CHAPTER VII.
TWO DAYS AT SEA.
Perhaps--should circumstances render it necessary--I may be induced to tell the Count d'Artigas that I am Simon Hart, the engineer.

Who knows but what I may receive more consideration than if I remain Warder Gaydon?
This measure, however, demands reflection.

I have always been dominated by the thought that if the owner of the _Ebba_ kidnapped the French inventor, it was in the hope of getting possession of Roch's fulgurator, for which, neither the old nor new continent would pay the impossible price demanded.

In that case the best thing I can do is to remain Warder Gaydon, on the chance that I may be allowed to continue in attendance upon him.

In this way, if Thomas Roch should ever divulge his secret, I may learn what it was impossible to do at Healthful House, and can act accordingly.
Meanwhile, where is the _Ebba_ bound ?--first question.
Who and what is the Count d'Artigas ?--second question.
The first will be answered in a few days' time, no doubt, in view of the rapidity with which we are ripping through the water, under the action of a means of propulsion that I shall end by finding out all about.