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+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76085 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+                          RIVAL OCEAN DIVERS
+
+                _Or, The Search for a Sunken Treasure_
+
+                            By ROY ROCKWOOD
+
+                 AUTHOR OF "A SCHOOLBOY'S PLUCK," "THE
+                       WIZARD OF THE SEA," ETC.
+
+                           GROSSET & DUNLAP
+                       PUBLISHERS :: :: NEW YORK
+
+                     Copyright, 1900 (as a serial)
+                            BY N. L. MUNRO
+
+                            Copyright, 1905
+                      BY STITT PUBLISHING COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+
+                                PREFACE
+
+
+This story of the "Rival Ocean Divers" has been written especially for
+such boys as like tales of the deep blue sea.
+
+A search for a hidden treasure is certain to be a fascinating one, and
+when the treasure is located at the bottom of the great ocean the quest
+is bound to become more or less perilous.
+
+In opening this tale I had a twofold object in view. The first was to
+write a story which would interest boys, and the second was to unfold
+to their view a few of the marvels of deep-sea life, telling of the
+strange fish and other creatures to be found at the bottom of the
+Pacific Ocean.
+
+In 1898 the United States government sent out an expedition to certain
+portions of the Pacific to test a new diving bell and a new machine
+for deep-sea soundings, and also to bring back such specimens of
+deep-sea animal and vegetable life as the expedition might be fortunate
+enough to obtain. The official report of this expedition is extremely
+interesting and useful, and from it the author has obtained much data
+of value, for use in the present work.
+
+This story was originally used as a serial in a popular weekly. It
+seemed to please its readers, and the author hopes that in its present
+enlarged and rewritten form it will meet with equal favor.
+
+                                                          Roy Rockwood.
+
+                                                         April 1, 1905.
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS
+
+
+                         I. PUNISHING A SNEAK
+
+                        II. THE HANKERS' MOVE
+
+                       III. A STRANGE HOTEL ADVENTURE
+
+                        IV. AN OCEAN MONSTER
+
+                         V. FROM ONE DANGER INTO ANOTHER
+
+                        VI. STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
+
+                       VII. "I CANNOT TALK!"
+
+                      VIII. A DISASTROUS HUNT
+
+                        IX. A PRISONER UNDERGROUND
+
+                         X. DAVE OVERHEARS A PLOT
+
+                        XI. FACING A JAGUAR
+
+                       XII. WELL-TIMED SHOTS
+
+                      XIII. SURROUNDED BY SAVAGES
+
+                       XIV. ANOTHER CAPTURE
+
+                        XV. A DOOR OF WATER
+
+                       XVI. THE ESCAPE TO THE COAST
+
+                      XVII. A DASH FOR A ROWBOAT
+
+                     XVIII. ON THE BOSOM OF THE OCEAN
+
+                       XIX. FIGHTING A GORILLA
+
+                        XX. AN ATTACK IN THE DARK
+
+                       XXI. DAVE AND THE WATER SNAKE
+
+                      XXII. WHAT THE STORM BROUGHT
+
+                     XXIII. ON THE SHIP ONCE MORE
+
+                      XXIV. ATTACKED BY A FIRE FISH
+
+                       XXV. LEFT TO PERISH
+
+                      XXVI. THE BATTLE OF THE FISHES
+
+                     XXVII. THE RIVAL DIVERS
+
+                    XXVIII. THE DEMONS OF THE DEEP
+
+                      XXIX. THE ESCAPE FROM THE DEMONS
+
+                       XXX. IN A DIVING BELL
+
+                      XXXI. THE TREASURE AT LAST--CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+                          RIVAL OCEAN DIVERS
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I
+
+                           PUNISHING A SNEAK
+
+
+"A million at the bottom of the sea, father?"
+
+"That is what I said, Dave."
+
+"It is a fortune!"
+
+"There may be more than that. But I am sure of the million."
+
+"And it would belong to us if we found it?"
+
+"Yes, every cent of it."
+
+"But you say the Hankers lay claim to the fortune," went on Dave
+Fearless, a handsome lad of seventeen, the only son of Amos Fearless,
+ex-sea captain and marine architect.
+
+"Yes, Lemuel Hankers always did claim the Washington fortune. His
+mother, you know, was a Washington."
+
+"But so was your father."
+
+"Exactly; and the money was left to our branch of the family, no matter
+what the Hankers may say to the contrary."
+
+"And it was shipped from China to San Francisco in the steamship _Happy
+Hour_."
+
+"Yes, but the _Happy Hour_ belied her name, for she went down in the
+middle of the Pacific with all on board."
+
+"And the exact location of this wreck?"
+
+"Was not known up to six months ago. Then the _Albatross_, making some
+deep-sea fishing for the government, came upon some wreckage which
+proved conclusively that the _Happy Hour_ had gone down in the exact
+spot which I have marked on the chart here."
+
+"Do the Hankers know of this locality?"
+
+"I think not. They were in Europe on a pleasure tour when the report
+came in, and it is very likely that it escaped their notice."
+
+"You must be right, for they are very rich, and if they thought they
+could add to their fortunes they would fit out an expedition at once
+and go in search of the sunken treasure."
+
+"Right you are, Dave. But they would have their hands full finding it,
+for you must remember, the Pacific Ocean at this point is nearly two
+miles deep."
+
+"Two miles!" Dave Fearless' face fell. "Then we'll never see a single
+piece of that gold."
+
+"I have been thinking of the matter for several weeks, and I think I
+have solved the problem of how to get to the wreck, if I can work the
+plan I have in mind," replied Mr. Fearless, as he began to pace the
+floor of the modest dining room thoughtfully.
+
+"And what is your plan, father?"
+
+"It is this: Two weeks from to-day our government is going to send
+another ship to the Pacific, the _Swallow_, under the command of
+Captain Paul Broadbeam."
+
+"What, dear old Captain Broadbeam, whom we used to know at Nantucket
+Light?"
+
+"The same, Dave. He will be in full charge of the expedition, which
+is to sound the depths of the Pacific, locate any new islands which
+may be brought to light, and drag the bottom of the ocean for strange
+fish or marine animals, for the Fish Commission. For this purpose the
+expedition will take along one of the new Costell diving bells."
+
+"You mean one of those glass cages which they can lower to the bottom
+of the ocean and then walk around on big steel legs, like an artificial
+crab?"
+
+"Exactly. They say they work perfectly, and if that is so, we ought to
+be able to get to the wreck of the _Happy Hour_ and explore it without
+difficulty."
+
+"We? Shall we go along with Captain Broadbeam?"
+
+"If my application as master diver is accepted," and Amos Fearless
+smiled faintly.
+
+"Then you've applied for such a position?"
+
+"Yes. I did it as soon as I heard Broadbeam was in charge. I know he
+will do what he can for me."
+
+"And what of me, father?"
+
+"If I go, you shall go as assistant."
+
+"Hurrah! Then the sunken treasure is as good as ours!"
+
+"Don't be too sure, Dave. Even if we are successful, there is plenty of
+work cut out for us before we lay our hands on that million dollars, or
+any part of it. We must--what's that?"
+
+Mr. Amos Fearless broke off short and ran to the window of the cottage
+in which he and his son lived. "A fellow running down to the beach! He
+was at the window listening!"
+
+"It's Bart Hankers!" burst from Dave's lips. "Bart Hankers, of all
+people! He must have heard all we said."
+
+"That's too bad!" Amos Fearless gave a deep sigh. "I wanted to keep
+this a secret."
+
+"The miserable sneak!" went on Dave, indignantly. "I'm going after him
+and see what he means by such conduct."
+
+And before his father could stop him, the lad was out of the cottage
+and running toward the beach at his best speed.
+
+As said before, Dave Fearless was a youth of seventeen, tall,
+well-built, and handsome. He had been brought up along the coast of
+Long Island Sound, and had spent two years of his life in a lighthouse
+not far distant from his present residence in the village of Quanatack.
+
+Following in the footsteps of his father, Dave had taken to the water
+naturally, and no boy on Long Island could swim better, row better, or
+handle a sailboat more skillfully than he. In addition to this, Dave
+had often been with his father when the latter was working at his trade
+as a master diver, and he knew more about the work of a diver than did
+many men who followed it for a living.
+
+Father and son lived together by themselves, Mrs. Fearless having died
+several years before. Mr. Fearless had once been fairly well-to-do,
+but a fire, and the wild speculations of a brother, now dead also, had
+robbed him of all of his savings and left him with nothing but his
+hands to depend upon for a living.
+
+The village in which the Fearlesses lived was not a large one, but it
+contained some people who were very friendly to the master diver and
+his son, and also contained some who were just the opposite.
+
+Among the latter were Lemuel Hankers and his eighteen-year-old son
+Bart. The Hankers were distantly related to the Fearlesses, but as
+the latter were poor, the relationship was never acknowledged by
+the former. Indeed, Bart Hankers took particular pains to snub Dave
+Fearless upon every possible occasion.
+
+Some of the snubbings flashed over Dave's mind as he sped after Bart
+Hankers, who was running to where he had left a small boat tied up at
+one of the village docks.
+
+"I'll show him that he is not to play the sneak on us, even if he does
+snub me," muttered Dave, as he reached the dock, to find Bart just
+entering the rowboat.
+
+In a minute he was at the stringpiece of the dock.
+
+"Hi, Bart Hankers, I want to talk to you!" he called out.
+
+"What do you want of me, Dave Fearless?" returned the rich youth,
+sullenly.
+
+"I want to know what you mean by playing sneak around our house."
+
+"Around your house? I haven't been near your house."
+
+"Yes, you have. You just came from there."
+
+"It's untrue. I have been up to Radley's store all the morning."
+
+"I saw you and so did my father. You're a nice sneak, you are, I must
+declare. If I were you I'd be ashamed of myself."
+
+"See here, if you call me a sneak, I'll punch your head for you, Dave
+Fearless!" howled Bart, angrily.
+
+"Well, you are a sneak, so there!"
+
+"So you want your head punched, do you?"
+
+"If I do, you're not able to do the job."
+
+"Won't I? I'll show you." And Bart leaped from the rowboat back to the
+dock.
+
+"You were up under our window listening to the talk between my father
+and me."
+
+"It isn't so!"
+
+"It's the truth."
+
+"You say another word and I'll thrash you within an inch of your life!"
+howled Bart, working himself up into a magnificent rage.
+
+"I am not afraid of you," answered Dave, calmly. The fact that Bart was
+two inches taller than himself and weighed at least fifteen pounds more
+did not daunt him.
+
+"Will you take back what you said?"
+
+"Instead of taking it back, I repeat what I said--you are a mean sneak,
+and I want everybody in this village to know it," answered Dave, in a
+loud voice.
+
+Several boys and a man were fishing near at hand, and now they drew
+closer to learn what was the cause of the trouble.
+
+The man, who did some work for Mr. Hankers, sided with Bart, but the
+boys all favored Dave.
+
+"Pitch into him, Dave," piped in one of the smaller lads. "He puts on
+too many airs, he does!"
+
+"Don't you dare to touch Mr. Hankers," put in the man.
+
+"I will do as I see fit, Hank Shores," retorted Dave. "Don't you
+interfere here."
+
+"Never mind him, Shores," said Bart, with a sneer. "I can handle him
+well enough alone, and I'll give him all he wants, too."
+
+"A fight! a fight!" exclaimed several of the boys, and soon a
+fair-sized crowd collected on the dock, for, in a village, a fight is a
+great event, to be talked over for many a day afterward.
+
+"What's the trouble?" asked several.
+
+"Dave Fearless and Bart Hankers are going to have it out."
+
+"What started it?"
+
+"Dave says Bart is nothing but a miserable sneak."
+
+"You have got to take back what you said," blustered Bart, squaring off.
+
+"I'll take back nothing," retorted Dave.
+
+He had scarcely spoken when the rich youth struck out and landed
+lightly on his shoulder.
+
+As quick as lightning Dave returned the blow, landing on Bart's nose
+with just sufficient force to draw blood.
+
+"Ouow!" howled the rich youth, and staggered back.
+
+"First blood for Dave Fearless!"
+
+"Give him another like that, Dave!"
+
+In a worse rage than ever Bart rushed at Dave again and this time
+caught him on the chin, and nearly knocked him down.
+
+"There's one for Bart Hankers!"
+
+"He'll down Dave Fearless yet!"
+
+As quickly as he could Dave recovered and rushed at his opponent.
+
+Blows now flew thick and fast, and Dave was hit on the shoulder, on the
+chest, and on the cheek.
+
+But he returned every blow with interest, and Bart received a crack in
+the eye which made him see a thousand stars, and then another in the
+mouth, which loosened two of his teeth.
+
+"Oh!" he groaned, and staggered toward the end of the dock.
+
+"Have you had enough?" demanded Dave.
+
+"No."
+
+Hardly had Bart answered when Dave squared off again. Bart struck out
+feebly and Dave warded off the blow with ease.
+
+Then Dave's left fist shot out, fairly and squarely, and the rich youth
+received a blow under the chin which lifted him off his feet and sent
+him backward with a loud splash into the waters of Long Island Sound.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II
+
+                           THE HANKERS' MOVE
+
+
+"Bart's overboard!"
+
+"My! but wasn't that a clever blow!"
+
+"Dave is too many for him, even if Bart is larger."
+
+So the cries ran on as all rushed to the edge of the dock.
+
+Bart Hankers had disappeared, but he soon came up, spluttering and
+floundering around in a fashion to make many of those present laugh.
+
+The water at the dock was not extra deep, and his head had become
+covered with black mud from the bottom.
+
+"You--you--rascal!" he cried, when he could speak. "I'll--I'll have you
+locked up for that!"
+
+"Locked up!" cried several. "What for? It was a fair fight."
+
+"Dave had no right to knock him into the water," put in Hank Shores.
+
+Bart Hankers' rowboat was close at hand and into this the rich boy
+climbed slowly and painfully, for he was still partly dazed by the
+crack under the chin.
+
+His wet and muddy appearance made many in the crowd laugh.
+
+"I say, Bart, you look as if you were dressed for the ball!" cried one
+boy.
+
+"Now's the time to call on your best girl, Bart. You're in good shape
+for hugging her," added another.
+
+"You fellows shut up!" growled the rich youth, shaking his fist at
+them. "If you don't I'll make it hot for the lot of you."
+
+"About as hot as you made it for Dave Fearless, eh?" was the reply, and
+a shout of derision went up.
+
+Then one of the boys began to throw some fish bait at Bart, and in a
+minute half a dozen youths were at it and Bart was struck in several
+places.
+
+"Oh, I must get away from here," he muttered and then cried to Hank
+Shores: "Row me over to Purry's dock, will you, Shores?"
+
+"I will," replied Shores, and leaping into the rowboat, took up the
+oars. Soon the craft was out of reach of those left behind. But before
+Bart got out of hearing he heard the village lads give a hurrah for
+Dave Fearless.
+
+"All right, Dave Fearless," he muttered, under his breath. "You're on
+top this time, but I reckon my father and I will win in the long run."
+
+"He played you foul, Bart," said Shores, soothingly. He was little
+better than a sneak himself.
+
+"He wouldn't have been able to do it only I--er--I sprained my arm at
+rowing yesterday. That's why I got you to row for me," answered Bart.
+But what he said about his arm was a falsehood.
+
+Half an hour later Bart Hankers entered his elegant home at the end of
+the main street of the village and sneaked up to the bathroom, where
+he washed up and changed his wet clothing for a dry suit. Then he went
+downstairs and to the library, where his father sat, reading the stock
+reports in a New York paper.
+
+"Father, the mystery is solved," he said, as he closed the door
+carefully, that nobody might hear what he had to say but his parent.
+
+Lemuel Hankers, a thin, yellow-skinned man of fifty, looked at his son
+curiously.
+
+"What mystery, Bart?" he asked.
+
+"The mystery of the missing Washington fortune."
+
+"You don't mean it!" And the man leaped from his chair in astonishment.
+
+"I do mean it."
+
+"What have you learned?"
+
+"I know where the _Happy Hour_ went down."
+
+"Where did you get your information?"
+
+"From the Fearlesses."
+
+"Do they know?"
+
+"They do. Quite by accident I overheard Dave and his father talking."
+
+"Indeed! Tell me the particulars," went on Lemuel Hankers.
+
+Without a blush Bart related all he had overheard while eavesdropping
+at the window of the Fearless cottage. Hankers senior listened with
+close attention.
+
+"It is a shame that we should have missed this information when it
+came in," he muttered. "We might already be on the way to recover the
+fortune."
+
+"We ought to try and get that chart," said Bart.
+
+"We won't want the chart. I can get the same news from the government
+that Amos Fearless has got."
+
+"Let us go in search of the sunken treasure, dad. It certainly belongs
+to us."
+
+"Of course it does, Bart. Yes, if this news is true, I will go after
+the missing million."
+
+"But you will have to take expert divers along, and all that sort of
+thing."
+
+"I can do that easily. I own stock in the San Francisco Wrecking
+Company, and it will not be difficult for me to charter one of their
+vessels, along with all the latest appliances for raising valuables
+from the ocean's depths."
+
+"Then wouldn't it be advisable for us to start at once?"
