36xxxx 113 An Airlock Is Discovered

There's an old saying that there's strength in numbers, and this is possibly as true on the Magic Island or in Euclytia as it is anywhere else. The Gregory party of four has now grown to five, with the addition of the Euclytian girl submarine commander.

The girl whom we have known only as the Commander has been sent to live with our party as a punishment for aiding them to escape from the Magic Island. She's a very lovely and clever young person and will be known from this time on as Elaine Raleigh.

In the living quarters set aside for Mrs. Gregory and her loyal friends, Joan and her mother are fitting one of Mrs. Gregory's dresses on Elaine, while Jerry and the Captain are out trying to get a little more information on their position.

I know I'm right, Captain Bradford. Well, I hope you are Jerry, but this doesn't look much like it. Just the same. I think we should keep walking along this narrow little hallway. At least it was built here for some purpose, and the more we learn of this place, the more chance we have of escaping from it.

I know one thing for sure. What's that? Nobody can hear us talking in this tunnel. How are you so sure of that? Well, the commander told me so. Elaine? Yep, that's right. I've called the commander so long that it's hard to remember to call her anything else.

Elaine is sure a swell name. It is a pretty name, Jerry, and Elaine is a very attractive girl. You bet she is. I think she's mighty nice. Well, I'll agree with you, son, but if you don't mind, I'd like to give you a little advice about it.