human
Take a seat, he said, as the negro retired, closing the door after him.
gpt
I have taken an interest in you, Folsom.
human
Thank you,
gpt
Do you like music?
human
Very much, answered Mont.
gpt
Play us something. It will enliven me a bit. I feel awfully low, and I'll give you a game at dominoes or checkers afterwards, if you like.
human
Liberty Bell March
gpt
Thank you, said Mont, when he had finished.
human
Very fine. Now will you tell me how you manage for air?
gpt
I will not trouble you with chemical details, answered the captain,
human
And about light and moving about?
gpt
That is the result of electricity, which I make myself. My motive power is electricity, and I can attain a speed of thirty miles an hour. The men of the world have not yet discovered half the value of electricity. My machinery is of the finest kind. If I want to sink to the bottom of the sea, I fill certain reservoirs I have with water; when I want to rise, I lighten the ship by letting out the water. In short, I have invented everything that is necessary for my safety and comfort.
human
Wonderful!
gpt
Your friend, the professor, would understand me, if I were to explain to him how everything were managed, but to you it all seems as strange as the first railway train did to the country people through whose districts it passed. Engineering science is yet in its infancy. The world has great discoveries to make. You are at present only on the threshold of the great unknown.
human
You work your ship with a screw, I suppose?
gpt
Exactly. The helmsman sits in a cabin with a glass front, and the electric light illumines the sea for some distance, so that all is clear to him.
human
Where did you build this extraordinary vessel?
gpt
On a desert island in the Pacific. I had the various parts brought in a vessel that belonged to me from various parts of the world, and the twelve negroes who are now with me were my only workmen.
human
You are rich, then?
gpt
Money was never any object to me, replied the captain.
human
If I wanted gold even now, could I not obtain millions from the bottom of the sea out of ships that have sunk? And some day I shall find the great million-dollar pearl for which I am searching. The treasures of the deep are mine; I am the Wizard of the Sea.
gpt
You like the sea?
human
I love it. I revel in it. Look at the solitude and freedom I enjoy! What life can be comparable to mine?
gpt
But you must feel weary at times,
human
Never. I read, I think, and, when I want diversion, I shoot.
gpt
Where?
human
In the submarine forests. I have invented a square case to strap on the back, which is attached to a mask covering the head, and this will contain enough compressed air to last for several hours' consumption, so that I can walk under the waves with ease and comfort.
gpt
And your guns?
human
Are air guns, also my own invention. I have several, and each is prepared to fire twenty shots by a mere movement of the trigger, the requisite force of air being placed in a hollow of the butt end; but all these mysteries will become plain to you before you have been long with me,
gpt
What time is it?
human
A quarter to twelve, or near midday.
gpt
If you want to give me a treat, said Mont,
human
I wish you would go up to the surface and let me have a look at the sea, and breathe the fresh air.
gpt
Certainly. Come with me to the engine room.
human
Number Twelve, exclaimed the latter,
gpt
I wish to ascend.