began to revolve, and the _Searcher_ skimmed
over the surface of the sea like a bird.

The air was soon taken into the reservoirs, the flap or panel was
closed, and sinking into the bosom of the waves, she glided along, moved
by her powerful screw, like a big fish; only the helmsman, sitting in
his solitary place of lookout, being responsible for her management.

CHAPTER XXIV.

A PEARL WORTH A FORTUNE.

They traversed the ocean at a depth of about a hundred yards from the
surface.

The health of the captives continued good.

Stump was the only grumbler; the others read and talked, resigning
themselves to their fate, and waiting the next adventure which should
befall them in their singular voyage.

"I tell you what it is, sir," exclaimed Stump one day; "I wish I could
get my fist near that there captain. If I wouldn't give him a knockout
I'd let a whale come and eat me."

"What have you to grumble at, my friend?" inquired Professor Woddle.
"You are comfortably housed, well fed, and have a constant source of
excitement in the movements of this remarkable ship."

"Bother the ship. Why didn't she strike on a rock and bust up?" said
Stump. "I'd rather be back to Nautical Hall any day than here."

"Bide your time, my lad," continued the professor; "something will
happen some day."

"Very prob'ble, sir, but it's waiting for it to turn up as I don't like.
Just shove me alongside of that blessed captain, and if I don't give
him----"

"Stump," interrupted Mont, "you shut up. I wouldn't mind being back to
the Hall myself, but finding fault won't take us there."

"Certainly, sir. I don't have much chance of talking. I shall forget my
own language soon; but no matter, I am only a hired boy, I know, and, of
course, shouldn't have no feelings."

Mont took the trouble to pacify him, explaining that to provoke a
quarrel with the captain would not in any way improve their position.

On the contrary, it might deprive them of the little liberty and
comforts they now enjoyed, and make their miserable condition much
worse.

Stump saw this and promised to be quiet.

He was a strong lad for his age, as hard as iron, and brave as a young
lion.

"Just promise me this, sir," he said.

"What?"

"If I see a good chance of stepping it, you'll be with me?"

"Like a shot. But we mustn't do anything rash, you know, Stump," replied
Mont. "Captain Vindex is not to be trifled with. A man who can build a
ship like this