When he moved again, something struck his foot. Looking quickly down through the window in his helmet, he saw a small, square box, made of tin, and fastened with a padlock. A key was in the lock, and Eric turned it and opened the box, wondering what it could contain. The lid flew back, and disclosed an inner cover, on which was painted a coat of arms, with the name "Arthur Montgomery" engraved beneath. A spring was visible, and, pressing it, Eric disclosed to his astonished vision a number of English sovereigns--gold coins worth about five dollars apiece. His first impulse was to show the prize to Mr. Lacelle, but he could not readily attract his attention. So, putting the box in his basket after safely locking it, he busied himself with gathering the beautiful flowers within his reach, and storing them in his basket to press for his mother. Suddenly he felt himself being drawn up slowly towards the surface, and, turning his head, saw that Mr. Lacelle was also ascending. He knew that they were being drawn up because Mr. Lacelle wished him to catch the return train to Gravenhaag, and had cautioned the men at the pumps not to let them remain under water more than half an hour; but he was extremely surprised to find that the time had passed. On reaching "terra firma," so much hurrying had to be done in changing his armor for more convenient land apparel, that he entirely forgot the box of money until seated beside Mr. Lacelle in the carriage. Then he showed it to him. "That _was_ a find, for so young a submarinist," said Mr. Lacelle. "It is yours, my boy; divers consider themselves entitled to all such unexpectedly discovered valuables." "But," said Eric, eagerly, "the owner's name is upon the box; and see! here is a letter addressed to 'Arthur Montgomery, Bart., Clone, Lancaster County, England.' I think I ought to return it." "Yes," said Mr. Lacelle, pleased with Eric's honesty, "conscientiously you ought; but you are not obliged to by law." "I would much rather," said Eric, earnestly. "Will you please to inquire about it, and see that it reaches the owner?" Mr. Lacelle promised, and, seeing Eric safely aboard the cars, bade him good by, and left for Amsteldamme. CHAPTER IX. UNCLE JOHN. When Eric returned to Gravenhaag, whom should he see but his uncle, Mr. Van Rasseulger? And he being the last person in the world that Eric would have thought of meeting there, of course he was decidedly surprised. "Uncle John!" he exclaimed, joyfully. "Who would have thought of seeing you here?" "You wouldn't, I'll wager, young man, or you'd not have gone wild goosing it over the water at Amsterdam." "I've had a glorious time!" exclaimed Eric. "I've been walking upon the bottom of the Zuyder Zee." "It's high time somebody arrived to look after you." "But, uncle John, it was perfectly safe. Mr. Lacelle is an experienced diver; and the landlord under whose care papa left me gave me permission. Besides, nothing happened--"