+
+"I must find out the particulars of this matter first."
+
+"How will you do that?"
+
+"The easiest way will be to make a trip to Washington."
+
+"Then you had better go to-night."
+
+"I will," answered Lemuel Hankers.
+
+He was as good as his word, and the next day found him at Washington.
+
+He quickly introduced himself to the proper parties and from them
+learned as much as Amos Fearless knew concerning the location of the
+wrecked _Happy Hour_. That the ship had been exactly located there
+could be no doubt. But it was also true that the ocean currents were
+gradually shifting the wreck from one position to another.
+
+"If anything is to be done it must be done soon," he said, upon
+returning home. "That section of the ocean's bed is subject to
+earthquakes, and an earthquake might sink the _Happy Hour_ so that no
+diver could find her again."
+
+"Then why don't you start for San Francisco at once?"
+
+"I will make up my mind inside of the next twenty-four hours," answered
+Lemuel Hankers.
+
+"Of course, if you go you'll take me along," went on Bart.
+
+"I wasn't thinking of doing so."
+
+"I don't want to stay behind. Dave Fearless is going with his dad."
+
+"But they are both expert divers and will do their own work, while I
+will have to have our work hired out."
+
+"I don't care. I want to be on hand to see the Fearlesses outwitted."
+
+"Very well then, you shall go," answered Lemuel Hankers.
+
+The next day saw the rich man and his son on their way to San
+Francisco, to fit out an expedition to hunt for the sunken treasure.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III
+
+                       A STRANGE HOTEL ADVENTURE
+
+
+"Father, I have news for you!" cried Dave Fearless, as he rushed into
+the cottage all out of breath.
+
+"What now, Dave?"
+
+"The Hankers have left Quanatack and gone to San Francisco."
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"It's true. They took the train for New York, and Sam Dilks overheard
+Bart ask his father what the tickets to San Francisco would cost."
+
+"That looks bad."
+
+"And that isn't the worst of it. Sam also overheard them talking about
+the San Francisco Wrecking Company and heard Mr. Hankers say he felt
+sure he could get the vessel without delay."
+
+"Then they must be after the sunken treasure beyond a doubt, Dave."
+Amos Fearless gave a slight groan. "They'll get the start of us after
+all!"
+
+"How about that job for us on the _Swallow_?"
+
+"I have heard nothing new."
+
+"If I were you I'd send a long letter to Captain Broadbeam and let him
+know just how we stand."
+
+"I will do it."
+
+The letter was sent that night, and then the Fearlesses waited
+anxiously for a reply.
+
+Two days later came a telegram from Washington. It was from their old
+friend the captain and ran as follows:
+
+    "Both engaged at salary mentioned in letter. Report here without
+    delay."
+
+"Hurrah! We're in it after all!" shouted Dave, flinging up his cap, and
+he danced a jig for joy. "Now for the Pacific Ocean and the missing
+fortune!"
+
+Father and son had prepared everything for a start from home, and that
+evening saw them on the way to Washington. They spent the night in New
+York, and reported at the Capital City at noon the next day.
+
+"Glad to see you," said Captain Broadbeam, shaking both by the hand.
+"Come over to my hotel and we'll talk matters over." He was a
+round-faced, jolly old sea-dog, and nobody could help liking him.
+
+At the hotel the captain was let into the secret of the sunken
+treasure, in which he immediately took a deep interest. When Lemuel
+Hankers was mentioned he scowled.
+
+"He is my enemy," he said. "He tried to get me out of my position so
+that some captain friend of his could have the berth. I'd be glad to
+knock the wind out o' his sails, consarn him!"
+
+"Where is the _Swallow_ now?"
+
+"At San Francisco, all ready to sail."
+
+"And when shall we go West?"
+
+"Day after to-morrow, and you can go along with me."
+
+A long talk followed, during which Amos Fearless asked about a diving
+bell.
+
+"Yes, we have the very latest pattern on board of the _Swallow_,"
+answered Captain Broadbeam, "and we shall also take along the very best
+of diving outfits, deep-sea sounders, and drag-nets--better even than
+those on the _Albatross_."
+
+"Then we'll be fixed to go right ahead," said Mr. Fearless. "But we
+must get ahead of Lemuel Hankers and his son."
+
+"Trust me to do that, Fearless. But when it comes to going down to a
+wreck as lies two miles under the surface o' the ocean, why, you and
+Dave will have to do that part o' the job."
+
+"And we will," put in Dave, quickly. "I know it is a gigantic
+undertaking, but with the proper outfits, I feel convinced that we will
+get there sure!" and he shook his head confidently.
+
+In secret Amos Fearless promised Captain Broadbeam twenty-five per
+cent. of any sum recovered from the wreck, providing the government
+would allow the officer to accept the amount.
+
+It was not until late that night that the party separated and Dave and
+his father retired to a room in another part of the hotel.
+
+When they left Captain Broadbeam, a man in a room next to the captain's
+got up from his knees, for he had been down listening at the keyhole of
+a door which connected the two apartments.
+
+This fellow was named Pete Rackley, and he was in Lemuel Hankers'
+employ.
+
+"I'm onto their game right enough," muttered Rackley to himself. "So
+they are going to outwit my boss? Well, I reckon not."
+
+Before going to bed that night, Pete Rackley wrote a long letter to
+Lemuel Hankers, telling the rich man of what he had heard.
+
+He felt that he must keep Dave and his father from going West to join
+the _Swallow_, no matter what the cost.
+
+So he at once laid a plan to have Dave arrested for supposed
+pocket-picking.
+
+The next morning he met Dave in the reading room, where he had gone to
+glance over the newspapers.
+
+Unknown to Dave he approached the lad and dropped into his coat pocket
+a pocket-book containing ten dollars and a visiting card upon which was
+written his name, Peter Rackley.
+
+Then he walked out into the hallway to the door of the hotel, stopped
+suddenly, and gave a cry:
+
+"My pocket-book! It is gone!"
+
+"What's that, sir?" demanded the hotel clerk, who happened to be
+passing.
+
+"My pocket-book is gone! It must have been stolen from me!"
+
+"Did it have much in it?"
+
+"Ten dollars or more."
+
+"Perhaps you dropped it, sir."
+
+"Hardly. I had it quarter of an hour ago, when I was in the reading
+room. Ha, I have it! That young man took it from me." And Pete Rackley
+started back to the reading room.
+
+"What young man?"
+
+"The fellow who brushed up so close to me at the table. There he is!"
+Rackley ran up to Dave and caught him by the shoulder. "You thief!" he
+ejaculated. "Give me back my money!"
+
+Of course Dave was taken completely by surprise.
+
+"Your money?" he repeated. "I know nothing of your money."
+
+"You must have it. Sir, will you have him searched?" went on Pete
+Rackley to the clerk.
+
+"Certainly, he can search me if he wishes," said Dave, promptly. "I am
+no thief."
+
+A few more words followed, and the clerk began to search Dave. Soon
+the pocket-book was brought to light, much to Dave's astonishment and
+dismay.
+
+"Ha! what did I tell you!" ejaculated Pete Rackley. "Call an officer
+at once. I want this young rascal arrested on the spot!" and he caught
+hold of Dave again, that the youth might not escape.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV
+
+                           AN OCEAN MONSTER
+
+
+Dave knew not what to say. Here he was accused of a robbery of which
+he knew absolutely nothing. The very prison doors seemed opening to
+receive him.
+
+But while he stood there, not knowing what would happen next, an
+unexpected friend stepped up in the shape of a stranger, who had been
+reading in a corner.
+
+"Excuse me, but there is something wrong here," said the stranger.
+"That man is no thief, to my way of thinking."
+
+"What do you know of this?" demanded the hotel clerk.
+
+"A short while ago I saw that man come up behind this young man and
+slip that pocket-book into his pocket. I thought at the time he was
+playing some friendly joke, but it seems he was up to something more
+serious."
+
+At these words Pete Rackley turned deadly pale. He was caught in his
+own trap, and he knew it.
+
+"It's false!" he began. "I--I----"
+
+"I saw the action, too," put in another stranger. "I thought it very
+queer."
+
+"We'll have the police investigate this," said the hotel clerk, and
+told a hallman to call an officer of the law.
+
+This did not suit Pete Rackley at all.
+
+"I--I guess there is some mistake," he stammered, and turning, he ran
+from the room and from the hotel. Although he had left a trunk behind
+him, he never came back to claim the property.
+
+"That was a queer thing to do," said one of the strangers to Dave,
+after the excitement was over. "Is he your enemy?"
+
+"He must be, but he is a stranger to me," answered our hero.
+
+The trip to San Francisco was made without anything special happening,
+and soon Dave and his father found themselves on board of the
+_Swallow_, which lay at her dock taking on the last of her stores for
+the long trip around the Pacific Ocean.
+
+After a number of inquiries, Amos Fearless learned that Lemuel Hankers
+had chartered the small steamer _Raven_, from the Wrecking Company, and
+had set sail on his treasure quest the day previous.
+
+"Never mind, we'll make up for lost time when once we get started,"
+said Captain Broadbeam. "I fancy the _Swallow_ is a better boat in
+every way than the _Raven_."
+
+Two days later the _Swallow_ sailed with Mr. Fearless and Dave on board
+as master diver and assistant.
+
+The diving outfits on board pleased the master diver very much, and he
+was likewise greatly interested in the diving bell the ship carried.
+
+"That ought to be just the thing for our work," he said to Dave, "if
+they can let it down to where the wreck of the _Happy Hour_ rests."
+
+"But two miles is a tremendous distance, father."
+
+"I know it. I have never yet gone down over three hundred feet."
+
+"Perhaps we shall fail."
+
+"We must try a short distance first, Dave. We can't go down those two
+miles at the start. Captain Broadbeam wishes us to go down to-morrow
+anyway, to hunt for some strange fish, said to be in these waters, a
+fish known by the scientific name of Eurypharynx Pelecanoides."
+
+"What a fearful name!" muttered Dave. "Is the fish as bad?"
+
+"Yes, and worse. The monster is said to be all of twenty feet long,
+with a head larger than a hogshead and a mouth seven feet across. Its
+body and tail are covered with spines or stickers, and its teeth are
+like so many large needles."
+
+"Truly an ugly customer to meet," and Dave shuddered.
+
+"I am afraid he'll be an ugly customer to bag--in a net or otherwise."
+
+"Are we to use the diving bell?"
+
+"Yes, we are to try it, but we are likewise to use our diving suits,
+too--just to try both outfits," returned the master diver.
+
+The next day the _Swallow_ reached a section of the Pacific where the
+strange fish described by Amos Fearless was supposed to exist, upon the
+bottom of the ocean bed, half a mile below the surface.
+
+Diving suits were brought forth, and Mr. Fearless and Dave were not
+long in preparing to descend.
+
+Then the diving bell was adjusted to a long wire rope and let over the
+side, and they entered this.
+
+The word was given, and slowly but surely they descended into the cold
+and dark depths of the mighty Pacific.
+
+At a distance of two hundred feet the bright sunshine overhead began to
+fade away, and at five hundred feet it was as black as night, that is,
+some distance away from the diving bell. But around the bell several
+electric lights in the apparatus made all as bright as day.
+
+Down and down they went, the pressure on the diving bell becoming each
+second more powerful.
+
+At such a depth no human being could have lived without something to
+protect him from a weight which was ever ready to crush anything from
+the outside world.
+
+At last the diving bell rested on the bottom of the ocean, and Amos
+Fearless sent up the signal to stop lowering.
+
+Then father and son inspected the ocean's bottom with much curiosity.
+
+Here were numerous fish of curious shapes, but none of large size.
+There were also sea crabs, with sharp claws and protruding reddish eyes.
+
+But no sign of the Eurypharynx Pelecanoides, the wonderful fish of
+which they had been sent in search.
+
+"It seems to be safe enough," said Dave to his father, in the sign
+language of divers. "Let us go outside and look around."
+
+"But not too far away from the diving bell," answered the master diver.
+"The pressure may make us sick, and then we'll have to get inside again
+as quickly as possible."
+
+Soon they were ready, and with a fresh supply of air in their helmets,
+they stepped out upon the slimy, black surface of the ocean's bottom.
+
+At sight of them the small fish thrashed around wildly, and the sea
+crabs scampered in all directions.
+
+With caution they moved away from the bell to where the bottom appeared
+to slope downward.
+
+Here there was a large hole, and they wondered what might be at its
+bottom.
+
+Dave was well in advance, when of a sudden a strange sensation brought
+him to a halt and made him glance to his left.
+
+A shriek of terror burst from his lips.
+
+The dreadful Eurypharynx Pelecanoides had appeared, and was making
+swiftly towards him. The terrific mouth of the monster was wide open,
+as if to swallow him alive!
+
+[Illustration: "THE TERRIFIC MOUTH OF THE MONSTER WAS WIDE
+OPEN."]
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V
+
+                     FROM ONE DANGER INTO ANOTHER
+
+
+"I am lost!"
+
+Such was the agonizing thought which crossed Dave Fearless' mind when
+he beheld himself confronted by the fish known as the Eurypharynx
+Pelecanoides, commonly called the Sea Devil of the Ocean's Bottom.
+
+The monster was all of twenty feet long, with a head closely resembling
+a black rubber balloon. Its eyes shone like two electric-light globes,
+while its mouth opened and shut with a strange, clicking sensation
+which went through the young diver like the piercing of a needle.
+
+Dave's thought was to retreat to the diving bell, but this seemed
+impossible, for the monstrous fish was only a few yards off and
+approaching rapidly. It looked as if in another moment all would be
+over and he would be swallowed alive, like Jonah of old.
+
+A million thoughts rushed through his brain--thoughts of his younger
+days, of his happy life around the lighthouse--and of how the Hankers
+might yet triumph over his father and himself. In the meanwhile the
+monster came closer, and now it emitted from its mouth a horrible green
+slime, with which to cover its victim before swallowing him, after the
+manner of its cousin on earth, the boa constrictor.
+
+But at this moment, when the youth seemed surely lost, something
+happened as quickly as it was unexpected, and which changed the whole
+course of events.
+
+Through the black waters rushed another fish, long, thin, and
+exceedingly bony. From the snout of this fish stuck a sword-like spear,
+fully three feet long, with a point like that of a dart.
+
+This was the Devil's Needle, another monster of the deep, and dreaded
+by all other monsters, for it is the deadly enemy of everything that
+crosses its path.
+
+There was a strange, hissing sound, a thrust, and the sword-like spear
+was thrust into the side of the Eurypharynx Pelecanoides.
+
+It was like sticking into an inflated bladder.
+
+The water was at once dyed crimson and the mighty ocean monster swept
+back and then began to thrash around wildly, sending mud and sand,
+slime and blood, flying in all directions.
+
+As quickly as it had appeared, the Devil's Needle now disappeared.
+
+Too faint to stand, Dave sank back on the ocean bottom.
+
+But his father was close at hand, and with rare presence of mind he
+caught up his son and carried him to the diving bell.
+
+In another moment both were inside of the machine and had the door
+bolted.
+
+They were now, as they thought, safe from harm, and Amos Fearless lost
+no time in turning the electric light of the diving bell upon the Sea
+Devil of the Ocean's Bottom.
+
+It was still thrashing around in a circle, but gradually its struggles
+became fainter, and at last it lay quiet.
+
+"He's done for," said the parent, in the divers' sign language. "I will
+fasten him to the bottom of the bell and then signal them on the ship
+to haul up."
+
+"Be careful," cautioned Dave. "That other fish may serve you as he just
+served that horrible creature."
+
+"We will move the diving bell close to the dead creature," answered
+Amos Fearless.
+
+This was done without much difficulty, by means of a set of levers
+which connected with the artificial steel claws of the diving bell.
+
+Then Amos Fearless went forth once more, taking with him a short chain,
+which he began to fasten around the slimy and sticky body of the dead
+Sea Devil.
+
+The job was a nasty one, but this could not be helped, and therefore he
+made the best of it.
+
+He had just finished the work when Dave saw the Devil's Needle again
+approaching.
+
+So far the fish had not seen Mr. Fearless, but now it spotted him and
+made a dart forward as if to thrust the old diver through and through
+with that bony sword.
+
+Dave's heart leaped into his throat, for he imagined nothing could save
+his father from death.
+
+But then came the thought of moving the diving bell into the fish's
+path.
+
+He grabbed two of the levers and pushed them down, violently.
+
+Acting under the impetus thus given, the diving bell made a stride
+forward, directly in the path of the Devil's Needle.
+
+Crash!
+
+Full against the steel frame of the bell came the sword-like spear of
+the fish.
+
+Another crack followed, as the spear was broken off close to the
+creature's snout.
+
+The great shock stunned the Devil's Needle and it turned over on its
+side and sank slowly to the ocean's bottom.
+
+Realizing that something was wrong, Amos Fearless turned, just in time
+to witness the breaking off of the bony spear.
+
+He started for the diving bell, then of a sudden changed his plan of
+action.
+
+One of the diving bell's steel claws lay close to the Devil's Needle,
+and this he raised up and placed over the monster.
