -simple and concise manner possible.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 49. HOW TO DEBATE.—Giving rules for conducting debates, -outlines for debates, questions for discussion, and the best -sources for procuring information on the questions given.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>SOCIETY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 3. HOW TO FLIRT.—The arts and wiles of flirtation are -fully explained by this little book. Besides the various methods of -handkerchief, fan, glove, parasol, window and hat flirtation, it contains -a full list of the language and sentiment of flowers, which is -interesting to everybody, both old and young. You cannot be happy -without one.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 4. HOW TO DANCE is the title of a new and handsome -little book just issued by Frank Tousey. It contains full instructions -in the art of dancing, etiquette in the ball-room and at parties, -how to dress, and full directions for calling off in all popular square -dances.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 5. HOW TO MAKE LOVE.—A complete guide to love, -courtship and marriage, giving sensible advice, rules and etiquette -to be observed, with many curious and interesting things not generally -known.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 17. HOW TO DRESS.—Containing full instruction in the -art of dressing and appearing well at home and abroad, giving the -selections of colors, material, and how to have them made up.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 18. HOW TO BECOME BEAUTIFUL.—One of the -brightest and most valuable little books ever given to the world. -Everybody wishes to know how to become beautiful, both male and -female. The secret is simple, and almost costless. Read this book -and be convinced how to become beautiful.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>BIRDS AND ANIMALS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 7. HOW TO KEEP BIRDS.—Handsomely illustrated and -containing full instructions for the management and training of the -canary, mockingbird, bobolink, blackbird, paroquet, parrot, etc.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 39. HOW TO RAISE DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS AND -RABBITS.—A useful and instructive book. Handsomely illustrated. -By Ira Drofraw.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 40. HOW TO MAKE AND SET TRAPS.—Including hints -on how to catch moles, weasels, otter, rats, squirrels and birds. -Also how to cure skins. Copiously illustrated. By J. Harrington -Keene.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 50. HOW TO STUFF BIRDS AND ANIMALS.—A -valuable book, giving instructions in collecting, preparing, mounting -and preserving birds, animals and insects.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 54. HOW TO KEEP AND MANAGE PETS.—Giving complete -information as to the manner and method of raising, keeping, -taming, breeding, and managing all kinds of pets; also giving full -instructions for making cages, etc. Fully explained by twenty-eight -illustrations, making it the most complete book of the kind ever -published.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div>MISCELLANEOUS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>No. 8. HOW TO BECOME A SCIENTIST.—A useful and instructive -book, giving a complete treatise on chemistry; also experiments -in acoustics, mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, and directions -for making fireworks, colored fires, and gas balloons. This -book cannot be equaled.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 14. HOW TO MAKE CANDY.—A complete hand-book for -making all kinds of candy, ice-cream, syrups, essences, etc., etc.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 19.—FRANK TOUSEY’S UNITED STATES DISTANCE -TABLES, POCKET COMPANION AND GUIDE.—Giving the -official distances on all the railroads of the United States and -Canada. Also table of distances by water to foreign ports, hack -fares in the principal cities, reports of the census, etc., etc., making -it one of the most complete and handy books published.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 38. HOW TO BECOME YOUR OWN DOCTOR.—A wonderful -book, containing useful and practical information in the -treatment of ordinary diseases and ailments common to every -family. Abounding in useful and effective recipes for general complaints.