"I think there will be no difficulty on this score," said Mr.
Hardley. "In the first place, two attempts were made to get this
wealth, and were unsuccessful. Then it was practically abandoned,
and I believe under the law the persons who now find it will be
entitled to keep it. Besides the persons who gathered it together
did so for an unlawful purpose--that of starting a revolution in
a friendly country--and they would not dare claim it for fear of
giving their secret away."

"Well, perhaps you are right," assented Tom. "We'll make a try
for it, anyhow."

"You say the submarine is nearly ready?" asked Mr. Hardley.

"She will be ready for a trial trip at the end of this week,"
said Tom, "and be fitted up for the voyage within another seven
days, I hope. Then for the great adventure!" and he laughed,
though, truth to tell, he had no real liking for his task. The
more he saw of Mr. Hardley the less he liked him.

"I shall begin getting my affairs in shape," said the latter,
as he gathered up some papers he had brought to attempt to prove
to Tom that the wealth of the Pandora was greater than had been
supposed. "I have many large interests," he went on, rather
pompously, "and they need looking after; especially if I
undertake anything so extra hazardous as a submarine trip."

"Yes, there always is some danger," admitted Tom. "But then
there is danger walking along the street."