+
+Dave, inside of the bell, understood, made the lever work, and
+immediately the claw fastened itself around the body of the
+half-stunned fish.
+
+Then Amos Fearless picked up the broken-off sword spear and re-entered
+the bell.
+
+In a moment more the signal was given to rise, and slowly the diving
+bell went up to the surface of the ocean, dragging the bodies of the
+two deep-sea monsters with it.
+
+"A glorious find!" cried Captain Broadbeam, when the two monsters were
+hoisted on board of the _Swallow_.
+
+"Yes, but we don't want to make another such find under the same
+circumstances," answered Amos Fearless. And then he related the
+particulars of the adventure on the bottom of the ocean.
+
+There were two scientists on board of the ship and they went to work at
+once to prepare the bodies of the two fish which had been caught.
+
+"That sword spear can be fastened on again," said one of the learned
+gentlemen. "And then the specimen will be practically perfect."
+
+"Folks at home ought to see them alive," said Dave. "I never saw such a
+horrible sight in my life!"
+
+"These fish could not live in ordinary water," was the answer. "See,
+the breathing apparatus on each is already bursting. They can only live
+at a depth of half a mile or more. If one tried to reach the surface by
+swimming upward, it would only be committing suicide."
+
+"I don't quite understand the reason for that, sir."
+
+"It is simple, my lad. You know the air around us presses us on every
+inch of our bodies, and we are built to resist that pressure. An
+ordinary fish is built to resist the pressure of ordinary water. Such
+a fish as the Sea Devil is built to resist the pressure of hundreds
+of pounds to the square inch, and consequently when it is brought up,
+the pressure inside is too great for the pressure outside, and that
+destroys the breathing power of the marine animal," concluded the
+learned man.
+
+By evening the _Swallow_ was on her way westward once more and the
+scientific men had the specimens almost ready to be placed in huge
+tanks of alcohol.
+
+So far, nothing had been seen or heard of the _Raven_, but a strict
+watch was kept each day for the Hankers' vessel.
+
+But one more stop was to be made, at the island of San Murio, and
+then the _Swallow_ was to proceed directly for the locality where the
+treasure ship _Happy Hour_ had gone down.
+
+Day after day passed and nothing of importance occurred.
+
+One afternoon there was some slight break in the machinery and the ship
+had to come to a stop for a couple of hours while repairs were being
+made.
+
+It was a hot day and several of the sailors readily obtained
+permission to go in swimming.
+
+"I think I will join them," said Dave to his father. "The water looks
+cool and tempting."
+
+"All right, Dave," was the answer. "But take care you don't get a
+cramp."
+
+"If I do, you can bet I'll yell for help," laughed the young diver.
+
+He was soon in the water and sporting around to his heart's content.
+
+The sailors had allowed one of the small boats to drift astern, and
+Dave swam to this and showed several of them how to make deep dives and
+long stretches under the ocean's surface.
+
+The party were in the midst of having a lot of fun when a thrilling cry
+came from the ship.
+
+"A shark! A shark! Beware of the shark!"
+
+All gazed in the direction pointed out, and saw a huge shark
+approaching rapidly, as if prepared to devour one or another of them!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI
+
+                          STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
+
+
+"We will be devoured!"
+
+"Swim for the ship, boys!"
+
+"See, he is coming this way!"
+
+"Save me, somebody! Save me!"
+
+Such were some of the cries which rang out as the sailors swam,
+terror-stricken, in one direction or another.
+
+In the meantime the shark came on rapidly. He was a big creature, with
+a cruel-looking mouth and teeth that were equally ugly.
+
+At first he turned toward one of the sailors, who was swimming for the
+ship.
+
+But a rope was thrown to the tar, and this he grasped and was hauled on
+board with all rapidity.
+
+Then the shark turned for another of the sailors.
+
+But this fellow was making for the small boat, and soon he was on board
+and safe for the time being.
+
+Then the shark turned swiftly and came for Dave.
+
+The youth dove at once, remembering that a shark can attack under water
+only with difficulty.
+
+But the boy could not remain under the surface forever, and at last he
+had to come up, this time somewhat closer to the _Swallow_.
+
+But the shark saw him and turned again to attack the young diver.
+
+It was a critical moment, and Dave was about to give himself up for
+lost when a shot rang out, followed by another.
+
+Amos Fearless had been in the cabin when the shout of "Shark!" was
+raised.
+
+Knowing at once the peril of the situation, he had caught a gun from
+the cabin wall and lost no time in hurrying to the deck.
+
+The shark was still ten feet away from Dave when Mr. Fearless fired.
+
+The first bullet struck the monster in the side, doing little damage.
+
+But the shark turned his head to learn what had hit him and in a
+twinkle Amos Fearless discharged the weapon a second time.
+
+This time the bullet struck the shark squarely in the eye and entered
+the marine creature's brain.
+
+Up leaped the shark, clear above the water, to fall with a shock that
+sounded like the report of a cannon.
+
+The water flew in all directions, drenching all who stood at the rail
+of the _Swallow_ taking in the appalling situation.
+
+In its death agonies the shark hurled itself against the ship, lifting
+its tail clear to the rail and wrecking a portion of the woodwork.
+
+Then it turned and dove for the small boat.
+
+The sailor on board had just time enough to leap out and dive, when the
+marine creature struck it with all force, smashing the rowboat to atoms.
+
+But that was the last act of the shark. In a minute more it was dead,
+and floated on the bosom of the ocean close to the ship.
+
+A line was thrown to Dave and the sailors, and all were hauled on board.
+
+"My boy! My boy!" murmured Amos Fearless. "What a narrow escape for
+you!"
+
+"You saved my life, father!" replied Dave. He could scarcely speak, but
+the grip he gave his parent's hand meant a good deal.
+
+Some of the sailors wanted to bring the shark's remains on board, to
+get the teeth, and Captain Broadbeam consented, and later on, the
+scientists on the _Swallow_ prepared the skeleton for mounting, to be
+sent to the Smithsonian Institution at Washington.
+
+It remained very warm, and Captain Broadbeam looked constantly for a
+storm.
+
+"Almost all ships catch 'em in these latitudes," he remarked to Dave.
+"This may be a long time a-coming, but it will pay up for lost time
+when it does come."
+
+In this surmise Captain Broadbeam was correct.
+
+Two days later, while the sun was shining brightly, there appeared a
+cloud to the southwest, scarcely bigger than a man's hand.
+
+But the cloud grew larger with great rapidity, until it covered half
+the sky, and the sunlight was shut out and soon all became as dark,
+almost, as night. The wind began to blow and soon the waves were
+running higher and higher.
+
+"We must run into the teeth of the storm," said the captain, and gave
+orders to change the course.
+
+Presently it began to rain, and then followed lightning and thunder
+which were almost incessant.
+
+"Never saw anything to match it," declared Dave, as he put on his
+oilskins and joined his father on the stern deck. "This beats those we
+had off Long Island all to pieces!"
+
+"Right you are, Dave," answered Amos Fearless. "Take good care that you
+are not swept overboard."
+
+The storm increased in violence until the _Swallow_ was heaving and
+pitching as never before. At one moment she would be riding on the top
+of a very mountain of water, at the next she would be going down and
+down into a tremendous hollow that looked as if it would swallow up the
+stanch ship forever.
+
+Captain Broadbeam surveyed the storm with anxiety, for he realized that
+it was unusually severe, and threatened the very existence of his craft.
+
+The lightning played all around the metalwork of the ship, and the roar
+of the thunder was deafening.
+
+"You had better go below," said the captain to Dave and his father.
+"You can do nothing on deck."
+
+"Yes, we will go below," answered Amos Fearless. "Come, my son," and he
+led the way down into the cabin.
+
+All of the ports and doors had been closed, and the air was stifling in
+the shut-up apartment, but of this there was no use to complain.
+
+All crockery, glassware, and other loose objects had long since been
+secured, or they would have been flung in every direction.
+
+Dave sat down in a chair screwed to the floor, and did his best to keep
+his seat.
+
+At one moment he felt like pitching forward, at the next he seemed
+about to turn a back somersault.
+
+The electric light burned dimly, for the electricity in the air had
+affected the circuit.
+
+"We can be thankful when we are out of this," observed Mr. Fearless, as
+he, too, clung to a chair. "I never dreamed it could blow so hard and
+keep it up. In our eastern storms there is generally a lull every few
+minutes."
+
+"I wonder if the _Raven_ is in this, father?"
+
+"There is no telling. This storm-center may be but a few miles in
+diameter."
+
+"I am almost tempted to wish the _Raven_ at the bottom of the ocean."
+
+"That wouldn't be right, Dave."
+
+"I know. But supposing they get ahead of us and the Hankers scoop in
+the Washington fortune?"
+
+"Then we will have to pocket our loss and make the best of it."
+
+"But our claim is better than theirs."
+
+"Morally, yes. But you must remember that legally the fortune will
+belong to whoever finds it, for it was abandoned at sea many years ago."
+
+"I suppose that is so."
+
+"For my part, Dave, I believe that neither of us will have an easy job
+to obtain the fortune. It is going to be a great task to even reach the
+sunken wreck."
+
+"Oh, I know that. But the diving bell will help us."
+
+"It will help a great deal. But you must remember the wreck may be
+turned over, or buried almost out of sight in the mud of the ocean
+bottom. In that case we'll have a lot of work to do before any of us
+can get into the ship and even locate the lost treasure."
+
+"Never mind, father, the amount to be gained will be well worth all the
+trouble we will take to gain it."
+
+"To be sure, for such a vast sum isn't picked up more than once in a
+lifetime, even at the best. We can be certain--Heavens! what's that?"
+
+Amos Fearless broke off short, and with good reason.
+
+A fearful shock had come, as a bolt of lightning struck the forward
+works of the _Swallow_.
+
+Then followed a strange hissing as the lightning played over the
+electric wires of the ship.
+
+A blinding flash entered the cabin, followed by a crack as of a pistol,
+and Dave, half stunned, saw his father pitch forward across the table
+like one dead!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII
+
+                           "I CANNOT TALK!"
+
+
+"Father! Tell me that you are alive! That you are not dead!"
+
+Such was the agonizing cry which issued from Dave's lips as he gazed
+upon his parent.
+
+Amos Fearless' face was like chalk, his eyes were set, and he certainly
+looked as if the breath of life had gone from him forever.
+
+The _Swallow_ was rolling and pitching so fearfully that for the time
+being the young man could do but little.
+
+Yet he raised a cry which quickly brought the cabin boy to his side.
+
+"What's up?" asked the boy, and then, seeing the stilled form, he
+continued: "Is he dead?"
+
+"I--I hope not. But send Doctor Barrell here at once."
+
+Doctor Barrell was one of the scientists attached to the expedition.
+He was a learned man, and Dave felt certain that if anything could be
+done for his parent, Doctor Barrell could do it.
+
+The cabin boy went off with difficulty, and it was fully ten minutes
+before he returned with the medical man.
+
+In the meantime, Dave laid his parent on the floor.
+
+By placing his ear to his parent's breast, he found that his father
+still breathed faintly.
+
+He was just pouring water over the sufferer's face when Doctor Barrell
+came in.
+
+"What is the trouble?" he asked. "Has he had a tumble? I do not wonder;
+I have tumbled twice myself."
+
+"No, he has been struck by lightning, doctor. Please do all you can for
+him."
+
+"Struck by lightning! In here? How?"
+
+"The lightning entered on the electric-light wire and he got the full
+force of the shock. I was partly stunned myself."
+
+"I don't wonder. Yon can thank your stars that both of you are not
+dead."
+
+"But my father?"
+
+Before replying to this query, Doctor Barrell proceeded to make a
+thorough examination.
+
+In the midst of this, Amos Fearless opened his eyes and stared around
+him, feebly.
+
+But he could not move his tongue.
+
+"He will live," said the doctor, slowly. "But----"
+
+"But what, sir?"
+
+"He may not be able to--that is, he has had a very heavy shock."
+
+"Yes, yes! But what will he not be able to do?" questioned Dave,
+quickly.
+
+"Perhaps I had better not answer that question just yet, David. There
+is no use of alarming you," and the physician turned away to prepare
+some medicines for the sufferer.
+
+The night to follow was an anxious one to Dave.
+
+Despite the storm, which did not let up for an instant, he remained
+constantly by his parent's side.
+
+It was daybreak before Amos Fearless was pronounced out of danger.
+
+He still lay in a semi-dazed condition, but his heart-beats were
+growing stronger every hour.
+
+"In a few days he will probably be able to be around," said the
+doctor, and then he turned away to hide his troubled looks from Dave.
+
+The youth saw the action and was more worried than ever.
+
+As soon as the storm had abated and something could be cooked, he had a
+bowl of nourishment made for his father.
+
+The sufferer swallowed a few spoonfuls, and that was all, and even that
+little went down with difficulty.
+
+"Do you feel better, father?" he asked, soothingly.
+
+Slowly Amos Fearless nodded. His lips moved slightly, but no
+intelligible sound came from them.
+
+"Don't try to talk," went on the boy. "Take it easy and you will be
+yourself in a few days."
+
+Again Mr. Fearless nodded, and then fell back, to doze off again.
+
+The next day he was strong enough to sit up. The storm was now over and
+the _Swallow_ was proceeding on her way to the island at which she was
+to stop.
+
+"You are better now, surely," said Dave, speaking as cheerfully as he
+could.
+
+For answer, Amos Fearless pointed to his mouth and then made a motion
+as if writing on paper.
+
+A sudden horror seized Dave, causing a cold chill to run down his
+backbone.
+
+"What is it?" he cried. "Oh, father, can't you speak?"
+
+Again the old diver made a motion as if writing, and Dave hurriedly
+brought him a pencil and a writing pad.
+
+Quickly Amos Fearless set down the following:
+
+"My tongue is paralyzed and I cannot talk."
+
+As Dave read the words, his very heart seemed to stop beating.
+
+His father had become a mute!
+
+The shock was an awful one.
+
+He turned to the doctor, who had just come in.
+
+"See what my father has written!" he cried. "Oh, doctor, cannot
+something be done?"
+
+"It is what I feared," replied Doctor Barrell, gravely. "I have known
+of such cases before. I had such a case to treat in Richmond, about six
+years ago."
+
+"And the sufferer--does he talk now?" was Dave's eager question.
+
+Doctor Barrell shook his head, slowly.
+
+"I am sorry to say he does not, although in every other respect he is a
+perfectly healthy man."
+
+"But my father--cannot you give me some hope?"
+
+"Let us hope for the best, David."
+
+"You will do all you can for him?"
+
+"To be sure I will."
+
+The day was a perfect one, but Dave was utterly downcast and refused to
+be comforted.
+
+The thought that his parent might remain a mute forever almost unnerved
+him.
+
+"I'd rather lose the sunken treasure," he groaned to himself.
+
+At nightfall the _Swallow_ came in sight of the island of San Murio,
+and dropped anchor in a little bay surrounded by palms and other
+tropical trees.
+
+The scene was a beautiful one, and had Dave's mind been free from care
+he would have enjoyed it thoroughly.
+
+Amos Fearless was brought on deck and made comfortable in a steamer
+chair.
+
+He was gaining strength rapidly, and the doctor expected the old diver
+to be around again in a week or ten days.
+
+But he could not use his tongue for talking purposes, although he had
+little trouble in swallowing food.
+
+Early the next morning some of the sailors from the _Swallow_ were sent
+ashore for water.
+
+"I wouldn't mind going," said Dave, in reply to a question from Captain
+Broadbeam. "But I hate to leave father."
+
+Amos Fearless overheard this and at once wrote on a pad:
+
+"Go, Dave, and have a good time. I'll be all right. This will be your
+last chance to stretch your legs on shore for many weeks to come."
+
+So the young diver went ashore with the men, and while the sailors
+filled their water casks, Dave and a young engineer of the ship, named
+Bob Vilett, went off on a hunt, taking with them a shotgun and a rifle.
+
+They had heard that numerous wild goats lived upon the island of San
+Murio, and thought to bag several of these by way of diversion.
+
+"And who knows but what we'll bring down something larger, too!" said
+Bob Vilett, who was in his way quite a sportsman.
+
+The _Swallow_ was to remain at her anchorage until the next morning,
+so the pair had the whole day before them. Dave carried a pouch full
+of food, and Bob a good-sized water bottle, so that they were well
+provided, even if they did not bring down anything worth eating.
+
+"Take good care of yourselves," said Captain Broadbeam, on parting with
+them. "Don't run into danger."
+
+"We'll be careful," answered Dave, and off the pair set, never dreaming
+of the strange adventure and the grave peril in store for them.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII
+
+                           A DISASTROUS HUNT
+
+
+The island of San Murio is not over six miles wide by twenty miles
+long. It is composed of two lines of hills, with a deep valley between.
+The hills are rocky and much broken, and there are numerous waterfalls
+and tiny brooks, as well as cliffs and caverns. The growth of trees and
+underwood is dense, and Dave and his friend had frequently all they
+could do to push their way along.
+
+Both were in fine spirits, and Bob was inclined to burst into song,
+only Dave silenced him.
+
+"If you sing you'll surely scare all the game away," he said. "A wild
+goat will hear your voice half a mile off."