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 55. HOW TO COLLECT STAMPS AND COINS.—Containing -valuable information regarding the collecting and arranging -of stamps and coins. Handsomely illustrated.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 58. HOW TO BE A DETECTIVE.—By Old King Brady, -the world-known detective. In which he lays down some valuable -and sensible rules for beginners, and also relates some adventures -and experiences of well-known detectives.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 60. HOW TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER.—Containing -useful information regarding the Camera and how to work it; -also how to make Photographic Magic Lantern Slides and other -Transparencies. Handsomely illustrated. By Captain W. De W. -Abney.</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 62. HOW TO BECOME A WEST POINT MILITARY -CADET.—Containing full explanations how to gain admittance, -course of Study, Examinations, Duties, Staff of Officers, Post -Guard, Police Regulations, Fire Department, and all a boy should -know to be a Cadet. Compiled and written by Lu Senarens, author -of “How to Become a Naval Cadet.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>No. 63. HOW TO BECOME A NAVAL CADET.—Complete instructions -of how to gain admission to the Annapolis Naval -Academy. Also containing the course of instruction, description -of grounds and buildings, historical sketch, and everything a boy -should know to become an officer in the United States Navy. Compiled -and written by Lu Senarens, author of “How to Become a -West Point Military Cadet.”</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>PRICE 10 CENTS EACH, OR 3 FOR 25 CENTS.</div> - <div>Address FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c016'> - <div>SECRET SERVICE</div> - <div class='c006'>OLD AND YOUNG KING BRADY, DETECTIVES.</div> - <div class='c006'>PRICE 5 CTS. 32 PAGES. COLORED COVERS. ISSUED WEEKLY</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>LATEST ISSUES:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>204 The Bradys In Baxter Street; or, The House Without a Door.</p> - -<p class='c017'>205 The Bradys Midnight Call; or, The Mystery of Harlem Heights.</p> - -<p class='c017'>206 The Bradys Behind the Bars; or, Working on Blackwells Island.</p> - -<p class='c017'>207 The Bradys and the Brewer’s Bonds; or, Working on a Wall -Street Case.</p> - -<p class='c017'>208 The Bradys on the Bowery; or, The Search for a Missing Girl.</p> - -<p class='c017'>209 The Bradys and the Pawnbroker; or, A Very Mysterious Case.</p> - -<p class='c017'>210 The Bradys and the Gold Fakirs; or, Working for the Mint.</p> - -<p class='c017'>211 The Bradys at Bonanza Bay; or, Working on a Million Dollar -Clew.</p> - -<p class='c017'>212 The Bradys and the Black Riders; or, The Mysterious Murder at -Wildtown.</p> - -<p class='c017'>213 The Bradys and Senator Slam; or, Working With Washington -Crooks.</p> - -<p class='c017'>214 The Bradys and the Man from Nowhere; or, Their Very Hardest -Case.</p> - -<p class='c017'>215 The Bradys and “No. 99”; or, The Search for a Mad Millionaire.</p> - -<p class='c017'>216 The Bradys at Baffin’s Bay; or, The Trail Which Led to the Arctic.</p> - -<p class='c017'>217 The Bradys and Gim Lee; or, Working a Clew in Chinatown.</p> - -<p class='c017'>218 The Bradys and the “Yegg” Men; or, Seeking a Clew on the -Road.</p> - -<p class='c017'>219 The Bradys and the Blind Banker; or, Ferreting Out the Wall -Street Thieves.</p> - -<p class='c017'>220 The Bradys and the Black Cat; or, Working Among the Card -Crooks of Chicago.</p> - -<p class='c017'>221 The Bradys and the Texas Oil King; or, Seeking a Clew in the -Southwest.</p> - -<p class='c017'>222 The Bradys and the Night Hawk; or, New York at Midnight.</p> - -<p class='c017'>223 The Bradys in the Bad Lands; or, Hot work in South Dakota.</p> - -<p class='c017'>224 The Bradys at Breakneck Hall; or, The Mysterious House on the -Harlem.</p> - -<p class='c017'>225 The Bradys and the Fire Marshal; or, Hot Work in Hornersville.</p> - -<p class='c017'>226 The Bradys and the Three Sheriffs; or, Doing a Turn In Tennessee.</p> - -<p class='c017'>227 The Bradys and the Opium Smugglers; or, A Hot Trail on the -Pacific Coast.</p> - -<p class='c017'>228 The Bradys Boomerang; or, Shaking Up the Wall Street Wire -Tappers.</p> - -<p class='c017'>229 The Bradys Among the Rockies; or, Working Away Out West.