early visible, and from which
they could watch the movements of the four adventurous divers.

For some twenty minutes or so after the quartette had left them, the
occupants of the saloon had to be content with such interest and
amusement as was to be obtained by observing the movements of the
numerous fish outside, including a little thrill of horror when a big
shark, which went drifting aimlessly past, turned aside for a moment to
thrust his great shovel-snout up against the tremendously thick and
especially toughened plate-glass window out of which they were gazing.
They were at once full of apprehension lest the monster should remain in
the neighbourhood, and attack the divers upon their appearance on the
sandy floor below; and Lady Elphinstone even begged the colonel to go
down below and warn the adventurers of its proximity as well as urge
them to defer their excursion. But Lethbridge laughed so heartily at
the idea of their being in any danger from a mere shark, and explained
to them so clearly that the shark would have absolutely no chance
whatever against men equipped as the divers were, that they permitted
themselves to be reassured.

And while they were all discussing the matter, the four divers suddenly
appeared, forcing their way somewhat laboriously through the water in
the direction of the wreck. They saw the little party reach the great
mass and stand for some few minutes, evidently in consultation; and
finally they saw one of them climb up the wreck and then assist another
of the party to mount beside him.

"Mildmay and Elphinstone," commented Lethbridge, as he looked over Ida's
shoulder.

"How do you know that, Colonel?" demanded Lady Olivia. "To me they look
all precisely alike, except, of course, that the professor is much
stouter than the others. It is impossible for him to conceal his
identity, even by encasing himself in a suit of armour."

"No; quite true," laughed Lethbridge. "The worthy von Schalckenberg's
figure is such that one is bound to recognise him as far as one can see
him. As to your other question, well, I recognised the first man as
Mildmay by his actions. He is a sailor all over, and as strongly
indicated by his sailor-like motions as the professor is by his figure.
And I take the other to be your husband, because this is Colonel
Sziszkinski's first appearance under water; moreover, Elphinstone is not
the man to ask another to do anything which he himself can do. Ah,
th