ower
steering, forgotten to put the automatic device in operation when he
left the wheel to join in the search for Washington.

"We'll soon make up the lost ground," said Mr. Henderson. "Another week
or ten days ought to see us at the end of our journey."

"And what will we do when we get there?" asked Jack.

"We will make some important geographical and scientific observations,"
said the professor. "Not only that, but we will have done something that
no living person has ever accomplished. We reached the north pole,
though we could not land on the exact spot. Let us hope we will be more
successful regarding the south pole."

The professor set the ship on her course again. Bill and Tom got supper
in place of Washington, while Mrs. Johnson helped set the table.

The meal was eaten, and then the inventor started the ship toward the
surface, following the plan of not sailing beneath the waves after dark,
in order to avoid accidents.

The craft was making good speed ahead, with the big screw revolving in
the tunnel and spurting the water from the rear, when there came a
sudden jar, and everyone nearly toppled over from the quick stopping of
the _Porpoise_. At the same time the forward end seemed to go up in the
air.

"What has happened? Are we sinking?" cried Mrs. Johnson.

"I think we are going up," spoke the professor in cool tones.

"In the air?" asked the lady.

"On the land," answered the inventor. "I think we have struck shore and
slid up on a beach."

He ordered the engine stopped and hurried to the conning tower to make
an observation. He turned on the searchlight and looked carefully at
what the beams showed. Then he came back to the cabin.

"Well, what is it?" asked Mrs. Johnson.

"We have gone ashore, just as I supposed," said Mr. Henderson.

"And whereabouts are we?"

"On the coast of South America."

"Near where?"

"Near Terra Del Fuego, the land of fire!"

CHAPTER XVII

ATTACKED BY SAVAGES

"Are we in any danger?" asked Mrs. Johnson.

"I hope not," replied the captain. "If the ship is not strained the
rising tide will probably float her safely, and we can continue our
trip. We will have to wait until morning to see, however."

"And if the ship is damaged?"

"We will have to do what we can. We will hope for the best, madam."

The professor went on deck. His first opinion of the accident was
confirmed. The _Porpoise_, in emerging from the waves, had slid well up
on a sandy