Mechanically he took the proffered cigar, lit it, and waited for the captain to resume the conversation. For his part he was anxious to know what the latter’s intentions were regarding his unexpected guest, but something compelled him to await a favourable opportunity. Captain Restronguet eyed his captive for some moments in silence, then:-- "I am sorry to have to refer to your regrettable failure to take possession of the ’Aphrodite’--that being the name of this craft--but at present the opportunity has not arrived for me to relinquish my command. Perhaps some day----" The captain paused meditatively. Hythe could see his thick bushy eyebrows narrow till they formed one continuous line. "Under the circumstances I am compelled to retain you on board for an indefinite time. I trust that you will make yourself as comfortable as you can, and that the wonders of this craft--for wonders they are, although I myself say it--will be sufficiently interesting to prevent ennui." "But why was I seized by your men, might I ask?" "You were seized because there was no desirable option. You--I think I am right--you took the initiative by tackling one of my men. They knew perfectly well that three divers were sent down from one of the Government vessels; they had their work to do, and were, of course, loth to be hindered by anyone. Since I gave them particular orders not to do anyone personal injuries, and to maintain a strict neutrality unless molested, they could do nothing else but make you a prisoner. I might also mention that I particularly wished to have a British naval officer with me, for reasons which I hope to explain at some future date. Chance has thrown you across my path, and here you must for the present remain. Your treatment rests with yourself, but please do not regard this as a menace; it is merely a plain statement of facts." "But you are fairly trapped. You cannot get away!" exclaimed Hythe. "I think not. At any rate, I will soon find out." Crossing the cabin Captain Restronguet took up the receiver and mouthpiece of a portable telephone. "How is the work progressing, Mr. Devoran?" he asked. "All clear? ... Good.... What’s that? .... Oh, very well... two hundred revolutions if you wish .... Splendid! ... If you want me I’ll be with you ... Thanks!" The captain replaced the receiver and turned to his guest. "Perhaps you would like to look through the observation scuttle?" he asked, and touching a switch he extinguished lights and left the cabin in total darkness. Almost immediately after a panel in the flat ceiling of the cabin slid back, rapidly, smoothly, and noiselessly, revealing a rectangular plate of thick glass through which the pale green light streamed, flooding the apartment with subdued hues.