</p> - -<p class='c017'>230 The Bradys and Judge Lynch; or, After the Arkansas Terror.</p> - -<p class='c017'>231 The Bradys and the Bagg Boys; or, Hustling in the Black Hills.</p> - -<p class='c017'>232 The Bradys and Captain Bangs; or, The Mystery of a Mississippi -Steamer.</p> - -<p class='c017'>233 The Bradys in Maiden Lane; or, Tracking the Diamond Crooks.</p> - -<p class='c017'>234 The Bradys and Wells-Fargo Case; or, The Mystery of the Montana -Mail.</p> - -<p class='c017'>235 The Bradys and “Bowery Bill”; or, The Crooks of Coon Alley.</p> - -<p class='c017'>236 The Bradys at Bushel Bend; or, Smoking Out the Chinese Smugglers.</p> - -<p class='c017'>237 The Bradys and the Messenger Boy; or, The A. D. T. Mystery.</p> - -<p class='c017'>238 The Bradys and the Wire Gang; or, The Great Race-Track -Swindle.</p> - -<p class='c017'>239 The Bradys Among the Mormons; or, Secret Work in Salt Lake -City.</p> - -<p class='c017'>240 The Bradys and “Fancy Frank”; or, The Velvet Gang of Flood -Bar.</p> - -<p class='c017'>241 The Bradys at Battle Cliff; or, Chased Up the Grand Canyon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>242 The Bradys and “Mustang Mike”; or, The Man With the Branded -Hand.</p> - -<p class='c017'>243 The Bradys at Gold Hill; or, The Mystery of the Man from -Montana.</p> - -<p class='c017'>244 The Bradys and Pilgrim Pete; or, The Tough Sports of Terror -Gulch.</p> - -<p class='c017'>245 The Bradys and the Black Eagle Express; or, The Fate of the -Frisco Flyer.</p> - -<p class='c017'>246 The Bradys and Hi-Lo-Jak; or, Dark Deeds in Chinatown.</p> - -<p class='c017'>247 The Bradys and the Texas Rangers; or, Rounding up the Green -Goods Fakirs.</p> - -<p class='c017'>248 The Bradys and “Simple Sue”; or, The Keno Queen of Sawdust -City.</p> - -<p class='c017'>249 The Bradys and the Wall Street Wizard; or, the Cash That Did -Not Come.</p> - -<p class='c017'>250 The Bradys and Cigarette Charlie; or, the Smoothest Crook in -the World.</p> - -<p class='c017'>251 The Bradys at Bandit Gulch; or, From Wall Street to the Far -West.</p> - -<p class='c017'>252 The Bradys in the Foot-Hills; or, The Blue Band of Hard Luck -Gulch.</p> - -<p class='c017'>253 The Bradys and Brady the Banker; or, The Secret of the Old -Santa Fe Trail.</p> - -<p class='c017'>254 The Bradys’ Graveyard Clue; or, Dealings With Doctor Death.</p> - -<p class='c017'>255 The Bradys and “Lonely Luke”; or, The Hard Gang of Hardscrabble.</p> - -<p class='c017'>256 The Bradys and Tombstone Tom; or, A Hurry Call from Arizona.</p> - -<p class='c017'>257 The Bradys’ Backwoods Trail; or, Landing the Log Rollers -Gang.</p> - -<p class='c017'>258 The Bradys and “Joe Jinger”; or, The Clew in the Convict Camp.</p> - -<p class='c017'>259 The Bradys at Madman’s Roost; or, A Clew from the Golden -Gate.</p> - -<p class='c017'>260 The Bradys and the Border Band; or, Six Weeks’ Work Along -the Line.</p> - -<p class='c017'>261 The Bradys in Sample City; or, The Gang of the Silver Seven.</p> - -<p class='c017'>262 The Bradys’ Mott Street Mystery; or, The Case of Mrs. Ching -Chow.</p> - -<p class='c017'>263 The Bradys’ Black Butte Raid; or, Trailing the Idaho “Terror.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>264 The Bradys and Jockey Joe; or, Crooked Work at the Racetrack.</p> - -<p class='c017'>265 The Bradys at Kicking Horse Canyon; or, Working for the Canadian -Pacific.</p> - -<p class='c017'>266 The Bradys and “Black Jack”; or, Tracking the Negro Crooks.</p> - -<p class='c017'>267 The Bradys’ Wild West Clew; or, Knocking About Nevada.</p> - -<p class='c017'>268 The Bradys’ Dash to Deadwood; or, A Mystery of the Black -Hills.</p> - -<p class='c017'>269 The Bradys and “Humpy Hank”; or, The Silver Gang of Shasta.</p> - -<p class='c017'>270 The Bradys and Dr. Dockery; or, The Secret Band of Seven.</p> - -<p class='c017'>271 The Bradys’ Western Raid; or, Trailing A “Bad” Man to Texas.</p> - -<p class='c017'>272 The Bradys at Fort Yuma; or, The Mix-up with the “King of -Mexico.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>273 The Bradys and the Bond King; or, Working on a Wall Street -Case.</p> - -<p class='c017'>274 The Bradys and Fakir Fred; or, The Mystery of the County -Fair.</p> - -<p class='c017'>275 The Bradys’ California Call; or, Hot Work in Hangtown.</p> - -<p class='c017'>276 The Bradys’ Million Dollar Camp; or, Rough Times in Rattlesnake -Canyon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>277 The Bradys and the Black Hounds; or, The Mystery of the Midas -Mine.