ching a spring, an iron railing sprang up, about five feet high.

This prevented any danger of falling into the sea in rough weather, for
it made a small inclosure about twenty feet by ten.

Mont saw that the shape of the ship was something like a long cigar.

The sea was calm and the sky clear; a light breeze fanned their cheeks
as Mont opened his lungs to take in the inviting atmosphere.

There was, however, nothing to be seen. All was one vast desert.

The captain proceeded, armed with a sextant, to take the height of the
sun, which would give him his latitude.

He waited some minutes until the sun attained the edge of the horizon.

Having calculated the longitude chronometrically, he said:

"To-day I commence a voyage of exploration under the waves."

"When you like," replied Mont; "anything for a little excitement."

The captain conducted him downstairs again, the iron railing fell, the
trapdoor closed overhead, and with a bow the strange being left him to
join his companions.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE DEVIL FISH.

"He's about half crazy!"

Such was Mont's conclusion as he joined his companions.

While Mont was telling the others of what he had seen, all were treated
to a surprise.

A panel in the wall slid back.

A large sheet of very thick plate glass, quite transparent, was revealed
to view almost immediately; a flood of electric light lit up the sea for
some distance, and everything was as clear as daylight.

It was as if they were looking at an immense aquarium.

"The captain is giving us a surprise," remarked the professor; "this is
charming."

Innumerable fishes of various kinds, most of which were unknown, even to
a naturalist of Dr. Woddle's standing, passed before them.

Strange, wild, fierce-looking things, with wonderful tails and heads.

Some looking unmistakably voracious, others being long and slimy like
hideous snakes.

They were doubtless attracted by the electric light.

For two hours the four companions gazed at the ever-changing procession,
without the least abatement of their delight.

Presently the door opened, and a negro handed the professor a letter.

He opened it and read its contents aloud.

"Captain Vindex presents his compliments to Professor Woddle, and will
be glad if he and his companions will accept an invitation to shoot in
the weed forests under the sea to-morrow morning at ten o'clock."

"I'll be hanged if I go!" exclaimed Stump. "Not if I kno