+
+"Right you are, Dave," returned Bob. "However, I can't repress my
+spirits when I'm ashore. It's so much better than being down in the hot
+and stuffy engine room of a steamship," and Bob threw down his rifle
+and made a handspring or two, after which he resumed his walk, feeling
+better.
+
+A half-hour's journey brought them close to the top of the first series
+of hills, at a point opposite a small inland lake.
+
+"Go slow now," whispered Bob. "There may be goats beyond."
+
+They peered over the top of the hill with care, and sure enough, down
+at the lake shore they made out two large goats and two kids, all
+drinking.
+
+"Take the one to the right, and I'll take the one to the left!" said
+Bob, in a low voice. "Ready? Then fire!"
+
+Crack! bang! went the rifle and the shotgun, and both of the large
+goats were seen to leap up and back as though struck.
+
+But neither was fatally wounded, and both started to run slowly around
+the lake shore, to the line of hills on the opposite side, with the
+kids following.
+
+"Come, we had better go after 'em!" ejaculated Bob, and led the way,
+and Dave followed, both reloading as they ran.
+
+It was no easy task to reach the lake front, and by that time the goats
+were rushing up the hills opposite.
+
+"Fire again!" cried Dave, and blazed away, bringing his game to its
+knees. Bob also fired, but missed his mark. Then on they went again,
+over rocks and stubble and through a mass of trailing vines, to where
+Dave's goat had gone down. The animal was dead.
+
+"Good for you!" cried Bob. "Now I must do as well!" and away he went
+again, with Dave at his heels, anxious, if possible, to add the kids to
+his bag.
+
+At the top of the second line of hills the wounded goat made a sharp
+turn to the left.
+
+On went the young hunters after him, never dreaming of the pitfall into
+which they were rushing.
+
+They were now side by side, and Bob was on the point of blazing away at
+the wounded goat, in full view before him, when Dave clutched his arm.
+
+"Back!"
+
+"What's up?"
+
+"Nothing's up, but we'll be down if we don't take care!"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Before Dave could reply, Bob saw what had caused the young diver to
+become alarmed.
+
+They were walking over some moss and brushwood, and the mass under
+their feet was shaking like so much jelly.
+
+Both started to retreat, but it was too late! Down went the mass of
+brushwood, at first slowly and then swifter and swifter.
+
+They tried to clutch at the sides of the opening, but in vain.
+Everything they grasped gave way--sticks, moss, stones, bushes, vines.
+Nothing could stop that downward course.
+
+The moss was dry and the dust filled their eyes, almost blinding them.
+
+"We are lost!" gasped Bob, and then the dust got into his throat and he
+began to cough as though choking.
+
+In the excitement of the moment, Dave's shotgun went off, the charge
+passing directly between him and his companion.
+
+After falling about twenty feet, the mass of brushwood became wedged
+tight for a moment, and stopped descending.
+
+"Oh!" came from Dave. "Now we are in a pickle. How are we to get out?"
+
+For the moment they scarcely dared to move.
+
+Then Bob took a step forward and the young diver did the same.
+
+Instantly the mass began to sink once more, at first slowly and then
+as rapidly as ever.
+
+Down they went--thirty feet, forty, fifty, sixty--a hundred, until the
+top of the hole was lost to sight and they found themselves they knew
+not where.
+
+Again the brushwood and moss became wedged fast. But now they did not
+dare to move for fear of dislodging it once more.
+
+"We are lost!" came from the engineer. "We'll never get out of this
+alive!"
+
+"Don't give up yet," answered Dave, bravely, yet his heart felt like a
+lump of lead in his bosom.
+
+"Where can we be?"
+
+"Down in a mighty deep hole."
+
+"I know. But is this the bottom?"
+
+"There's no telling. We might--we are going down again!"
+
+It was true. They were again descending, but now slowly, as if the
+passage below was growing smaller.
+
+"Shall we ever stop!" groaned Dave.
+
+"It's all up with us!" came from Bob. "We won't be able--gracious!
+Water!"
+
+The young engineer was right.
+
+The mass of brushwood had reached the level of some water at the bottom
+of the hole.
+
+Down they sank, into this. First up to their ankles, then to their
+knees, then to their waists.
+
+"We shall be drowned!" cried Dave.
+
+"It looks like it," gasped Bob. "Heaven save us!"
+
+Soon the water was up to their necks and still the stuff under them
+continued to sink.
+
+Were they to be drowned like rats in a trap?
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX
+
+                        A PRISONER UNDERGROUND
+
+
+"What's to do now?"
+
+The question came from Bob Vilett.
+
+The sinking of the brushwood had ceased, and he and Dave found
+themselves in water almost up to their chins, in absolute darkness.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know, Bob," was the young diver's response. "We are
+in a tight box, and no mistake."
+
+"We can't stay here forever."
+
+"True, but if we make a move we may sink deeper than ever, and then it
+will be all up with us."
+
+A dead silence of several minutes followed. Presently both of the lads
+grew desperate.
+
+"We'll have to do something, that's certain," Dave began, when of
+a sudden the driftwood sank once more, and they found themselves
+struggling wildly in the black waters at the bottom of the hole.
+
+They were soon over their heads, and now found a strong current
+carrying them they knew not where. They had hold of each other, but
+soon the force of the water wrenched them apart.
+
+Down and down went Dave, and turned over half a dozen times.
+
+He felt as if he must be journeying toward the center of the earth,
+when he reached out his hand and struck a series of smooth rocks.
+
+He tried to hold fast, but this was impossible, and in a twinkle he
+turned over again, and then his feet struck on something of a sandy
+beach.
+
+Hardly knowing what he was doing, he stepped forward, and then found
+himself clear of the water.
+
+This set him to running, and on he went until he brought up with much
+force against a stone wall, and fell back partly stunned.
+
+His feet lay in the water, but his head was on the sand, and thus he
+remained for fully a quarter of an hour, unable to move.
+
+There was a strange ringing in his ears, and when he at last arose his
+head ached as if it would split open.
+
+"Oh!" he groaned, and staggered up the sand to the smooth, rocky wall.
+
+Then he fell again, and did not move until half an hour later, when his
+head felt somewhat better.
+
+Where was he, and how could he save himself?
+
+These questions were easy to ask, but no answer was at hand, and he
+sank down much disheartened.
+
+Then he suddenly roused himself and called loudly:
+
+"Bob! Bob Vilett! Where are you?"
+
+Again and again his voice was raised, but only a dismal echo answered
+him.
+
+Was his late companion dead?
+
+It was more than likely.
+
+The tears sprang unbidden to the young diver's eyes, but he dashed them
+away.
+
+He must save himself, no matter what the cost.
+
+He realized that he had been saved from death by drowning only because
+he was used to being under water a long time without taking a breath.
+
+All divers practice this art, for possible use should anything become
+the matter with their diving outfits while at work.
+
+He felt in his clothing and found his water-proof matchbox still safe.
+
+Soon he had a tiny light, and seeing some dry driftwood at hand he set
+it on fire.
+
+The blaze threw grotesque shadows on the rocky walls around him, but
+revealed nothing to his gaze but those same walls and the silent,
+underground stream flowing between them.
+
+He was entombed alive!
+
+Gradually this conviction forced itself upon him, causing him to shiver
+as if with the ague.
+
+Again he called out the name of his late companion, and again only the
+dull echoes answered him.
+
+He reckoned that he must be at least a hundred yards from the hole made
+by the sunken driftwood.
+
+To get back to the hole, therefore, was out of the question.
+
+He thought the matter over for a while, and then, taking up some
+driftwood for a torch, walked slowly along the sandy shore of the black
+stream.
+
+Presently he came to a bend, and here found that the stream shot
+downward, forming an underground waterfall.
+
+"I can't go in that direction," he reasoned. "I want to go up, not
+down."
+
+The stream was less than twelve feet wide, and did not run so swiftly
+but what he could cross it without much danger.
+
+Obtaining a fresh firebrand, for the first was now burnt out, he swam
+over to the opposite shore and began an investigation on that side.
+
+"Hurrah!"
+
+The exclamation escaped from his lips involuntarily.
+
+The firebrand had dropped from his hand into the stream, leaving him in
+darkness.
+
+Looking at the rocks, he had beheld a thin shaft of light striking down
+from some opening above.
+
+"An opening! May it prove a way of escape!"
+
+With a prayer for aid on his lips, Dave began to climb the rocks as
+best he could until he reached a hollow ten feet above the stream.
+
+Here the light was stronger, and by applying his eyes to a long, narrow
+slit in the rocks he made out a broad cave beyond, the further end of
+which was wide open to the sunlight.
+
+But how was he to get into the cave?
+
+The opening was not over six inches wide, too narrow for the passage of
+his body.
+
+The rocks were large, weighing several hundreds of pounds apiece.
+
+To move them would take tools, and he had nothing.
+
+Again in a state bordering on despair, he sat down to review his
+situation.
+
+At last he leaped up, and clenching his hands, cried loudly:
+
+"I must get out! I simply must!"
+
+The cry was an inspiration, for, getting on his knees, he felt around
+and found that two of the big rocks were unsteady upon their resting
+places.
+
+He pulled away at the smaller stones beneath, and soon had them
+loosened.
+
+He continued his labors, and presently, with a mighty crash, one of the
+rocks slid down into the stream, disappearing beneath the surface with
+a splash.
+
+At once the light from beyond shot into the opening. He was free!
+
+His heart gave a bound of joy, and quickly he scrambled through the
+hole and into the cave beyond.
+
+This was a large affair, being at least forty feet wide and high, and
+several hundred feet long.
+
+"Now, if only Bob were safe, all would be well," thought the young
+diver.
+
+Without waiting to light another torch he began to move toward the
+outer opening of the cave.
+
+But before he had gone half the distance he came to a halt with a cry
+of dismay.
+
+The cave was crossed by another underground stream, all of twenty feet
+wide, and flowing onward with tremendous swiftness.
+
+It came out from under one rocky wall and disappeared under the wall
+opposite.
+
+Taking a bit of driftwood, Dave threw it into the water, and it flashed
+out of sight instantly.
+
+"I can't swim across that," he thought, dismally. "To attempt it would
+be foolhardy."
+
+Now what was to be done?
+
+He examined the walls carefully.
+
+They were perfectly smooth, thus affording hold for neither foot nor
+hand.
+
+"If the stream weren't quite so wide I might jump it," he reasoned.
+"But I--somebody is coming!"
+
+He was right; somebody was entering the cave from the outer end.
+
+The newcomers were two men, one dressed in the suit of an American
+business man and the other in the garb of a sailor.
+
+"We'll be alone here and can talk the matter over without fear of
+interruption," said one of the pair, the man in ordinary clothes.
+
+His voice sounded strangely familiar, and Dave strained his eyes to
+catch a better sight of him and of his companion.
+
+Then, astonished beyond measure, the young diver dropped out of sight
+behind a rock bordering the underground stream he had been trying to
+cross.
+
+The newcomers were Lemuel Hankers, the man who had set sail in the
+_Raven_ after the sunken treasure, and Pete Rackley, the rascal who in
+Washington had accused Dave of robbing him!
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X
+
+                         DAVE OVERHEARS A PLOT
+
+
+"They are here for no good purpose!"
+
+Such was the thought which crossed Dave's mind immediately after making
+his astonishing discovery.
+
+As much as he wished to be saved from his present direful situation, he
+resolved to keep his presence a secret.
+
+These men were his enemies, and by instinct he felt that Pete Rackley
+must be Lemuel Hankers' tool.
+
+"I'll wager old Hankers had him try that game on me in Washington,"
+thought the young diver. "It was done so that I couldn't join the
+_Swallow_ at San Francisco, and that father might remain behind, too,
+to get me out of the scrape."
+
+Presently Lemuel Hankers and Pete Rackley came so close that Dave could
+hear all that was said with ease.
+
+"It is a surprise to me that the _Swallow_ stopped here," Lemuel
+Hankers was saying. "Do you think she was following us?"
+
+"Can't say as to that," replied Rackley, puffing away at a short pipe
+he was carrying. "Anyway, she's here. Now what is your game? Out with
+it."
+
+"The game is that I don't want the Fearlesses to get at the sunken
+treasure, Pete."
+
+"I've heard that before, Lemuel."
+
+"You have always been my right-hand man, Pete, and I know I can rely
+on you yet, even though you did make a fizzle of that affair in
+Washington."
+
+"I didn't know I was being spotted," growled the sailor, for such Pete
+Rackley really was.
+
+"My game is that you go aboard of the _Swallow_ and ship with Captain
+Broadbeam. Tell him you are a castaway, and have been here nearly a
+year."
+
+"But young Fearless knows me."
+
+"You can dye your face and your hair and he won't recognize you, I
+am sure. In that sailor rig you don't look like the man you were in
+Washington in a light suit and a linen shirt."
+
+"That's true, too. But after I am on the _Swallow_ I don't see what I
+can do to keep them from going ahead to where the treasure is."
+
+"I will tell you what to do. Wait until you are about a day out from
+here and then watch your chance and disable the machinery, so that they
+will have to put back for repairs. When the machinery is repaired,
+injure the rudder, and that will bring them back again. Keep that up
+for about a month, and the treasure will be mine, and if I get it, you
+shall have ten thousand dollars in cold cash for your work."
+
+"It's taking a big risk," answered Pete Rackley, slowly.
+
+"And so is ten thousand dollars a big sum of money, Pete. It's more
+than you'll ever get by working, and you know it."
+
+"That's true, too."
+
+"And if you are sly about it, you'll run very little risk of detection."
+
+"But how will I get on board of the _Raven_ again?"
+
+"After you have kept the _Swallow_ behind a month you can let her go
+and desert, hiding in the woods so that they can't find you. You can
+provide yourself with plenty of food. As soon as we have the treasure
+on board of the _Raven_, I'll come back for you and take you on board."
+
+"You won't desert me?"
+
+"I will not. More than that, I'll take Captain Nesik into the secret
+with me, and I'll leave behind all of my diamonds and my gold watch as
+an evidence of my good faith."
+
+"Leave your boy Bart here for company and I'll take you up, Hankers."
+
+"I would even do that, Pete, but you know well enough Bart won't stay
+behind. He is crazy to get the treasure and crow over the Fearlesses.
+He even says he is going down himself, in that new diving bell we
+brought along--just to show that he can work under water as well as
+Dave Fearless."
+
+"Then you must leave me all the stuff you can, and you and Captain
+Nesik must promise on your bended knees to come back for me. I wouldn't
+be marooned for twice ten thousand dollars."
+
+"It will be all right. You can--hullo, who is calling?"
+
+A form had appeared at the mouth of the cave.
+
+"Are you in there, dad?" came the cry.
+
+"Yes, Bart," answered Lemuel Hankers. He turned to Pete Rackley.
+"Come, quick! Do you accept my offer?"
+
+"I do," answered the rascally sailor, and the pair of villains shook
+hands.
+
+"What are you up to?" went on Bart Hankers, as he came closer.
+
+"Oh, we were just taking a look around," replied his father, carelessly.
+
+"Do you know that the _Swallow_ is in this port?" went on Bart, as he
+drew closer to the underground stream.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I wish she was at the bottom of the Pacific, and the Fearlesses with
+her."
+
+"You should not be so hard on them," replied Lemuel Hankers,
+hypocritically.
+
+At this Pete Rackley gave a harsh laugh.
+
+"You're a good one," he remarked in a low tone.
+
+"Hush; I don't want my son to know too much," whispered Lemuel Hankers.
+
+By this time Bart Hankers was standing on the edge of the underground
+stream.
+
+"Wish I could cross over and see what's on the other shore," he
+muttered.
+
+So far Dave had kept silent, drinking in all that was said.
+
+He realized only too well what a plot was going on against his father
+and himself, and against the _Swallow_.
+
+"If only I can get free, I'll show them a trick or two," he told
+himself.
+
+Suddenly Bart Hankers uttered a cry.
+
+"A snake! A snake!"
+
+He was right; a long snake had appeared at the top of the underground
+stream.
+
+It was a dangerous-looking reptile, eight feet long, and with nasty
+green eyes.
+
+Bart Hankers fell back in confusion.
+
+But instead of climbing to the outer bank, the snake crawled out close
+to the rock behind which Dave was in hiding.
+
+It was against human nature to remain hidden under the circumstances,
+and the young diver leaped up with all rapidity.
+
+At the same time he yelled at the snake, and the reptile, much
+startled, dropped back into the stream and was lost to view.
+
+"Dave Fearless!" gasped Bart Hankers, as soon as the danger from the
+snake was past.
+
+"That boy!" came from Lemuel Hankers and Pete Rackley in a breath.
+
+"Yes, it is I," answered the young diver, boldly.
+
+"How did you get here?" demanded Lemuel Hankers, much disconcerted.
+
+"Tumbled."
+
+"Tumbled?"
+
+"That is what I said, Lemuel Hankers. Have you any objection to my
+being here?"
+
+"You followed us. You have been playing the part of a spy!" cried the
+rich man.
+
+"How could I have followed you, seeing that I am on this side of the
+stream?"
+
+"You leaped over."
+
+"No, he couldn't do that, dad," interposed Bart. "He must have come in
+some other way."
