In spite of his far greater age, Professor Featherwit was first
to rally, and his voice was about the first thing distinguished
by the brothers, as their powers began to rally.

"Shall we take our chances, dear boys?" the professor was saying,
in earnest tones. "I believe there is a method of escaping from
this hell-chamber, although of what may lie beyond--"

"It can't well be worse than this!" huskily gasped Bruno.

"Anything--everything--just to get out o' here!" supplemented
Waldo, for once all spirits subdued.

"It may be death for us all, even if we do get outside," gravely
warned the professor. "Bear that in mind, dear boys. It may be
that not one of us will escape with life, after--"

"How much better to remain here?" interrupted Bruno. "I felt
death would be a mercy--then! And I'd risk anything, everything,
rather than go through such another ordeal! I say,--escape!"

"Me too, all over!" vigorously decided Waldo, lifting himself to
both knees as he added: "Tell us what to do, and here I am, on
deck, uncle."

Even now Professor Phaeton hesitated, his eyes growing dimmer
than usual as they rested upon one face after the other, for
right well he knew how deadly would be the peril thus invited.

But, as the brothers repeated their cry, he turned away to