"When the 'Markel' had been pumped out and hauled up on shore, an
examination showed that she had received a blow near the bow as if
from a powerful ram.

"From this it seems evident that there is actually a submarine boat
which darts about beneath the surface of Lake Kirdall with most
remarkable rapidity.

"The thing is difficult to explain. Not only is there a question as
to how did the submarine get there? But why is it there? Why does it
never come to the surface? What reason has its owner for remaining
unknown? Are other disasters to be expected from its reckless course?"

The article in the Evening Star closed with this truly striking
suggestion: "After the mysterious automobile, came the mysterious
boat. Now comes the mysterious submarine.

"Must we conclude that the three engines are due to the genius of the
same inventor, and that the three vehicles are in truth but one?"





Chapter 8

AT ANY COST