object of our quest is manifestly not here, I
propose that we proceed with our search at once."

By way of reply the professor put the helm hard over, and once more set
the engines slowly in motion, thus causing the ship to travel in a
circle about the spot; all hands going, as before, to the windows of the
pilot-house on the look-out.

The circle described by the _Flying Fish_ was a very small one--not more
than two hundred feet in diameter--and the inmates of the pilot-house
were therefore able to carefully examine every inch of ground within its
circumference. One complete circuit having been accomplished without
result, the helm was very slightly altered, and the ship then went on in
a continually widening spiral which must necessarily at length take her
to the object of her search, if indeed it actually existed.

That it did so was ultimately demonstrated, the professor himself being
the first to make its discovery.

The wreck, when first sighted, was distant about one hundred yards on
their starboard hand, and only just within range of the circle of
electric light. The ship's head was at once turned in that direction,
the engines being at the same time stopped, to permit of a very gradual
approach.

All eyes were of course intently fixed upon the strange object; and they
had neared it to within about one hundred feet, when Lieutenant Mildmay
exclaimed in a low, awe-struck voice:

"Just as I suspected! It is the _Daedalus_!"

"Yes," replied the professor very quietly; "it is that most unfortunate
ship. And now, gentlemen, with your permission I will anchor the
_Flying Fish_, and pay a visit--unaccompanied--to the wreck."

It was evident, from the extreme gravity of the professor's demeanour,
that his proposed visit was prompted by some other motive than that of
mere idle curiosity; his companions therefore simply bowed in token of
acquiescence, and permitted von Schalckenberg to follow undisturbed the
bent of his own inclinations.

The _Flying Fish_, meanwhile, had been caused to descend to the bottom,
to which she was at once secured by her four grip-anchors; immediately
after which the professor, with a somewhat hurried and incoherent
apology, left his companions and descended to the diving-room.

Left to themselves, the trio occupying the pilot-house had ample leisure
to note the position and surroundings of the ill-fated steamer.

She had settled down upon a flat ledge of level rock, and rested,