ON.

At the appointed hour the imperturbable George, who never could be
betrayed into the slightest exhibition of astonishment at finding
himself in any extraordinary situation which he might happen to be
sharing with his somewhat eccentric master, duly aroused the four
sleepers, and when they were ready, laid luncheon before them with the
same indomitable _sangfroid_ which he would have exhibited had the
transaction been conducted on _terra firma_.

The meal over, the professor led the way below to the diving chamber,
where the adventurous four carefully donned their diving dresses,
inclusive of the armour which Sir Reginald felt so strongly disposed to
ridicule. As this was the first occasion of inducting themselves into
their novel costume, they were rather a long time about it; but when
once they were fairly encased, they were fain to admit that, strange as
might be their appearance, they felt exceedingly comfortable. The
professor was the last to assume the dress, having busied himself in the
first instance in assisting the others; but at length all was ready, and
they filed into the exit chamber, carefully closing the door behind
them. This chamber was illuminated by an electric lamp, the light of
which clearly revealed the whereabouts of the sea-cock, and of the
fastenings to the trap-door, all of which the professor pointed out to
his companions, at the same time explaining the method of working them.
The sea-cock was then opened, and the chamber began to slowly fill with
water.

"Now," explained the professor, "please listen to me. If now, or at any
future time, either of you should experience the slightest sensation of
discomfort as the water rises round you, all you have to do is simply to
open this air-cock, which communicates with the air-chambers, and the
condensed air will at once rush in and expel the water again; then close
the sea and air cocks; open this relief valve, which will allow the
condensed air to disperse itself in the habitable portions of the hull,
and you can at once open the door of communication to the diving
chamber, and disencumber yourself of your dress, remembering always to
close the door behind you. Now, do either of you feel at all
uncomfortable?"

The exit chamber was by this time full of water, and its occupants were,
therefore, completely submerged, and subject to the same pressure of
water as they would be outside, but the armour proved fully equal to its
work in eve