</p> - -<p class='c017'>278 The Bradys Up Bad River; or, After the Worst Man of All.</p> - -<p class='c017'>279 The Bradys and “Uncle Hiram”; or, Hot Work with a Hayseed -Crook.</p> - -<p class='c017'>280 The Bradys and Kid King; or, Tracking the Arizona Terror.</p> - -<p class='c017'>281 The Bradys’ Chicago Clew; or, Exposing the Board of Trade -Crooks.</p> - -<p class='c017'>282 The Bradys and Silver King; or, After the Man of Mystery.</p> - -<p class='c017'>283 The Bradys’ Hard Struggle; or, The Search for the Missing -Fingers.</p> - -<p class='c017'>284 The Bradys in Sunflower City; or, After “Bad” Man Brown.</p> - -<p class='c017'>285 The Bradys and “Wild Bill”; or, The Sharp Gang of Sundown.</p> - -<p class='c017'>286 The Bradys in the Saddle; or, Chasing “Broncho Bill.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>287 The Bradys and the Mock Millionaire; or, The Trail which Led to -Tuxedo.</p> - -<p class='c017'>288 The Bradys’ Wall Street Trail; or, The Matter of X-Y-Z.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c001' colspan='2'>For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by</td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c003'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,</td> - <td class='c007'>24 Union Square, New York.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS</p> - -<p class='c000'>of our libraries, and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill -in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by return -mail. <b>POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY.</b></p> - -<div class='fix'> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. .... 190</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me:</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>.... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos....................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos..............................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos..................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos..................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ‘76, Nos.........................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos.............................</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Name ............ Street and No. ......... Town ......... State ....</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c016'> - <div><span class='sc'>Frank Reade Weekly Magazine.</span></div> - <div class='c009'>Containing Stories of Adventures on Land, Sea, and in the Air.</div> - <div class='c006'>BY “NONAME.”</div> - <div class='c006'>EACH NUMBER IN A HANDSOMELY ILLUMINATED COVER.</div> - <div class='c006'>A 32-PAGE BOOK FOR FIVE CENTS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>All our readers know Frank Reade, Jr., the greatest inventor of the age, and his two fun-loving chums, Barney -and Pomp. The stories published in this magazine contain a true account of the wonderful and exciting -adventures of the famous inventor, with his marvellous flying machines, electrical overland engines, and his extraordinary -submarine boats. Each number is a rare treat. Tell your newsdealer to get you a copy.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>LATEST ISSUES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c017'>30 Adrift In Africa; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Among the Ivory Hunters -with His New Electric Wagon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>31 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for a Lost Man in His Latest Air -Wonder.</p> - -<p class='c017'>32 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Sea Serpent; or, Six Thousand -Miles Under the Sea.</p> - -<p class='c017'>33 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Prairie Whirlwind; or, The Mystery of the -Hidden Canyon.</p> - -<p class='c017'>34 Around the Horizon for Ten Thousand Miles; or, Frank Reade, -Jr.’s Most Wonderful Trip.</p> - -<p class='c017'>35 Lost in the Atlantic Valley; or, Frank Reade, Jr., and his Wonder, -the “Dart.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>36 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Desert Explorer; or, The Underground City -of the Sahara.</p> - -<p class='c017'>37 Lost in the Mountains of the Moon; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great -Trip with the “Scud.