“Valentine yet lingers in prison; his family are starving. Now you have the whole sad story. I know you are a Christian and a philanthropist, Frank. You will agree with me that we ought to do something to right this great wrong if we can.” Frank had listened to the thrilling story with the deepest interest. Now he said in a puzzled way: “Well and good, George; but how can we do it?” “Capture the silver whale.” “Capture the whale! What earthly good will that do?” “We can, perhaps, recover the confession.” Frank whistled in surprise. “Why, how absurd!” he exclaimed. “It must have become absorbed long ago in the whale’s stomach. In any event the creature has no doubt long ago been captured and destroyed.” “No,” said Stanhope, firmly; “I do not believe that. I have heard of the silver whale many times since. Numerous whaling captains have reported it in parts contiguous to the locality where poor Tucker met his fate. I believe with this submarine boat we can pursue and capture the silver whale.” “Very well; but the confession——” “It was folded and kept in a metal box or case which Tucker wore in his belt. It could not be absorbed, and I have seen objects of metal many times taken from the stomach of a whale.” Frank’s face lit up. “So it was in a metal case.” “Yes.” “Then there is a chance!” cried the young inventor, springing up. “George, I am deeply interested. If the silver whale is yet in existence, we will run it down and recover the confession, if possible. It at least affords us an object for our submarine voyage.” “Correct!” cried Stanhope. “I knew you would grasp the idea, Frank.” “We will at once start for the North Pacific. Have your effects ready.” “They are all ready!” declared Stanhope. “I have explored every country upon the face of the earth. Now it is my happy privilege to explore the bed of the sea. Am I not a lucky man?” “Begorra, Misther Frank,” cried a rollicking voice from the yard. “We have ivery bit of provisions aboord, an’ shure it’s all ready to start we are!” “Good!” cried Frank. “There shall be no delay on my part. We will be off at the quickest possible moment.” Stanhope at once went out and telegraphed Mrs. Tucker in San Francisco. * * * * * DEAR MADAM,—We start very soon in the submarine boat Dolphin for the North Pacific in quest of the white whale. Let us hope we shall find the evidence to clear your husband. Be of cheerful mind. GEORGE STANHOPE. * * * * * The remainder of the day was spent in completing the preparations for the start. The next morning all was announced in readiness. The Dolphin floated in the tank all ready for the start. The voyagers went aboard, and Frank gave orders for the big gates to be opened. This was done, and the boat floated into the canal.