it. More than a year has elapsed, and though I don't know just
how long it takes to outlaw an under-ocean claim, I feel sure
that we would have a legal and moral right to take this gold if
we could find it."

"I should want to be satisfied on that point before I undertook
the search," said Tom.

"Then you will undertake it?" eagerly exclaimed Mr. Hardley.

"I will think it over," Tom answered quietly--so quietly that
distinct disappointment showed on the face of the visitor.



CHAPTER IV

AGAINST HIS WILL



For a moment it seemed that Mr. Damon, as well as Mr. Hardley,
felt disappointment at Tom's answer, for the eccentric man
exclaimed:

"Bless my leather belt, Tom, but you aren't very keen on making
a million dollars!"

"Oh, yes, I like to make money," the young inventor answered.
"I guess you know that, as well as any one, for you've been with