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>38 Under the Amazon for a Thousand Miles.</p> - -<p class='c017'>39 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Clipper of the Prairie; or, Fighting the Apaches -in the Southwest.</p> - -<p class='c017'>40 The Chase of a Comet; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Aerial Trip with -the “Flash.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>41 Across the Frozen Sea; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Snow Cutter.</p> - -<p class='c017'>42 Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Buckboard; or, Thrilling Adventures in -North Australia.</p> - -<p class='c017'>43 Around the Arctic Circle; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Famous Flight -With His Air Ship.</p> - -<p class='c017'>44 Frank Reade Jr.’s Search for the Silver Whale; or, Under the -Ocean in the Electric “Dolphin.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>45 Frank Reade, Jr., and His Electric Car; or, Outwitting a Desperate -Gang.</p> - -<p class='c017'>46 To the End of the Earth; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Great Mid-Air -Flight.</p> - -<p class='c017'>47 The Missing Island; or, Frank Reade Jr.’s Voyage Under the Sea.</p> - -<p class='c017'>48 Frank Reade, Jr., in Central India; or, the Search for the Lost -Savants.</p> - -<p class='c017'>49 Frank Reade, Jr. Fighting the Terror of the Coast.</p> - -<p class='c017'>50 100 Miles Below the Surface of the Sea; or, The Marvelous Trip -of Frank Reade, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c017'>51 Abandoned in Alaska; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Thrilling Search for -a Lost Gold Claim.</p> - -<p class='c017'>52 Frank Reade, Jr.’s Twenty-Five Thousand Mile Trip in the Air.</p> - -<p class='c017'>53 Under the Yellow Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Cave -of Pearls.</p> - -<p class='c017'>54 From the Nile to the Niger; or, Frank Reade, Jr. Lost in the -Soudan.</p> - -<p class='c017'>55 The Electric Island; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Search for the Greatest -Wonder on Earth.</p> - -<p class='c017'>56 The Underground Sea; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Subterranean Cruise.</p> - -<p class='c017'>57 From Tropic to Tropic; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Tour With His -Bicycle Car.</p> - -<p class='c017'>58 Lost in a Comet’s Tail; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Strange Adventure -With His Air-ship.</p> - -<p class='c017'>59 Under Four Oceans; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine Chase of -a “Sea Devil.”</p> - -<p class='c017'>60 The Mysterious Mirage; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Desert Search for -a Secret City.</p> - -<p class='c017'>61 Latitude 90 Degrees; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Most Wonderful Mid-Air -Flight.</p> - -<p class='c017'>62 Lost In the Great Undertow; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine -Cruise in the Gulf Stream.</p> - -<p class='c017'>63 Across Australia with Frank Reade, Jr.; or, In His New Electric -Car.</p> - -<p class='c017'>64 Over Two Continents; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Long Distance -Flight.</p> - -<p class='c017'>65 Under the Equator; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Greatest Submarine -Voyage.</p> - -<p class='c017'>66 Astray in the Selvas; or, The Wild Experiences of Frank Reade, -Jr., in South America.</p> - -<p class='c017'>67 In the Wild Man’s Land; or, With Frank Reade. Jr., in the Heart -of Australia.</p> - -<p class='c017'>68 From Coast to Coast; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Trip Across Africa.</p> - -<p class='c017'>69 Beyond the Gold Coast; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Overland Trip.</p> - -<p class='c017'>70 Across the Earth; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Latest Trip with His New -Air Ship.</p> - -<p class='c017'>71 Six Weeks Buried in a Deep Sea Cave; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Great -Submarine Search.</p> - -<p class='c017'>72 Across the Desert of Fire; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Trip -in a Strange Country.</p> - -<p class='c017'>73 The Transient Lake; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Adventures in a Mysterious -Country.