Well, lieutenant, and our soundings? ' 'I think, sir, that the operation is nearing its completion,' replied Lieutenant Bronsfield. 'But who would have thought of finding such a depth so near in shore, and only 200 miles from the American coast? ' 'Certainly, Bronsfield, there is a great depression,' said Captain Blomsberry.
'In this spot there is a submarine valley worn by Humboldt’s current, which skirts the coast of America as far as the Straits of Magellan. ' 'These great depths,' continued the lieutenant, 'are not favorable for laying telegraphic cables.
A level bottom, like that supporting the American cable between Valentia and Newfoundland, is much better. ' 'I agree with you, Bronsfield. With your permission, lieutenant, where are we now?
' 'Sir, at this moment we have 3,508 fathoms of line out, and the ball which draws the sounding lead has not yet touched the bottom; for if so, it would have come up of itself.
' 'Brook’s apparatus is very ingenious,' said Captain Blomsberry; 'it gives us very exact soundings. ' 'Touch! ' cried at this moment one of the men at the forewheel, who was superintending the operation. The captain and the lieutenant mounted the quarterdeck. 'What depth have we? ' asked the captain.
'Three thousand six hundred and twenty-seven fathoms,' replied the lieutenant, entering it in his notebook. 'Well, Bronsfield,' said the captain, 'I will take down the result. Now haul in the sounding line. It will be the work of some hours.
In that time the engineer can light the furnaces, and we shall be ready to start as soon as you have finished. It is ten o’clock, and with your permission, lieutenant, I will turn in. ' 'Do so, sir; do so! ' replied the lieutenant obligingly.
The captain of the Susquehanna, as brave a man as need be, and the humble servant of his