+
+"You overheard our talk?"
+
+"I did."
+
+At this Pete Rackley emitted a low whistle.
+
+"In that case our cake is dough," he muttered.
+
+"Not if I know it," muttered Lemuel Hankers, savagely. "Do you think I
+am to be worsted by a mere boy?" And he shook his fist at Dave.
+
+All three of the young diver's enemies came to the edge of the stream.
+
+"How did you get where you are?" repeated Lemuel Hankers.
+
+"As I said before, I tumbled."
+
+"You are trying to poke fun at me."
+
+"I was never more serious in my life."
+
+"You think you are smart," put in Bart.
+
+"What I think is none of your business."
+
+"We'll make it our business," burst out Lemuel Hankers, wrathfully.
+"Come over here, and come instantly."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI
+
+                            FACING A JAGUAR
+
+
+Dave was surprised. He had not dreamed that Lemuel Hankers would carry
+his high-handedness so openly.
+
+"I cannot come over," he said.
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"I cannot leap the distance."
+
+"Then swim across."
+
+"The current is too strong. Besides, I have no more wish for your
+company than for the company of that snake which just disappeared."
+
+"Boy, you are a--a young scamp!" burst from Lemuel Hankers' lips.
+
+"Thanks, but I don't wish any of your backhanded compliments, Lemuel
+Hankers. I am not half as much of a scamp as you are a villain."
+
+"A villain?"
+
+"That's what I said."
+
+"Don't you dare to call my dad names," put in Bart, shaking his fist
+across the stream.
+
+"I overheard your plot," went on Dave, ignoring Bart. "It's a pretty
+piece of business for a gentleman to propose."
+
+At this Lemuel Hankers grew red and then pale.
+
+"You--you know too much, boy," he faltered. "Come over here, I say. Or
+shall I bring you?"
+
+"I don't see how you are going to bring me. You can't get over the
+stream any better than I can."
+
+"It's running very strong, dad," announced Bart, who had been testing
+the current with some chips. "I don't believe anybody can get across
+without a long plank. He must have gotten into the cave from the other
+end."
+
+"Then we can get in that way, too," put in Pete Rackley. "We ought to
+make him a prisoner," he added, in a low voice.
+
+"I don't think you will get in," thought Dave. "If you do, the chances
+are you won't come out alive."
+
+A short talk followed, which Dave could not hear.
+
+Then Pete Rackley left the cave on a run, to reappear a few minutes
+later with a good-sized tree limb which the storm of a few days before
+had brought down.
+
+"Now we'll get him!" cried Rackley, and threw the limb over the stream.
+
+Dave was much startled. He knew not what to do, for to retreat was
+impossible.
+
+Soon Rackley was over the underground stream, and Lemuel Hankers and
+his son followed.
+
+All three ran after the young diver, who retreated to the extreme rear
+of the cavern.
+
+Here Rackley caught him by the arm.
+
+"You had better submit quietly," said Rackley. "If you don't, it will
+be the worse for you."
+
+Dave saw at once that resistance was out of the question.
+
+They were three to one, and all armed, while he was unarmed, and still
+weak from his tumble and what had followed.
+
+"You have no right to make me a prisoner," he remarked, for the want of
+something better to say.
+
+"We'll take the right," said Rackley, with a wicked grin. "Didn't
+expect to see me here, after our little affair in the Washington hotel,
+did you?" he added.
+
+"Perhaps you'll get left now, as you did then," retorted Dave.
+
+Rackley produced a rope which he had brought in with the tree limb, and
+soon Dave's hands were bound behind him.
+
+"I have an idea," said Lemuel Hankers. "Why can't we leave him in this
+cave until both ships have sailed?"
+
+"Just my notion," answered Rackley.
+
+"You can feed him until the _Raven_ gets back, and he will be kind of
+company for you."
+
+"I'll feed him if he behaves himself," growled Pete Rackley.
+
+All three of the others tried their best to "pump" Dave, but could get
+nothing out of the young diver regarding his father's plans or those of
+Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"You must find out yourself," he answered.
+
+He was made to march to the extreme right of the cave, and here Rackley
+fastened him to a sharp rock which jutted from one of the walls.
+
+"There, I reckon he won't get loose from that in a hurry," said the
+rascal, after his job was finished.
+
+Then the three evildoers withdrew to the mouth of the cave, stopping
+at the underground stream just long enough to remove the tree limb so
+that Dave could not cross the stream even if he did get free.
+
+A quarter of an hour later the others went away from the cave, and all
+became as silent as a tomb.
+
+If the young diver had been disheartened before, he was now utterly
+cast down.
+
+He was a prisoner of the enemy, and he felt almost certain that Pete
+Rackley would desert him and leave him to starve.
+
+No food had been left with him excepting that which was in the
+water-soaked pouch that he carried.
+
+And this he could not get at, for his hands were still bound tightly
+behind him.
+
+An hour went by, and to him it seemed an age.
+
+His thoughts wandered back to the _Swallow_. How was his stricken
+father getting along, and what did he think of his disappearance?
+
+And what had become of poor Bob Vilett, who had accompanied him on this
+ill-fated expedition after game?
+
+"Captain Broadbeam will most likely send out an expedition in search of
+us," he reasoned, "but I don't think any of them will come in here."
+
+But then his hopes brightened a little.
+
+Perhaps if the captain sent out somebody to look for himself and Bob,
+that person might discover the _Raven_ in that port.
+
+"If the _Raven_ is discovered, father will feel sure Lemuel Hankers has
+had a hand in my disappearance, and he'll take the rascal to task for
+it."
+
+Dave did not know that Lemuel Hankers had given strict orders to
+Captain Nesik, of the _Raven_, to keep out of sight of the _Swallow_,
+and that the _Raven_ was now well hidden in a little cove thickly
+surrounded by palms and tropical vines.
+
+In less than two hours after leaving Dave, Lemuel Hankers and his son
+rejoined the _Raven_.
+
+"What has become of Pete Rackley?" questioned Captain Nesik.
+
+"He went off by himself," answered Lemuel Hankers. "To my mind, he
+isn't just right in his head."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?"
+
+"He ran around like a crazy man, and broke out into the wildest kind
+of singing. Said he was done with living on a ship, and was going to
+become a hermit."
+
+This story was told for the benefit of the crew of the _Raven_.
+
+In private, Lemuel Hankers told Captain Nesik the truth, and before
+nightfall the captain went ashore, pretending to look for Rackley.
+
+When he came back he announced that Rackley must be dead, for he had
+found his hat at the top of a high cliff overlooking the ocean, and a
+part of his jacket on the jagged rocks below.
+
+That night the _Raven_ pulled up anchor and left the vicinity of the
+island. Before morning she was crowding on all steam, steering straight
+for the spot where the sunken treasure ship had gone down.
+
+On board of the _Swallow_ there was much anxiety when Dave and the
+engineer did not return.
+
+Captain Broadbeam did not deem it advisable to acquaint Amos Fearless
+with the true state of affairs at once.
+
+When the old diver asked where Dave was, he was told that his son and
+Bob Vilett had determined to stay out until the next day.
+
+In the meantime poor Dave remained a prisoner in the cave. His wet
+clothing gave him something of a chill during the night, and morning
+found him sick and hungry, and almost ready to give up in despair.
+
+It was scarcely daylight when Dave heard odd-sounding footsteps
+approaching from the outer entrance of the cave.
+
+He strained his eyes and at last made out a large wild animal.
+
+It was a savage-looking jaguar, and had tracked the footsteps of those
+who had come to the cave the day before.
+
+Presently the jaguar came to the underground stream.
+
+Here it paused for a moment, then leaped to the other side.
+
+It was now less than fifty yards from where Dave stood, a prisoner.
+
+Suddenly the wild beast lifted its head, stared into the darkness, and
+gave a growl of rage.
+
+It had discovered the helpless boy!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII
+
+                           WELL-TIMED SHOTS
+
+
+"I am lost now for sure!"
+
+Such were the words which escaped Dave Fearless' lips as he watched
+the approach of the jaguar that had entered the cave and leaped the
+underground stream.
+
+The young diver had long since given up trying to loosen the bonds
+which held him so tightly to the jagged rocks. Pete Rackley had done
+his villainous work well, and the efforts to get free had only caused
+the cords to sink deeply into Dave's wrists and ankles, until now the
+blood was flowing freely from those members.
+
+And it was this blood which the wild beast of the island forest had
+scented!
+
+The growl of the jaguar echoed and re-echoed throughout the lonely
+cave, causing Dave to shiver as with the ague.
+
+It did indeed look as if the young diver's last hour on earth had
+come.
+
+"Hi, go away!" he cried, frantically. "Go away! Scat!"
+
+The cries caused the jaguar to pause while yet fifty feet from the
+youth.
+
+[Illustration: "THE JAGUAR HAD DISCOVERED THE HELPLESS BOY."]
+
+It had never before attacked a human being, and the new experience
+caused it to proceed with caution.
+
+But now it advanced again, crouching low on the cavern floor, its two
+eyes glowing like balls of fire in the semi-darkness of the retreat.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the beast, until Dave imagined he could feel the
+hot breath of the jaguar upon his cheek. Then the tail of the animal
+began to oscillate slowly, showing that the jaguar was preparing to
+make a leap.
+
+Bang! bang!
+
+Almost deafening was the double report of a repeating rifle as it rang
+throughout the cave. At the shots the jaguar leaped high in the air,
+turned over several times, and then stretched itself in a convulsive
+death shudder.
+
+Dave could scarcely believe his eyes and ears. Who had thus
+unexpectedly come to his deliverance?
+
+"Bob!" The cry was little short of a scream. "Where in the world did
+you come from?"
+
+"From the bowels of the earth, I reckon," was the reply, as the young
+engineer of the _Swallow_ ran forward. "Is the beast dead?" he went on,
+as he halted at the outer edge of the underground stream.
+
+"I guess he is," answered Dave, watching the jaguar for a moment. "You
+are a good shot."
+
+"I knew I had to kill him, or it would be all up with you, Dave. But
+how came you to be bound to yonder rock?"
+
+"It's a long story. Take care of that stream, or you'll go underground
+again. You'll have to get a tree limb, or something, before you can
+come over. I think you'll find a tree limb at the mouth of the cave."
+
+Without delay Bob Vilett ran out of the cave again, to return in a few
+minutes with the very tree limb Pete Rackley had used for crossing the
+stream.
+
+Soon the young engineer was at Dave's side, and a slash or two of a
+pocket-knife set the young diver free.
+
+Then both lost no time in quitting the cave.
+
+Sitting down near the entrance, each told his story, to which the
+other listened with close attention.
+
+Bob Vilett had lost his senses after going down into the hole, and had
+recovered, to find himself resting on a ledge in another cave, not far
+from the one Dave was occupying.
+
+In trying to get out he had lost his way, and had at last emerged
+in the middle of a tiny valley choked with brush, vines, and other
+tropical growth.
+
+He had wandered around until chance had brought him to the cave where
+Dave was a prisoner, and he had been astonished beyond measure to hear
+his friend calling loudly.
+
+"It was a lucky thing that I retained my rifle, and that the water
+didn't hurt the cartridges," concluded Bob. "Had it been otherwise, the
+jig would have been up with you."
+
+"That's true, Bob, and I shan't forget what you have done for me,"
+returned Dave, warmly.
+
+"Where have the rascals gone?"
+
+"I don't know. Probably they have carried out the plot they mentioned
+while here."
+
+"Then the _Raven_ has sailed."
+
+"But what of the _Swallow_? Surely they wouldn't sail without us."
+
+"I don't think they would. We must hunt her up without delay."
+
+"I must have something to eat first. I am as hungry as--as that jaguar
+was."
+
+"Hurrah! I have it. Let's broil ourselves a jaguar steak, just for the
+novelty."
+
+To this Dave instantly agreed, and returning to the cave, they brought
+the beast forth and Bob proceeded to cut him up.
+
+The steak was soon broiling over a fire which Dave kindled, and the
+smell proved more than appetizing.
+
+The jaguar meat was tough and not of an extra fine flavor, yet they
+were tremendously hungry, and that made them less critical than
+otherwise.
+
+In less than an hour the dinner was over, and after getting a drink and
+a wash-up, both proceeded on their way.
+
+It was warm outside of the cave, so they did not suffer much
+inconvenience because of their wet clothing.
+
+"Now to find our way back to the _Swallow_, and with all speed," said
+Dave. "Which do you suppose is the right direction?"
+
+"That way," and Bob pointed with his hand.
+
+"And I was thinking it was in that direction," and Dave pointed at
+right angles to the other course.
+
+Then both laughed.
+
+"We can't both be right," said Bob.
+
+"Let us split the difference and take a course between the two. Then we
+probably won't go far wrong, Bob."
+
+"Right you are."
+
+On they went, into the valley which Bob had traversed, and then up the
+line of hills where they had shot the goats just after coming ashore.
+
+But now they found themselves confronted by a deep ravine, partly
+choked with brush and vines.
+
+"How are we going to get across that, Dave?"
+
+"We'll have to walk along the bank until we reach some crossing-place,"
+answered the young diver. "I am not going to risk a tumble by taking a
+leap."
+
+"Nor I. I have had tumbles enough to last me a lifetime," and the young
+engineer shook his head dubiously.
+
+On they went, the way growing more perilous every moment. They were at
+the edge of a forest, and the top of the ravine was lined with loose
+rocks.
+
+Suddenly Bob, having made a leap from one rock to another, went down in
+a heap and gave a loud cry of pain.
+
+"My foot! My foot!"
+
+"What's the matter?"
+
+"I've caught my foot under the rock!"
+
+Dave immediately hastened forward, and saw that his chum was indeed
+fast.
+
+The foot was wedged in a crevice, and could not be budged until Dave
+rolled the rock away by main force.
+
+Then Bob grated his teeth and gave a deep groan.
+
+"My ankle! It must be broken! Oh, Dave!"
+
+And with another moan he fell back in a faint.
+
+If Dave had been alarmed before, he was doubly so now, and he scarcely
+knew what to do. He remembered passing a pool of water a distance back,
+and he ran to this, filling the water bottle Bob had been carrying.
+
+The water revived the young engineer somewhat, and in the meantime Dave
+cut loose his shoe. He found the injured ankle much discolored, and
+swelling rapidly. He bathed it, and this gave some relief, until the
+pain gave way to a stiff numbness.
+
+"Now I am in a pickle," groaned Bob. "Did ever anybody run up against
+such luck before?"
+
+"Better not try to stand yet," replied Dave.
+
+"Stand? Why, the pain would go to my very heart if I tried it!" And
+poor Bob gave another groan.
+
+Dave walked back and got more water, and after another bath the
+sprained ankle was bound up in some crushed leaves and some linen torn
+from one of the youth's shirtsleeves. Then they made themselves as
+comfortable as possible on the rocks, and began to talk over the new
+turn of affairs.
+
+"Do you think I had better go on alone?" questioned Dave.
+
+"I don't know. Somehow, I don't think we ought to separate."
+
+"I agree, and yet we ought to try to reach the _Swallow_ as soon as
+possible."
+
+"That's so, too."
+
+"Supposing I try to get over the ravine and to the top of the hill? I
+won't get out of rifle shot, and it may be I'll be able to spot our
+ship from the hilltop."
+
+"All right, go ahead. But don't wander too far, or--gracious, look!"
+
+He broke off short and pointed to a tree growing close at hand.
+
+The leaves of the tree had parted slowly, and now from between them
+appeared the hideous head and shoulders of a monstrous gorilla! The
+gorilla's eyes were bent upon both boys, and the beast looked as if he
+meant immediate mischief!
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII
+
+                         SURROUNDED BY SAVAGES
+
+
+"He's coming down on us, Bob!"
+
+"Jump and save yourself, Dave!"
+
+Crack! bang!
+
+The cries and shots were uttered almost at the same time, and the air
+was instantly filled with smoke, followed by an unearthly squeal from
+the gorilla, who instantly disappeared from view.
+
+But the beast was not seriously wounded, for the rifle balls had merely
+nipped his paw and his shoulder, and he was in a terrible rage.
+
+"Is he dead, Bob?"
+
+"Reckon not, for I can hear him climbing through the tree."
+
+"We ought to get away from here, for there may be more of the gorillas
+about."
+
+"That's true. But I can't walk."
+
+"I'll carry you."
+
+And having allowed Bob to slip some extra cartridges into the
+repeating rifle, Dave took his friend up in his arms.
+
+He was just about to start down the ravine when the gorilla showed
+himself a second time.
+
+He had armed himself with half-green cocoanuts, and taking aim, he let
+fly at Dave's head.
+
+"Dodge!" yelled Bob, and the cry came none too soon, for the missile
+brushed over the top of the young diver's head. Then came several more
+cocoanuts, and Bob was struck in the side.
+
+He could not stand the fusillade, and watching his chance, discharged
+the rifle again.
+
+He only fired one shot, but this found its way through the gorilla's
+stomach, and mortally wounded the creature.
+
+Down dropped the cocoanuts, one at a time. Then the animal's hold
+relaxed, and he too came down, almost at the feet of the youths.
