The effect of the electric shock was beginning to wear off, nevertheless the sub felt in a very chastened spirit as he followed his guide, the other two men keeping in the rear. Hythe methodically took count of the number of paces he made as he walked along a narrow alley-way on either side of which were doors in the longitudinal bulkheads. Fifteen steps brought him to a stout transverse bulkhead, in which he noticed were two sliding-doors face to face with a space of about six inches between. Beyond, the corridor continued for another twenty paces, terminating at a door that was partially concealed by a heavy curtain. "Sub-Lieutenant Arnold Hythe, of H.M.S. ’Investigator,’ sir!" announced the man. "Come in, Mr. Hythe!" exclaimed a deep, sonorous voice. The guide stood aside, and allowed the sub to pass. Standing in front of two electric lamps so that his face was in deep shadow was the modern submarine magician, Captain Restronguet. He had evidently taken up that position with deliberation, for he had the advantage of being able to scrutinize closely his visitor and at the same time partially concealing his own features; but the sub could see that the captain was a well-made man of about six feet two inches in height, with broad, square shoulders and massive limbs. He was dressed almost as quietly as the three men who had accompanied Hythe from the divers’ dressing-room and who were now standing at attention just inside the doorway. He wore a white sweater, dark-blue trousers, a double-breasted serge coat and white doeskin shoes, while on a writing desk by his side lay a canvas-covered cap of the style in vogue at Cowes during the yachting season. "I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, sir," continued Captain Restronguet, holding out his hand. Hythe hardly knew what to say. Had he been told that a quarter of an hour previously he would probably have told the captain to go to Jericho, but the antagonistic spirit had left him. "And so am I, sir," he replied simply. "Thank you," replied Captain Restronguet, then addressing his men he ordered them to leave his cabin. "We can talk more freely now," he continued affably. "Pray take a seat. The accommodation in this small cabin of mine does not compare with a ward-room or the gun-room of one of His Majesty’s battleships, but still I think you will find that chair comfortable." Hythe sat down. The chair was comfortable enough, but he felt remarkably uncomfortable in spite of the fact that the captain’s affability sounded perfectly sincere. "Do you smoke? Yes? Well, try one of these cigars. I can guarantee them as pure Sumatran." The sub controlled his amazement with an effort. He had never before heard of smoking in a submarine.