Mr. Lacelle, still holding Froll, brought forward a traveller's writing-desk, filled with perfumed French paper, and then placing it before Eric, and saying politely, "At your convenience, _monsieur_," he reseated himself. Eric arranged the paper, took up a pen, and after writing the date, sat waiting for his instructions. "For example, what do you say to two gentlemen?" asked Mr. Lacelle. Eric was completely puzzled, and could only say, "Sir?" "Pardon me!" exclaimed the Frenchman, "to _one_ you would say 'sir;' but to two, would you say 'sirs'?" "Yes," answered Eric, but, recollecting some letters he had copied for his father, added, "O, no: it's _Messrs._" "Exactly!" said Mr. Lacelle. "I thank you. That is fine." He appeared quite relieved, and began dictating. "The Vyverberg, at the Hague, Holland, October 21, 186-. "Messrs. Brown and Lang: "I have given to myself the pleasure of examining the sunken yacht in the Zuyder Zee; and my opinion it is, that that vessel is injured not in the least, and that I can right her for the sum of two hundred dollars. "Most respectfully to you, Messrs., Emil Lacelle, _Submarine Diver._ "To Messrs. Brown and Lang, New York City." "Is it quite correct English?" he asked, anxiously. Eric rewrote it, transposing some of the words. Mr. Lacelle was very grateful for the boy's assistance. He was by no means ignorant, but his knowledge of English was rather limited, and he was too sensitive to be willing to send off a peculiar letter. Mr. Lacelle's history would be very interesting, had we time to give it minutely; but there is only space to say that he was the younger son of a noble French family, whose circumstances during his youth were so unfortunate that he was thrown upon his own resources at a tender age, and had, by great energy and perseverance, become a wealthy and famous man. Eric knew that "sub" meant under, and "marine" the sea, but he did not understand exactly what it all meant; so he asked Mr. Lacelle, whose explanation and subsequent conversation, we will render in readable English. "A submarine diver is one who goes beneath the water of the sea: professionally he examines and clears harbors, removing obstructions, such as rocks, &c.; draws up sunken vessels, examines wrecks, and brings up from the depths of the ocean money, jewels, and articles of value." "But tell me," cried Eric, eagerly, "how does he breathe? what protects him in the water? how--" "I will tell you all about it," said Mr. Lacelle. "There are several divers here in the house. We are going to the Zuyder Zee, near Amsterdam, to-morrow, and you shall go too, if you wish." "O, thank you, sir," said Eric. "I would like to."