+
+The distorted, half-human face was terrible to look upon, and both Dave
+and Bob turned quickly away.
+
+"I never want to see another gorilla," shuddered Dave.
+
+"And I never want to shoot one," responded Bob.
+
+Along the ravine went the young diver, carrying his friend upon his
+shoulder.
+
+Two hundred feet of the rough way was covered when they reached a spot
+where the ravine might be crossed with ease.
+
+Over they went, and then Dave set down his burden and took a
+well-earned rest.
+
+By this time night was coming on, and still they were at least half a
+mile from the seacoast.
+
+"We won't gain the _Swallow_ to-day," murmured the young diver,
+ruefully.
+
+"And perhaps we won't gain the ship at all," responded the young
+engineer.
+
+As is usual in the tropics, night came on suddenly. The sun went down
+behind the trees and the rim of the distant ocean, and soon the stars
+shone out clearly and beautifully.
+
+All was quiet save for the sounds of the night birds in the thicket
+behind them.
+
+To keep off the wild animals they built a large camp-fire, and at this
+cooked some of the meat they had brought along from the cave.
+
+Bob's ankle was cared for several times during the evening, and the
+youth declared that it now felt much better.
+
+They took turns watching during the night, yet little came to disturb
+them. Once Dave heard a wild animal approaching and brought up the
+rifle, ready to fire on the instant. But the fire made the beast keep
+his distance, and he finally slunk away without showing himself.
+
+Both boys were up at daybreak, and Bob declared that he would try to
+walk upon his foot, at least as far as the seacoast.
+
+A quarter of an hour's climb took them to the top of the hills, and
+here they took a good look at the beach and the ocean spread out before
+them.
+
+Not a sign of the _Swallow_ was to be seen anywhere.
+
+This was disheartening, and Dave's heart sank.
+
+Were they really deserted?
+
+"We can't see all of the beach from here," said Bob, encouragingly.
+"See, yonder patch of wood hides a good stretch from view. The
+_Swallow_ may be behind that. And even if she has gone off, remember
+that Pete Rackley was to disable her so that she would have to put back
+for repairs."
+
+"And so far as he was concerned, I might have starved in the meantime,"
+added Dave, bitterly.
+
+"Yes. He must be a thorough rascal."
+
+"He is. But no worse than Lemuel Hankers, to my way of thinking, Bob."
+
+"Right you are."
+
+They had to be careful in descending the side of the hill, for here
+were many treacherous stones, and neither wished to risk another
+sprained ankle.
+
+But at last they stood at the bottom, with the ocean's shore but half a
+dozen rods away.
+
+The foam from the breakers could be seen distinctly through the tall
+palms, and with their hearts beating rapidly they hurried forward to
+where a long stretch of dazzling sand stood as a barrier between the
+woodland and the water.
+
+"No ship here," said Dave, soberly.
+
+"This is not the spot where the _Swallow_ cast anchor, Dave. The
+question is, was that cove north or south of here?"
+
+"North, I should say."
+
+"This time I agree with you. Come, walking along the beach will be easy
+enough."
+
+And so it proved, although the fierce rays of the sun soon made both
+more than willing to seek the shade of the overhanging palms and other
+tropical trees which lined the beach.
+
+At a distance ahead the beach curved, and as they approached this spot
+they heard a sudden wild shouting, combined with a flapping, which was
+altogether new to their ears.
+
+"Savages, I'll bet a dollar!" cried Bob. "We had better go into hiding!"
+
+"But what is that other noise?" queried Dave.
+
+"I can't imagine. But come, don't stay here."
+
+Both started for the forest, but the movement came too late.
+
+From around the curve of the beach appeared half a dozen wild savages
+of the South Sea type, and the two youths were discovered.
+
+"Hi ki werra!" shouted one of the savages. He was armed with a bow and
+arrows, and quickly leveled an arrow at Dave, who was nearest.
+
+"Hi ki werra!" repeated the other savages, and they, too, leveled their
+arrows. "The white demons! The white demons!"
+
+"We are in for it now!" whispered Dave.
+
+"Give them a shot from the rifle!"
+
+"No, that would only make them mad," replied the young engineer.
+Nevertheless, he pointed the rifle at the head of the nearest native.
+
+The effect was magical, for the savage immediately threw up both hands
+and began to yell like a madman.
+
+He had once seen a gun go off and a goat shot thereby, and he imagined
+the "white demon" was going to slay him likewise.
+
+The other savages also came to a halt, and all lowered their arrows.
+
+Then Bob lowered the rifle.
+
+A long pause on both sides followed.
+
+The natives did not know what to do, and the youths were in a similar
+predicament.
+
+One of the savages began to jabber away in his native tongue, but
+neither Dave nor Bob understood a word of what was said.
+
+"This is all Greek to me!" shouted Dave.
+
+"Talk English."
+
+"Englees!" repeated the savage, and shook his head. He understood that
+single word, but no more.
+
+"We want to be left alone," put in Bob. "If you don't leave us alone,
+somebody will get hurt."
+
+"Englees," repeated the native. Then, struck by a sudden inspiration,
+he advanced a few feet, threw down his bow and arrows, and held out
+his hands.
+
+"He wants to be friendly, evidently," observed Bob.
+
+"If it isn't a trick," answered the young diver. "I must say I don't
+like their looks."
+
+"No more do I; but what are we to do, retreat?"
+
+"Rather than fall into the hands of cannibals I'd go back over the
+hills to the cave."
+
+The native was coming closer, and he tried to put as pleasant a look on
+his face as possible.
+
+But the effort was a failure, for he was both crafty and cruel, and
+this disposition shone in every line of his reddish-black features.
+
+"Go back!" shouted Bob, and raised the rifle again.
+
+Scarcely had he spoken when there came a shout from the rear, and
+looking behind them, the two youths found that they were surrounded!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV
+
+                            ANOTHER CAPTURE
+
+
+"We are in for it now, Dave!"
+
+"Right you are, Bob. What shall we do, fight?"
+
+"It would be useless, for they outnumber us ten to one."
+
+And so speaking, Bob lowered the rifle once more.
+
+It was well he did so, otherwise several arrows would have been sent
+whizzing through his body.
+
+In a few seconds the natives had closed in on them and taken the rifle
+and other things from them.
+
+Then they were bound with thongs and carted up the beach.
+
+During all this time the thrashing on the beach ahead had continued,
+and now the boys saw what caused it.
+
+In some unaccountable manner a whale had become cast up by the
+breakers.
+
+He was caught in some brushwood and a fallen tree, but was doing his
+best to get back into his native element.
+
+The savages considered the whale a great find, and were doing all in
+their power to make him their prisoner and kill him.
+
+Scores of arrows had been shot into the huge, blubbery body, and the
+beach was dyed crimson with the blood of the marine monster.
+
+Yet he thrashed around lively, and one native who went too near was
+knocked senseless by a blow from the whale's tail.
+
+The fighting with arrows went on for a quarter of an hour longer, and
+in the meantime a long rope, made of vines and as tough as rawhide, was
+passed around the monster and made fast to a tree back of the beach.
+
+The whale fought to the last, but gradually its struggles grew less and
+less, and finally ceased altogether.
+
+Then arose a loud shouting, and rushing in, the savages began to dig at
+the body with their long knives and their war hatchets.
+
+Some of the blubber they ate raw, much to the disgust of the prisoners,
+who found themselves forced to look on.
+
+"They are worse than Esquimaux," muttered Dave. "Ugh! it makes me sick
+at the stomach."
+
+"I wonder what they intend to do with us?"
+
+"There is no telling. But I guess they won't eat us so long as the
+whale meat lasts. They seem to relish that immensely."
+
+The boys passed a dismal half-hour, and during that time the savages
+cut up the whale and carted the meat off in huge chunks.
+
+Then a savage who was evidently a chief came up and ordered some of his
+followers to bring Dave and Bob along.
+
+Still bound, the two chums were picked up by two savages, who seemed to
+count their weight as nothing.
+
+A journey lasting over an hour followed, straight into the interior of
+the island.
+
+At the end of the inland lake previously mentioned, the band of savages
+halted.
+
+Bob and Dave were tied fast to two trees, and then the natives
+proceeded to hold a council of war.
+
+They wished to question the lads, but not one of them could speak
+English.
+
+Presently a loud chanting was heard, and from a distance the boys saw
+more savages approaching.
+
+There were three men and half a dozen women.
+
+There was likewise another man, but he was white, even though his face
+had evidently been stained a reddish-brown color.
+
+This man wore an attire which was comical in the extreme.
+
+The suit consisted of a sailor's shirt and trousers, the latter cut off
+at the knees, and a shiny stovepipe hat, the band filled with feathers.
+
+"Great Scott!" burst from Dave. "Look at that scarecrow!"
+
+As soon as the man in the silk hat appeared all of the natives began
+bowing and chanting in chorus, and this they kept up until the strange
+one lifted his hands and let out a peculiar yell.
+
+Then the stranger caught sight of the boys and ran up to them.
+
+"Be th' eyes av Saint Patrick!" he cried, in a rich Irish brogue. "Who
+are ye, now; tell me that?"
+
+"An Irishman!" ejaculated Dave, fervently. "Thank Heaven, one man can
+talk United States."
+
+"Who are you?" demanded Bob.
+
+At this the Irishman took off the stovepipe, swung it into the air,
+and made them a profound bow.
+
+"Sure, I am Pat Stoodles, grand muck-a-muck av this wild tribe av
+haythins, castaway sailor from th' bark _Emma D._, high lord av the
+island, and second cousin av the royal Emperor of Turkey, ha, ha!"
+
+And he laughed long and loud, and then shook hands.
+
+"Are you putting this on for the natives' benefit?" questioned Bob. "If
+you are, let me say they don't understand a word."
+
+At once a frown crossed Pat Stoodles' face.
+
+He was indeed a castaway, and a solitary life of several years had
+partly turned his brain.
+
+When the savages had found him he had acted so strangely that they
+had fancied he was some inhabitant of the infernal region. At first
+they had wanted nothing to do with him, but they had ended by making
+him something of a chief. In their own language they called him the
+fun-making high lord.
+
+Pat Stoodles listened to their talk with interest, but shook his head
+when they mentioned the _Swallow_.
+
+"You are afther bein' mistaken about th' ship," he said. "No ship comes
+here. What looks loike a ship is a vision in th' heavens, nothin'
+more!" And he clenched his fists. He had looked so long for a sail when
+alone that the subject had turned his brain.
+
+"Poor chap!" said Bob, in an undertone, "I don't believe he can help us
+much."
+
+"Perhaps he can save our lives." Our hero turned to the Irishman. "What
+will these natives do with us!"
+
+"Sure an' I don't know. Maybe they'll be afther makin' princes av ye,
+me bould b'ys!"
+
+"We would like our liberty."
+
+Pat Stoodles shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Ye can gain yer liberty on but wan night av the month," he said. "That
+is whin th' moon is full an' they be afther havin' the feast av the
+skulls."
+
+They did not know if he was in earnest, or if the talk was that of a
+crazy man.
+
+Having spoken with them for some time, Pat Stoodles turned to the
+natives and began to jabber at them.
+
+Evidently he had learned much of their language, for they listened
+attentively.
+
+Then they brought the boys something to eat and to drink, and tried to
+make them otherwise comfortable.
+
+But they would allow neither of them his liberty.
+
+Night came and went, and still the chums remained prisoners of the
+savages.
+
+Pat Stoodles spoke to them a long while in the morning, and at last
+appeared to believe their story of a ship.
+
+"I will be afther lookin' fer her," he said. "But it's more likely a
+drame. I used to be afther dramin' loike that meself." And then he
+disappeared.
+
+The morning slipped by, and the boys were thoroughly miserable. At
+first the natives left them alone, but presently they came on one after
+another and pulled their noses, their ears, and their hair. One savage
+doused them with dirty water from the lake, and all laughed loudly at
+the trick.
+
+Noon had come and gone, when of a sudden several shots sounded in the
+distance.
+
+The shots were followed by a loud yelling of natives, and at once those
+surrounding Dave and Bob ran off to learn the cause of the conflict.
+
+"Something is up!" cried Dave. "What can it mean?"
+
+"I reckon we'll soon learn," answered the young engineer.
+
+A few more shots followed, and soon after all became quiet, the
+stillness lasting for over an hour.
+
+Then a chanting was heard, and a body of savages appeared, having in
+their midst two prisoners.
+
+"Look!" cried Dave. "Captain Broadbeam and Doctor Barrell! Is it
+possible!"
+
+He was right. The newly made prisoners were the captain and the doctor,
+who had been surprised while on a second hunt for the missing ones.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV
+
+                            A DOOR OF WATER
+
+
+"Dave Fearless! And Bob Vilett! Thank Heaven you are not dead!"
+
+So spoke Captain Broadbeam as his eyes rested upon the two youthful
+prisoners of the savages.
+
+The captain's clothing was torn, and there were marks of blood upon his
+face, showing that he had not submitted without a struggle. Indeed,
+both the captain of the _Swallow_ and Doctor Barrell had fought to the
+bitter end.
+
+"We have been hunting everywhere for you," put in the doctor. "Some
+thought you dead, but we were not willing to believe it."
+
+"Did a man named Pete Rackley come to the _Swallow_?" questioned Dave,
+quickly.
+
+"I know nothing of a man of that name," answered the captain, "but
+there came to us a poor and forlorn castaway, who said he had been
+alone on this island for nearly two years."
+
+"Please describe him," said Bob.
+
+The captain did so. Both Dave and Bob gave a groan.
+
+"He is a fraud!" burst out the young diver.
+
+"And he will wreck the _Swallow_ before we can get back to her," added
+Bob.
+
+Of course, both Captain Broadbeam and Doctor Barrell were astonished at
+these remarks.
+
+"I don't understand," said the master of the ship.
+
+As quickly as he could Dave explained the plot which had been hatched
+out by Lemuel Hankers and which Rackley, his tool, was to carry out.
+
+"It is dastardly!" cried both the captain and the doctor.
+
+"And to think I took him on board, gave him new clothing, and promised
+him pay until we should get back to the States," added the captain.
+
+"Even now he may be wrecking my beautiful engine!" groaned Bob. "Oh, if
+only I had the rascal by the neck!"
+
+The savages now interrupted the talk by separating the prisoners, tying
+each to a tree some distance from the others.
+
+Pat Stoodles was nowhere to be seen, for he had gone off in an
+entirely different direction from that taken by the natives.
+
+Slowly the day dragged by until night was at hand. The natives were
+busy preparing the meat taken from the whale, and for the time being
+paid but scant attention to the prisoners.
+
+"We must escape to-night," thought Dave.
+
+Yet how was it to be accomplished?
+
+Although the natives took little notice of them, one of the younger men
+of the tribe had been set on guard, to see that none of them broke his
+bonds.
+
+At last darkness settled down on the encampment. At first the fire
+blazed brightly, but at last it died down, leaving the prisoners in
+gloom.
+
+The savages gathered close to the camp-fire, the women by themselves,
+and were soon wrapped in slumber.
+
+One native remained on guard, seated on a fallen tree.
+
+Suddenly a form appeared in the midst of the prisoners.
+
+It was Pat Stoodles, but so transformed that Dave scarcely recognized
+the half-witted Irish castaway.
+
+Stoodles was dressed in a suit of skins, and on his head rested a
+crown made of horn, set with peacock feathers.
+
+In his hand the Irishman carried a long knife.
+
+"I am the King of the Island Windjammers!" he cried, in a low tone. "I
+am sent to free the world! Avaunt, ye ghosts of ships! Begone, ye rats
+of my brain! Ha! and how is that, my bonnie b'y! An' that! An' that!"
+
+Rambling on in this fashion, he quickly cut the ropes which held Dave
+and Bob. Then he turned to Captain Broadbeam and of a sudden he stopped
+with mouth wide open.
+
+"Captain Broadbeam, or is it another av thim drames?" he gasped.
+
+"Pat Stoodles!" cried the captain. "And so you are the king of these
+savages. Release me at once!"
+
+"I will! I will!" answered Stoodles, and cut the bonds, and also those
+of the doctor.
+
+All this time the savage on guard was looking on in silence, for he
+dared not interfere with the doings of Stoodles. Yet he grew uneasy
+when he saw all the prisoners liberated and saw the Irishman shake
+Captain Broadbeam by the hand. He gave a sudden and shrill cry.
+
+Quick as a flash Stoodles turned upon him.
+
+"That's fer ye!" roared the Irishman, and knocked him flat with a blow
+of his fist.
+
+"Quick, we must get away!" cried Dave. "See, all of the savages are
+awake!"
+
+He spoke the truth, and the others felt that they must fly on the
+instant or it would be too late.
+
+"To the woods!" cried the doctor. "Perhaps we can hide!"
+
+"I will show ye a spot!" put in Stoodles. "I have a cave all me own
+where they won't be afther findin' ye!"
+
+He led the way and the others followed, through the brush and up a hill
+back of the lake upon which the encampment was located.
+
+It was a crooked and dangerous path, yet by keeping close to Stoodles
+they avoided many a nasty pitfall.
+
+Soon they heard the savages on their trail. At first they were some
+distance off, but gradually they grew closer and closer.
