ssel?" continued our hero.

"On a desert island in the Pacific. I had the various parts brought in a
vessel that belonged to me from various parts of the world, and the
twelve negroes who are now with me were my only workmen."

"You are rich, then?"

"Money was never any object to me," replied the captain. "If I wanted
gold even now, could I not obtain millions from the bottom of the sea
out of ships that have sunk? And some day I shall find the great
million-dollar pearl for which I am searching. The treasures of the deep
are mine; I am the Wizard of the Sea."

He spoke proudly, and his eyes dilated with rapture.

"You like the sea?"

"I love it. I revel in it. Look at the solitude and freedom I enjoy!
What life can be comparable to mine?"

"But you must feel weary at times," said Mont.

"Never. I read, I think, and, when I want diversion, I shoot."

"Where?"

"In the submarine forests. I have invented a square case to strap on the
back, which is attached to a mask covering the head, and this will
contain enough compressed air to last for several hours' consumption, so
that I can walk under the waves with ease and comfort."

"And your guns?"

"Are air guns, also my own invention. I have several, and each is
prepared to fire twenty shots by a mere movement of the trigger, the
requisite force of air being placed in a hollow of the butt end; but all
these mysteries will become plain to you before you have been long with
me," answered Captain Vindex.

"What time is it?" asked Mont.

Looking at his watch, the captain answered:

"A quarter to twelve, or near midday."

"If you want to give me a treat," said Mont, "I wish you would go up to
the surface and let me have a look at the sea, and breathe the fresh
air."

"Certainly. Come with me to the engine room."

Mont rose, and followed his conductor through several iron passages to
the place where the machinery was fitted up.

A negro saluted the captain.

"Number Twelve," exclaimed the latter, "I wish to ascend."

The engineer touched a valve, and a rush of water escaping was heard.

The pumps were forcing out the water from the reservoirs.

The _Searcher_ began to ascend. After a time she stopped suddenly.

"We have arrived," said the captain.

He led the way up a central spiral staircase, and, raising a small door,
they emerged upon what may be called the deck, or what our hero and his
companions had taken to be the back of the monster.

Tou