</p> - -<p class='c017'>74 The Galleon’s Gold; or, Frank Reade. Jr.’s Deep Sea Search.</p> - -<p class='c017'>75 The Lost Caravan; or, Frank Reade, Jr., on the Staked Plains.</p> - -<p class='c017'>76 Adrift in Asia With Frank Reade. Jr.</p> - -<p class='c017'>77 Under the Indian Ocean With Frank Reade, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c017'>78 Along the Orinoco; or, With Frank Reade, Jr., in Venezuela.</p> - -<p class='c017'>79 The Lost Navigators; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Mid-Air Search.</p> - -<p class='c017'>80 Six Sunken Pirates; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Marvelous Adventures -in the Deep Sea.</p> - -<p class='c017'>81 The Island in The Air; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to the Tropics.</p> - -<p class='c017'>82 In White Latitudes; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Ten Thousand Mile Flight.</p> - -<p class='c017'>83 Afloat in a Sunken Forest; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Submarine Cruise.</p> - -<p class='c017'>84 The Abandoned Country; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Exploring a New Continent.</p> - -<p class='c017'>85 Over the Orient; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Travels in Turkey.</p> - -<p class='c017'>86 The Corral Labyrinth; or, Frank Reade, Jr., Lost in a Deep Sea Cave.</p> - -<p class='c017'>87 Through the Tropics; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Adventures in the Gran -Chaco.</p> - -<p class='c017'>88 The White Desert; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Trip to the Land of Tombs.</p> - -<p class='c017'>89 1000 Fathoms Deep; or, With Frank Reade, Jr. in the Sea of Gold.</p> - -<p class='c017'>90 In the Black Zone; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Quest for the Mountain of -Ivory.</p> - -<p class='c017'>91 The Missing Planet; or, Frank Reade, Jr.’s Hunt for a Fallen Star.</p> - -<p class='c017'>92 The Sunken Isthmus; or, Frank Reade, Jr. in the Yucatan Channel.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c001' colspan='2'>For Sale by All Newsdealers, or will be Sent to Any Address on Receipt of Price, 5 Cents per Copy, by</td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c003'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher,</td> - <td class='c007'>24 Union Square, New York.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>IF YOU WANT ANY BACK NUMBERS</p> - -<p class='c000'>of our Libraries and cannot procure them from newsdealers, they can be obtained from this office direct. Cut out and fill -in the following Order Blank and send it to us with the price of the books you want and we will send them to you by return -mail. <b>POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN THE SAME AS MONEY.</b></p> - -<div class='fix'> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>FRANK TOUSEY, Publisher, 24 Union Square, New York. .... 190</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>—Enclosed find .... cents for which please send me:</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>.... copies of WORK AND WIN, Nos.....................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of WILD WEST WEEKLY, Nos.................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of FRANK READE WEEKLY, Nos...............................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of PLUCK AND LUCK, Nos...................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of SECRET SERVICE, Nos...................................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of THE LIBERTY BOYS OF ‘76, Nos..........................</div> - <div class='line'>.... copies of Ten-Cent Hand Books, Nos..............................</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Name ............. Street and No. ........ Town ......... State .....</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c006' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c009'> - <li>Added <a href='#Contents'>Table of Contents</a>. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sunken Isthmus, by Luis Senarens - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUNKEN ISTHMUS *** - -***** This file should be named 54654-h.htm or 54654-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/6/5/54654/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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