+
+[Illustration: "THE SAVAGES DREW CLOSER AND CLOSER."]
+
+"I can't go much further!" gasped poor Bob. "My ankle pains me
+something awful!"
+
+"Don't ye be afther givin' up!" said Pat Stoodles. "We'll soon be at me
+castle, which all the savages on the island can't conquer."
+
+They were now passing along the bed of a small stream which flowed into
+the lake. Presently before them arose a beautiful waterfall, twenty
+feet high and eight or nine feet broad.
+
+"That's the dure av me castle," announced Stoodles. "Make a quick sthep
+inside an' ye'll not git overly wet."
+
+With this he dove straight into the waterfall and disappeared from view.
+
+"Gracious! What does that mean?" came from Dave.
+
+"He is mad and has committed suicide," muttered the doctor.
+
+"Perhaps not," came from Bob. "That waterfall may conceal the entrance
+to a cave."
+
+"Hurrah! I believe you are right," answered Dave. "And I am for finding
+out," and he took a step forward.
+
+But the captain caught the young diver by the shoulder.
+
+"Don't be rash, lad. It may cost you your life."
+
+Scarcely had Captain Broadbeam spoken when Stoodles reappeared through
+the falling sheet of water.
+
+"Come on!" he cried. "Don't be afraid. The futtin' is safe enough,"
+and again he disappeared.
+
+None of the others hesitated any longer. Dave went first, holding his
+breath as he took the plunge. To his surprise the falling body of water
+was less than four inches thick, and in a moment he found himself on a
+smooth, rocky floor.
+
+"That's the greatest yet!" muttered Bob, when all were safe in the cave
+under the upper stream. "Don't the savages know of this?" he asked of
+the Irishman.
+
+"Sure not. Once they followed me up the strame an' I scared the wits
+out av thim, talkin' to thim from the wathers!" And Pat Stoodles
+laughed loudly, a laugh that echoed and re-echoed throughout the cavern.
+
+It was pitch-dark, but soon they had a light, and Stoodles brought
+forth a torch.
+
+Then he led the way to a branch of the cave, on higher ground.
+
+Here the flooring and walls were perfectly dry, and here the castaway
+had something of a comfortable home, with a rude table, a bench, a sea
+chest, and a cupboard with dishes and other household articles.
+
+In one corner of the cave was a rough fireplace, the smoke of a fire
+going up through half a dozen small cracks.
+
+It was easy to see that the castaway had not always been simple-minded.
+
+"I knew him years ago quite well," said Captain Broadbeam. "He once
+sailed under me. He is suffering for the want of companionship. Many a
+castaway, you know, has gone stark mad through loneliness. The savages
+were really no company for him."
+
+"Do you think he will get over it?" asked Dave.
+
+"I think he will," put in the doctor. "I have seen such cases before.
+Sometimes the recovery is quite rapid, when the castaway gets back
+among his own people."
+
+Leaving the crowd seated around a comfortable fire, in order to dry
+their clothing before going to sleep, Pat Stoodles returned to the
+entrance of the cave.
+
+He was gone the best part of half an hour, when he returned in
+considerable excitement.
+
+"The haythins have tracked us to the waterfall!" he whispered. "An' wan
+av thim--Chief Walru--is thinkin' av thryin' to git behind th' water
+into the cave!"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI
+
+                        THE ESCAPE TO THE COAST
+
+
+The announcement that the savages were trying to get into the cave
+under the waterfall filled Dave and his friends with new alarm.
+
+"You are sure of this, Stoodles?" questioned Captain Broadbeam, as he
+leaped to his feet.
+
+"I am," was the Irishman's answer.
+
+"We ought to be able to hold them back," put in the doctor. "Can't we
+hurl them into the stream as fast as they appear?"
+
+"That's the talk," came from Bob. "Let us line up just this side of the
+waterfall."
+
+"Perhaps we can scare them," suggested Dave. "I know all savages are
+very superstitious."
+
+All made their way to the edge of the waterfall, and Pat Stoodles
+showed them a crack in the rocks, at the side of the falls.
+
+Here they could see the savages lined up outside, with Chief Walru at
+their head.
+
+Several were talking excitedly, and the chief was wading in the water
+at the very foot of the falls.
+
+Now the chief took up a rock and hurled it into the waterfall.
+
+It whizzed past Doctor Barrell and struck the flooring some distance to
+the rear of the cave.
+
+Dave saw the movement, and of a sudden a strange idea came into his
+head.
+
+He would scare the savages if he could.
+
+Filling his lungs with air, he let out a most blood-curdling scream,
+followed by a series of wild and unearthly groans and a long hiss.
+
+The savages were thunderstruck, and those on the bank of the stream
+took to their heels with all possible speed, while Chief Walru tumbled
+backward and then began to scramble over the rocks for dear life.
+
+Again Dave let out a scream, and then groans which were more dreadful
+than the others.
+
+In less than three minutes not a savage was to be seen.
+
+"They have gone!" said Bob.
+
+"If only they don't come back," returned Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"I have an idea," said the young diver. "Why can't we pile up some
+stones in front of that opening? Then if the savages try to get through
+the waterfall they will get badly left."
+
+"That's the talk!" came from Bob. "Are there stones handy, Stoodles?"
+
+"Sure, plinty of thim."
+
+And the Irishman showed the way to where lay a quantity of stones,
+large and small.
+
+With the doctor holding a torch to light them, all hands began to haul
+stones to the opening. Those that were flat were placed on the bottom
+and soon the opening was filled up to within two feet of the top. Other
+stones were piled up behind, so that those in front might not be shoved
+back.
+
+"Now we are safe--at least for the time being," said Captain Broadbeam.
+"But the next question is, how are we to escape and get on board of the
+_Swallow_?"
+
+"Isn't there another exit from the cave?" asked the doctor.
+
+Pat Stoodles shook his head.
+
+"If there is, I never was afther findin' wan," he remarked.
+
+All were utterly worn out by their adventures and by the work on the
+stone wall, and glad enough to rest.
+
+Yet each took his turn, at a two hours' watch, so that they might not
+be surprised.
+
+But the savages did not come back during the night, nor did they see
+anything of the natives during the morning.
+
+Pat Stoodles had provisions stored in the cave and they made a hearty
+breakfast, after which all felt decidedly better.
+
+From the Irishman, who seemed to be growing clearer in his mind every
+hour, they learned that they were about half a mile from the seacoast.
+
+The way to the shore lay through a thick jungle, with here and there a
+treacherous swamp.
+
+With extreme caution they left the cave and started up the stream and
+into the jungle.
+
+They were constantly on the lookout for the savages, but a quarter of a
+mile was covered and not a native showed himself.
+
+"Dave scared them for fair," said Bob. "Perhaps they have left the
+island altogether."
+
+"Don't be afther foolin' yerself," answered Pat Stoodles. "Thim
+haythins is wust whin they are sthill."
+
+In this remark the Irishman was correct, for hardly had he spoken when
+an arrow whizzed through the air and pierced Doctor Barrell's hat.
+
+"They are after us!" cried several in chorus.
+
+"We must run fer it!" came from Stoodles. "Folly me, an' be amazin'
+quick about it, too," and away he leaped at top speed.
+
+Nobody needed a second warning, and all kept as close to the Irishman's
+heels as possible. He led them into a thicket of vines and underwood.
+In the meantime several more arrows came flying through the air, and
+Dave was struck in the shoulder.
+
+"I am hit!" he murmured, and stopped short.
+
+"Is it bad?" asked Captain Broadbeam, who was close to him.
+
+"I--I guess not. But it doesn't feel very good," and the young diver
+gave a gasp for breath.
+
+As quickly as he could the captain extracted the arrow, and when they
+were in the thicket the wound was bound up. It was not serious, but it
+gave Dave a stiff side for several days afterward.
+
+Once the thicket was gained, Pat Stoodles did not halt, but led the way
+deeper and deeper into the jungle. Some rocks were passed and then
+they came out on what looked like the edge of a moss-covered opening.
+
+"Stop!" yelled the Irishman at Bob, who was going ahead. "Stop, if ye
+value yer loife!"
+
+"What's wrong now?" asked the young engineer.
+
+"That spot is afther bein' worse nor the bogs av ould Ireland,"
+explained Pat Stoodles. "It's as sticky as glue. Perhaps we can lead
+the savages into it."
+
+He led the way around the opening and all followed, pausing on the
+opposite side.
+
+At that moment the body of natives appeared, and, seeing the whites,
+broke into a triumphant yell.
+
+A shower of arrows were sent forth, but the whites ran for the shelter
+of the nearest trees and nobody was struck.
+
+Then out into the opening rushed the savages, still yelling and
+brandishing their bows and arrows.
+
+But they did not go far.
+
+Less than a rod of the opening was passed when they began to sink into
+the black ooze beneath the green moss.
+
+They tried to turn back, but it was in vain.
+
+From their ankles they sank to their knees, and then to their waists.
+
+Their war cries changed to shrieks of alarm and then to frantic appeals
+to their comrades to help them.
+
+Over a dozen were caught in the glue-like bog, and every one of the
+number was in danger of losing his life.
+
+The whites were totally forgotten, and the others, coming up, turned
+their whole attention to rescuing those in such dire peril.
+
+Pat Stoodles laughed loud and long over the success of his ruse.
+
+"Now it's good-by to ye!" he cried, shaking his fist at the natives.
+"I'm no more the grand muck-a-muck, but a dacent Irish sailor come back
+to his siven senses."
+
+Again he led the way through the jungle, striking out directly for the
+ocean shore.
+
+To force their way through the tropical growth was not easy, and made
+every one of the party pant for breath.
+
+They stirred up many tropical birds and once came upon a colony of
+monkeys, who fled, shrieking and chattering, in all directions.
+
+At last they could plainly hear the booming of the surf.
+
+"The ocean!" cried Dave.
+
+"If only we come in sight of the _Swallow_!" put in Bob.
+
+"Perhaps we had better be careful before we show ourselves," remarked
+Captain Broadbeam. "There may be natives on the beach."
+
+The matter was talked over, and it was decided that Stoodles and the
+captain should go forward to investigate.
+
+The pair were gone less than ten minutes when Captain Broadbeam came
+running back in excitement.
+
+"The _Swallow_ is not in sight," he said.
+
+"But another ship is."
+
+"Another ship?" queried Dave, and then seeing a queer look on the
+captain's face, he added: "You don't mean the _Raven_?"
+
+"Yes, I do mean the _Raven_!" was the answer, which filled the others
+with dismay.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII
+
+                         A DASH FOR A ROWBOAT
+
+
+The _Raven_ and not the _Swallow_ was in sight!
+
+The several members of the party looked at each other questioningly.
+
+What was to be done now?
+
+"I'm sure I'm not going to ask Lemuel Hankers for help," said Dave,
+decidedly. "I'd rather put up with the savages."
+
+"No! no! That would be foolish," put in Doctor Barrell. "Why, if those
+natives got hold of us now they would kill us on the spot."
+
+"An' be afther eatin' ye in the bargain," added Pat Stoodles.
+
+"But to go aboard the enemy's ship!" protested the young diver.
+
+"They wouldn't dare to kill us," said Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"They will have to transfer us to our own vessel," said the doctor.
+
+While they were discussing the situation, Stoodles went back to learn
+what the savages were doing.
+
+Presently he ran up with the information that the natives had divided
+into two parties, one to help those in the morass and the other to
+continue the pursuit of the whites.
+
+"An' the second party is afther comin' up fast," he concluded. "Ye must
+run fer it or invite capture."
+
+"Come, we will join the _Raven_ and trust to luck," said Captain
+Broadbeam. And so it was decided, although against Dave's wishes.
+
+Soon they were out on the beach and running for the cove where the
+_Raven_ lay at anchor.
+
+The ship had gone into hiding to escape being discovered by those on
+board the _Swallow_.
+
+Lemuel Hankers felt certain that Pete Rackley would so disable Captain
+Broadbeam's craft that the _Swallow_ would never reach the spot where
+the sunken treasure lay, at the bottom of the Pacific.
+
+Lemuel Hankers was on deck with his son when the party came into sight
+of the ship.
+
+He gazed intently at the group of running persons who were waving their
+hands, frantically, toward the ship.
+
+"Give me a glass!" he cried, quickly.
+
+The powerful marine glass belonging to Captain Nesik was handed to him.
+
+He gave one look, then muttered an imprecation not to be placed upon
+these pages.
+
+"Who is it?" questioned Bart.
+
+"Dave Fearless, Captain Broadbeam and some others, probably men from
+the _Swallow_!"
+
+"What!" ejaculated the youth. "And look, they act as if they wanted to
+board our ship!"
+
+"They must have learned of Pete Rackley's doings!" burst from Lemuel
+Hankers' lips, and his face grew deadly pale.
+
+"Then our jig is up, dad."
+
+"They wish to make trouble!" groaned the rich man.
+
+"I wouldn't let them on board," put in Bart, quickly. "Let us pretend
+not to see them and sail away."
+
+"We'll do it," answered the father.
+
+He ran to where Captain Nesik stood, and gave the necessary order.
+
+The anchor was hove apeak in double-quick order, and the command was
+passed to the engine room to back the _Raven_, full speed.
+
+Fortunately for the evildoers, steam was up, and in less than half a
+minute the _Raven_ had left the cove and was moving swiftly out into
+the Pacific Ocean.
+
+Those on shore could scarcely believe their eyes.
+
+"She is sailing away!" burst from Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"They do not intend to take us on board!" put in Doctor Barrell.
+
+"But do they know who we are?" questioned Bob.
+
+"They must know," said Dave. "Remember, they have powerful glasses on
+board. Perhaps they spotted us as soon as we came into sight."
+
+"It would please them, I suppose, to have the savages kill us," went on
+the captain. "I wouldn't have believed it before, but I do now--since
+you have told me what this Pete Rackley was to do."
+
+In bitter disappointment the crowd ran down to the very edge of the
+cove, Pat Stoodles at their heels.
+
+They saw a number of persons standing on the stern deck of the _Raven_,
+but could distinguish no faces.
+
+In less than half an hour the ship was far out to sea.
+
+While the party on the beach was watching the receding ship, Stoodles
+uttered a cry.
+
+"The savages. They be afther coming on again, bad cess to 'em!"
+
+The Irishman was right. The savages had found their trail and were once
+again after them hot-footed.
+
+Which way now? That was the question in the mind of every member of the
+party.
+
+It was Dave who solved the problem. Gazing across the cove, he espied a
+good-sized rowboat half hidden among some bushes.
+
+The boat had been left there by those on the _Raven_ the night before,
+and in the excitement of the departure had been completely forgotten.
+
+"A boat! A boat!" he cried. "Come!"
+
+He led the way on a run, with the others close upon his heels.
+
+But to circle the cove, which was surrounded with tropical trees,
+vines, and sharp rocks, was not easy; and before half the distance was
+covered they heard the cries of the savages.
+
+"They are coming closer!" came from Bob. "Perhaps we had better hide
+again."
+
+"Don't ye be afther doin' such a foolish thing," answered Pat Stoodles.
+"They kin track ye quicker nor an Indian could do th' thrick. Take to
+the boat--it's safer."
+
+On they went, over the rocks and through the tangle of undergrowth.
+Often one or another would stumble, and scratches and rent clothing
+were numerous. Closer and closer came the natives. When the latter saw
+how fresh the trail was they let out a blood-curdling cry of triumph.
+
+At last our friends were within a hundred yards of the boat. But now
+poor Bob was exhausted, for his foot still pained him greatly.
+
+"I--I can't run any--any more!" he gasped.
+
+"Then we'll carry you," answered Captain Broadbeam, and caught the
+young engineer up in his arms.
+
+At last the rowboat was gained and they were delighted to note that
+it contained two pairs of stout oars. Into the craft they tumbled as
+rapidly as possible, and it was Dave who helped Captain Broadbeam to
+shove off.
+
+The movement came none too soon, for scarcely were all but poor Bob
+seated at the oars than the natives burst into view through the jungle
+back of the stretch of beach surrounding the cove.
+
+"Hi gi! We-ra!" they yelled, and then a shower of arrows was aimed
+at our friends. One arrow cut through the captain's coat and another
+buried itself in the stern of the rowboat.
+
+"Pull! Pull!" shouted Dave.
+
+And then they all pulled as never before, Captain Broadbeam giving the
+stroke, and soon the rowboat was carried a hundred feet from shore. But
+now came a second flight of arrows and Pat Stoodles was hit in the back.
+
+"I'm done fer!" he moaned, and fell in a heap at the bottom of the
+craft.
+
+"Give me his oar!" came from Bob, and with his teeth set grimly, he
+caught up the drifting blade and took his place among the rowers.
+
+Shower after shower of arrows now flew all around the rowboat and its
+occupants and nearly all on board were struck, although none seriously,
+for the distance was now too great for the savages' aim.
+
+"Keep it up--we'll soon be out of range," panted Captain Broadbeam,
+and straight out into the broad Pacific plunged the rowboat, over the
+breakers and then into the mighty swells beyond.
+
+At last the cove began to fade from view and the arrows no more reached
+them.
