Lost in the Atlantic Valley; Or, Frank Reade, Jr., and His Wonder, the "Dart". Luis Senarens
in all directions.
The Dart rested upon a small coral reef.
The whitest of sand lay spread between the clumps of sea plants.
There were grottoes and cavernous depths, miniature forests and castles of coral.
In all were specimens of curious submarine life.
Shell and other fish were everywhere.
Huge species of ray, sunfish, shark and octopus roved about.
The lights of the submarine boat seemed to draw them from all quarters.
They came with fish curiosity up to the very windows of the boat, and seemed anxious to effect an entrance.
This gave Prof. Von Bulow a much desired opportunity.
He studied them to his heart’s content while the Dart remained on the reef.
Captain Bell was also interested, and he and the professor became quite warm friends.
Frank was busy regulating the machinery of the boat preparatory to diving into the great valley.
In the submarine outfit was a number of diving suits of a pattern invented by Frank Reade, Jr.
They consisted of a helmet, with a reservoir of ample dimensions fastened upon the back, and which was supplied with air by a chemical generator, while the bad air escaped by a valve in the top of the helmet.
Upon the helmet was also placed a small electric lamp, but of great power of penetration.
With heavy weights upon their feet, the wearers of this ingenious diving suit, having not to depend upon cord or life line, could remain at great depths and for a long period under the sea.
It was proposed with Frank’s permission to use the diving suits that Captain Bell and the professor should don these suits and take a walk upon the sandy bed of the sea.
“Certainly you can take the suits,” said Frank. “Only be careful of sharks.”
“We will do that,” replied the captain. “I hardly think we need fear them with a good ax and knife.”
Barney brought up the suits from the lower cabin and he and Pomp helped the two explorers to don them.
Soon they were equipped and ready for the departure from the interior of the submarine boat. Both were eager and excited.
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.