"That certainly was a corking good trick."
"Yes," admitted Mr. Sharp modestly. "I once did something
similar, only it was a horse and wagon instead of an auto.
But let's try for another speed record. The conditions are
just right."
They arrived at the coast much sooner than they had dared
to hope, the Red Cloud proving herself a veritable wonder.
The remainder of that day, and part of the next, was spent
in working on the submarine.
"We'll launch her day after to-morrow," declared Mr. Swift
enthusiastically. "Then to see whether my calculations are
right or wrong."
"It won't be your fault if it doesn't work," said his son.
"You certainly have done your best."
"And so have you and Mr. Sharp and the others, for that
matter. Well, I have no doubt but that everything will be
all right, Tom."
"There!" exclaimed Mr. Sharp the next morning, as he was
adjusting a certain gage. "I knew I'd forget something. That
special brand of lubricating oil. I meant to bring it from
Shopton, and I didn't."
"Maybe I can get it in Atlantis," suggested Tom, naming
the coast city nearest to them. "I'll take a walk over. It
isn't far."
"Will you? I'll be glad to have you," resumed the
balloonist. "A gallon will be all we'll need."
Tom was soon on his way.
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