search of the cabins, which, in consequence of the
peculiar posture of the wreck--that is to say, the fact that she was
reared nearly on end on her stern--appeared likely to prove a task of
very considerable difficulty, not to say danger.

Had they been mere ordinary divers, attired in the well-known regulation
diving-dress, they would have been unable to communicate with each
other, save by the somewhat slow and awkward means of a slate and a
piece of chalk. The professor, however, with that foresight which was
one of his most remarkable characteristics, had met this difficulty, at
the time when the special diving-dresses for the party were in process
of manufacture, by the introduction into each helmet of a pair of small
but powerful microphones of his own design, with the result that wearers
of the dress could hear as distinctly as when they were in the open-air,
and could converse together with perfect facility. Hence they were now
able to discuss the difficulty that thus unexpectedly confronted them,
and arrange a plan of action.

For some minutes the four men stood together, contemplating the wreck
and considering the situation generally. Then Mildmay said--

"It appears to me that the only way is for me to climb up to the
skylight, open it, and lower myself down into the cabin by means of a
rope's-end, plenty of which are lying about athwart the deck. That
skylight undoubtedly will give me access to the cuddy, and from that I
shall probably be able to make my way into the other cabins. It is the
captain's cabin that we particularly want; and I shall probably know
better where to look for it than any of the rest of you. One of you,
however, had better come up with me, as I may possibly require
assistance."

"All right," answered Sir Reginald; "I will go with you. Shall I go
first, or will you?"

"I had better go first, I think; then I can help you up," said Mildmay.

And he forthwith laid hold of a rope's-end, and with some difficulty
hauled himself into position above the fore end of the skylight. Having
firmly established himself upon it, he proceeded to haul the baronet up
after him. Then, between them, they managed to force open the starboard
half of the skylight cover, when, swinging his legs over the ledge of
the skylight, Mildmay grasped a rope and lowered himself down into the
interior of the cuddy.

For a moment he could see nothing, for the only light penetrating this
interior came down