The Lunatic's Curse by F. E. Higgins

Author:F. E. Higgins [Higgins, F. E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780230752863
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

27

A Mystery

Rex watched excitedly as Tibor unfolded a piece of stiff paper on the desk and flattened it out. He saw immediately that it was a plan for some sort of vessel, by the looks of it an underwater vessel, and it caused his heart to beat a little faster. Thinking hard, he pored over it for a long time, tracing the lines with his fingers, his lips moving as he made internal calculations, lingering over some parts but not others. All the while he was acutely aware of both the brazen egg in his pocket and the sense that Tibor’s eyes were firmly fixed on him.

‘I see from your face that you are surprised by this,’ said Tibor at last. ‘Perhaps you did not think a man such as I could be capable of such creativity?’

‘It is not that,’ said Rex, struggling to master his emotions. ‘It’s just . . . well . . . a Perambulating Submersible? It’s incredible.’

‘But do you think it is possible? Do you think that we – you and I – can do it?’

Rex looked Tibor confidently in the eye. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I believe we can.’

‘Marvellous,’ exclaimed Tibor, and his face was a picture of pure delight. ‘Well, then, let’s not beat around the bush. Mox nox in rem, as they say.’

Rex wished again he had paid more attention in his Latin lessons.

‘Get on with it,’ urged Tibor.

So that’s what it means, thought Rex. ‘Right,’ he began, ‘this is a relatively simple design. It relies heavily on levers and cogs and wheels. The power needed to move it is generated at a low level in one source and increases rapidly as it moves through the internal workings. I should imagine it will be reasonably quiet and also slow, but it should be sturdy and reliable. As long as we make sure all the welds and seals are watertight I see no reason why you shouldn’t be able to take an underwater voyage very soon.’

Tibor clapped with glee at Rex’s conclusion. ‘First things first,’ he said excitedly. ‘Where can we get the necessary materials to make it? Do you know?’

‘Of course,’ said Rex confidently. ‘I know plenty of metalworks that will supply us. They all know my father’s name.’

‘Then you must make a list of everything required and we will send for it straight away.’

Rex nodded. He looked around the study. ‘But we will need some sort of workshop. The vessel will be quite big when it is finished.’

‘Don’t worry about that,’ said Tibor. ‘I know exactly the place.’

‘And where will we launch it?’ continued Rex. ‘The island is so rocky—’

‘No problem,’ said Tibor. ‘It is all in hand. Oh, just think of it. It will be magnificent!’ he cried. ‘I do have one question. Do you see this box?’ He pointed to a square on the paper. ‘In the key I have called it a “Re-breather”. I . . . er, just wanted to check that you knew what it was and how it works.

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