+
+"We are saved!" murmured Bob, and then fell unconscious beside Pat
+Stoodles.
+
+Leaving Dave to continue rowing, that the boat might not be upset by
+the long ocean swells, Captain Broadbeam and Doctor Barrell turned
+their attention to Bob and to Pat Stoodles.
+
+It was found that Bob was suffering from a wound in the shoulder, and
+the loss of blood, following his former weakness, had been too much for
+him.
+
+"He'll be all right after a while," said the doctor, after binding up
+the wound. "That is, unless there was poison on the arrow tip, and I
+see no evidence of such poison in the appearance of any of our wounds."
+
+Poor Pat Stoodles was worse off and it was a grave question whether he
+would live or die.
+
+He did not regain consciousness, although the doctor did his best for
+the poor Irishman.
+
+"He needs stimulants," said Doctor Barrell.
+
+"And we haven't so much as a drink of water," answered Captain
+Broadbeam, soberly.
+
+An hour went by and the hot sun poured down fiercely upon those in the
+rowboat.
+
+They knew not which way to turn, fearing that if they attempted to
+land again the savages would follow them up.
+
+"We will row in the direction of the landing place where we first came
+ashore," said Captain Broadbeam, and this was done.
+
+An hour later Dave let out a cry of dismay.
+
+"The savages! They are after us again!"
+
+He was right. Around a distant point of land had appeared at least a
+dozen savages, and all were making for the rowboat with all speed!
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII
+
+                       ON THE BOSOM OF THE OCEAN
+
+
+"We can't land here!" cried Dave.
+
+"You are right," answered Captain Broadbeam. "See, more savages are
+coming from behind yonder trees."
+
+"What shall we do?" questioned the doctor, his face full of concern.
+
+"There is but one thing to do--put to sea again," came from the master
+of the _Swallow_.
+
+The savages came on with a rush, yelling at the top of their lungs. As
+they approached the water's edge they let fly a shower of arrows. But
+fortunately for our friends, all fell short of the mark.
+
+As quickly as it could be accomplished, the rowboat was turned around
+and headed once more from the island. All who had been rowing were
+tired, but did their best to get the craft away from the shore.
+
+As soon as the savages saw the boat leaving they set up another yell,
+and several rushed away to find those who were out in the canoes.
+
+But the latter were on the other side of the island, and before they
+could be notified our friends had, for the time being, made good their
+escape.
+
+Dave was all but exhausted, and at last dropped his oar and sank in a
+heap on the seat.
+
+"Played out, eh?" came from Captain Broadbeam. "Well, I don't wonder.
+I'm about played out myself."
+
+An hour went by and the rowboat rose and fell on the broad swells of
+the Pacific Ocean.
+
+In vain they looked in all directions for the _Swallow_. The vessel was
+not to be seen.
+
+All in the rowboat were exceedingly thirsty and would have given much
+for a drink of water.
+
+Crouched on the seats, with poor Bob and Pat Stoodles beside them,
+Dave, the captain, and the doctor talked the situation over.
+
+"We are certainly in a pickle," said Dave. "If we can't find the ship,
+what then?"
+
+"We must find the _Swallow_," declared Captain Broadbeam. "Unless we
+do, we'll starve to death."
+
+"We might return to the island at nightfall," said the doctor.
+"Remember, we need water and so do these poor sufferers." And he
+pointed to Bob and the Irishman.
+
+"That's a scheme," cried Dave. "We might land under cover of darkness
+and hide somewhere until we can locate the ship."
+
+Slowly the day wore away. Towards nightfall the wind began to blow
+strongly, sending the spray flying in all directions.
+
+"We can't stand this," was Dave's comment. "If it blows any harder,
+we'll be swamped."
+
+"We must take to the oars and keep the boat up to the seas," said the
+captain, and this was done.
+
+A little later it began to rain. At first it did not amount to much,
+but presently it began to pour. As best they could, they gathered a
+small quantity of the water and drank it greedily. They also gave Bob
+and Stoodles a drink, which did the injured much good.
+
+At last night was upon them, black and threatening. The rowboat was
+drifting in the wind and the rain, but where to none could tell.
+
+"We must take what comes," said Captain Broadbeam, gravely. "We are in
+the hands of Providence."
+
+Dave was so exhausted he could not keep his eyes open and soon he went
+sound asleep, and not long after this the doctor followed his example.
+Only the captain remained awake and he was so exhausted he could do
+absolutely nothing.
+
+It was about three o'clock in the morning when the wind began to blow a
+regular hurricane. The mad plunging and pitching of the rowboat aroused
+Dave.
+
+"What's up?" he cried.
+
+"The storm is increasing," answered the captain.
+
+"Are we still out on the ocean?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Captain Broadbeam had scarcely spoken when there came a shock that
+almost turned the rowboat over.
+
+"We have struck!"
+
+"We are going to the bottom!"
+
+The shock aroused all but Pat Stoodles. Bob would have gone overboard
+had it not been for Dave, who caught the unconscious man by the
+shoulder and held him.
+
+"Don't--don't hurt me!" groaned Bob. "Oh!"
+
+A moment later came another shock. Then the rowboat appeared to slide
+over a sand bar, and of a sudden Captain Broadbeam felt the limb of a
+tree brush his side.
+
+"Hullo! what's this?" he ejaculated. "A tree limb--and here's another!
+Can it be a floating tree----"
+
+"Hurrah! Here's land!" burst out Dave, peering into the darkness. "A
+shore of some kind."
+
+"Beware of the savages," cautioned Doctor Barrell. "They may be close
+at hand."
+
+"I'd rather meet the savages than drown in this storm," came bluntly
+from Captain Broadbeam.
+
+The rowboat had indeed drifted to some sort of a shore. Close at hand
+was a sandy beach, and beside this some rocks and a grove of tropical
+trees. The details of the scene were lost in the darkness.
+
+As the rowboat struck on the beach the captain leaped out and hauled
+the craft up. But he was not quick enough to escape the breakers and
+one swept over the craft, nearly drowning all on board. Then Dave
+sprang out, and at last the pair had the boat out of the reach of the
+sea.
+
+"Thank Heaven we have landed somewhere," declared the youth. "I thought
+sure we were bound for Davy Jones's locker."
+
+The rowboat was dragged along the beach and the captain, the doctor,
+and Dave succeeded in turning it over on some rocks, thus making of
+it a sort of shelter from the storm. Under it they placed Bob and the
+Irishman, making them as comfortable as circumstances permitted. This
+done, the three found something of a shelter under the trees and there
+sank down to rest until morning.
+
+When Dave opened his eyes the sun was shining brightly and close at
+hand a number of tropical birds were singing gayly. For the moment he
+could not remember what had occurred and he sat up, gazing around in
+bewilderment.
+
+"We are shipwrecked," he murmured at length. "I wonder if those savages
+are anywhere near?"
+
+He arose and stretched himself and then walked out on the shore of the
+island. None of the others were awake, and he determined to let them
+rest as long as they wished, providing no danger was at hand.
+
+Not a soul was in sight and the place looked much different from that
+where the savages had been encountered.
+
+"It looks to me as if this is another island," he reasoned, and he was
+right.
+
+On the shore were a number of oysters and clams, and he lost no time
+in picking up as many as he thought they might use for a meal. Then he
+caught up several stones and sticks and went after the birds. He was
+good at throwing and soon brought down three birds of fair size.
+
+"Hullo, what's doing?" was the cry, and he saw Captain Broadbeam
+approaching.
+
+"I'm trying to gather something for breakfast."
+
+"Good enough. Seen anything of the savages?"
+
+"No."
+
+"This doesn't look like the same island."
+
+"Just what I think, captain."
+
+"Well, I hope there are no savages here. Seen anything of the
+_Swallow_?"
+
+"Nothing whatever."
+
+Some brushwood and sticks were gathered, and after a little trouble a
+fire was started. The smell of the cooking clams and oysters aroused
+the others.
+
+"Ha! a fire and breakfast!" cried the doctor. "That interests me!"
+
+"How do you feel, Bob?" questioned Dave, bending over his friend.
+
+"Tired all over, Dave. Where are we?"
+
+"On one of these islands of the ocean."
+
+"Have we escaped from the savages?"
+
+"For the present, yes."
+
+"I'm mighty hungry."
+
+"You shall have breakfast as soon as it is cooked."
+
+"Sure an' I'm hungry meself," came from Pat Stoodles.
+
+"How are you feeling?" questioned the doctor.
+
+"Loike I had been through a clothes wringer, docthor," was the answer.
+"Bad cess to thim savages!"
+
+Not long after this the clams and oysters, as well as the birds, were
+ready for eating, and Bob and the Irishman were given what the doctor
+thought was best for them. The others ate their fill, and after the
+repast was over all felt much better.
+
+"There are just two things for us to do," said Captain Broadbeam: "Keep
+out of the way of the savages and find the _Swallow_."
+
+"And in the meantime we have got to feed ourselves and take care of the
+wounded," added Doctor Barrell.
+
+The matter was talked over and it was decided that the doctor should
+remain with Bob and Stoodles, while the captain and Dave went on a
+short tour of exploration.
+
+"I do not imagine that this island is very large," said the captain, as
+he and Dave set out. "To my mind it won't be a bad idea to skirt the
+shore first."
+
+"Just as you say," answered the youth.
+
+"We want to keep our eyes peeled for the savages, though."
+
+It was an easy matter to follow the shore on two sides of the island,
+but to the north and the west were numerous rocks, and they climbed
+over these only with the greatest difficulty.
+
+"Be careful, or you'll sprain an ankle," said the captain.
+
+"There seems to be a hill near the center of the island," said the
+young diver. "Wouldn't it be a good idea to climb to the top of that?"
+
+"Yes, as soon as we have finished skirting the shore."
+
+Presently they came to a spot where some extra high rocks hid what was
+beyond from their view.
+
+"Hark!" cried Dave, coming to a sudden halt. "What was that?"
+
+"I don't know," answered the captain. "Sounded like somebody calling,
+didn't it?"
+
+Both listened, and presently from the other side of the rocks came a
+low whine, followed by a scream.
+
+"Somebody is there!" murmured Dave. "Perhaps a savage!"
+
+"We'll take a peep," began Captain Broadbeam, when of a sudden a hairy
+form leaped on top of the rocks and confronted them.
+
+The form was that of a gorilla. The creature was all of four feet high,
+with strong limbs and a face of peculiar ferocity.
+
+"Look out!" yelled Dave. "He means mischief!"
+
+The young diver was right. The gorilla gave a snarl, and the next
+instant made a leap for Captain Broadbeam's shoulder. It landed fairly
+and squarely on the captain and bore that individual to the ground.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX
+
+                          FIGHTING A GORILLA
+
+
+The appearance of the gorilla had been so unexpected that for the
+instant Dave knew not what to do. As the captain went down with the
+creature on top of him, the young diver fancied that the man would
+surely be killed.
+
+"Help!" cried Captain Broadbeam, and this call aroused the youth to his
+senses. Catching up a stick, he hit the gorilla a resounding whack on
+the head. Then he struck at the beast's body.
+
+The gorilla did not like such treatment, and with a snarl it dropped
+its hold on the captain and turned towards Dave. A moment later it was
+on the young diver's breast and Dave was doing his utmost to throw the
+creature off.
+
+It was now the young diver's turn to call for assistance, which he did
+most lustily.
+
+"I'll help you!" cried the captain, and catching up a stone, he hit the
+gorilla in the side with it. The creature gave a snarl and sprang back
+to the top of the rocks. Then it disappeared as suddenly as it had come.
+
+"Ugh!" murmured Dave. "What a horrid beast!"
+
+"Are you hurt?"
+
+"Only a scratch or two."
+
+"We were lucky to get off so easily, lad."
+
+"Is he gone for good?" asked Dave, with a slight shiver.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know."
+
+Each now lost no time in arming himself with a stout club and with a
+couple of fair-sized and sharp stones. They listened, but could hear
+nothing of the gorilla.
+
+"I'd feel safer if I knew that beast was dead," said the captain. "He
+may take it into his head to attack us again."
+
+"And he may be only one of a regular tribe," put in Dave.
+
+"No, Dave; gorillas don't live together like monkeys. At the most
+you'll find two together."
+
+With great caution they climbed to the top of the rocks and peered
+over. Not a living creature of any sort was in sight.
+
+"He has gone, that's certain," said Dave, and gave a sigh of relief.
+
+They went on their way, and inside of an hour had walked completely
+around the island, which was not over half a mile in diameter.
+
+"Now we'll go up the hill and take a look around," said Captain
+Broadbeam.
+
+On the side of the hill the tropical growth was thick, and they had to
+fairly cut their way through the tangle of underbrush and long trailing
+vines.
+
+"This is what I call work," said Dave, panting. "How much further have
+we to go?"
+
+"Not very much further, Dave. I think--listen!" The captain broke off
+short and both listened. But only the murmur of the breeze through the
+trees came to their ears.
+
+"What did you hear?" asked the young diver.
+
+"I fancied I heard that gorilla again."
+
+"Oh, don't say that!"
+
+"Perhaps I was mistaken. But it would be just like the beast to follow
+us," continued the master of the _Swallow_.
+
+"We will have to be on our guard."
+
+Both looked around with care, but could see nothing of the gorilla.
+Then they pushed on once more, up the rocks and through a tangle of
+vines until they reached a bit of a clearing on the very top of the
+hill.
+
+"Here we are, safe and sound!" said the captain. "I wish we had a
+spyglass."
+
+They took a careful look around, and noted that the island was circular
+in form, with a small cove on the south shore, where the rowboat had
+landed.
+
+On all sides stretched the rolling Pacific, the waves glistening
+brightly in the strong sunshine.
+
+Not another island of any sort was in sight.
+
+"I believe that other island is to the westward of this," said the
+captain. "But it's too far off to be located with the naked eye."
+
+"I don't see anything of the _Swallow_, or of any other ship," came
+from Dave, after he had gazed around for several minutes.
+
+"The ship is probably in the vicinity of that other island."
+
+From the top of the hill they could see that the island was
+uninhabited. Whether or not any wild beasts outside of the gorilla were
+located there they could not determine.
+
+"I hope we don't have to stay here too long," remarked the young diver,
+as they started back for the spot where they had left Bob and Stoodles.
+
+"We'll have to stay until we find the ship."
+
+Halfway down the side of the hill Captain Broadbeam gave a sudden leap
+into the air.
+
+"Look out!" he screamed.
+
+"What's the matter?" queried Dave.
+
+"Spiders! As big as your hand!"
+
+The master of the _Swallow_ was right. He had stepped on a mound which
+was a spiders' nest, and out from the soil issued ten or a dozen big
+brown and yellow spiders, most ferocious in their appearance.
+
+The creatures made after both the captain and Dave, and both lost no
+time in putting a good distance between themselves and that vicinity.
+
+"Gosh! I never saw such spiders in my life!" gasped Dave, when he
+thought himself safe.
+
+"They certainly were large, Dave. But such things grow big in the
+tropics."
+
+"They looked as if they might be poisonous."
+
+"They are. We must watch out for them in the future."
+
+Not long after this they came to a spot where a number of bushes were
+growing, covered with large, oval-shaped berries.
+
+"These berries are perfectly good and very nourishing," said the
+captain. "Let us pick a quantity and take them back to the camp."
+
+Back of the patch of berries was a fine spring and here they procured a
+cold drink of water. Just below the spring was a wide pool several feet
+deep, and in this pool numerous small lizards were darting around.
+
+"Everything is full of life in the tropics," remarked the young diver.
+"Just look at the birds and fish, and lizards and spiders, and a
+hundred and one other things!"
+
+"Yes, and the vegetation is very plentiful," added the captain.
+
+They were still some distance from the shore when Dave called a halt.
+
+"Look at the big birds yonder," he whispered. "Can't we bring down two
+or three with sticks or stones? They will make fine eating."
+
+"We can try it, Dave."
+
+Sticks and stones were handy, and arming themselves they approached a
+large tree upon which the birds were resting.
+
+"Ready?" asked Dave.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Throw!"
+
+The youth let fly a short stick and the captain a sharp stone. Down
+came two birds, one dead and the other seriously wounded. The others
+set up a wild squawking and flew away.
+
+"Not so bad!" cried the captain, and ran to dispatch the wounded bird.
+
+As he stooped over the bird there was a strange cry from another tree
+close by and then a whir through the air.
+
+"The gorilla!" ejaculated Dave. "Look out!"
+
+The young diver's cry came too late. Down came the beast that had
+attacked them before, landing directly on Captain Broadbeam's shoulder
+and clutching the man by the throat!
+
+For the instant Dave was almost paralyzed. But then he realized the
+captain's peril and rushed in to the man's assistance.
+
+In his hands the young diver clutched a heavy stick, and this he
+brought down with all force on the gorilla's head.
+
+The creature was taken by surprise and dropped its hold. But its skull
+was too thick to mind greatly the blow which had been delivered, and an
+instant later it leaped forward once more, this time for Dave.
+
+The young diver dodged, and in a twinkling the gorilla had Dave around
+the waist while the youth had the creature around the shoulder and
+neck. Then began the struggle, the beast trying to bite and Dave
+trying his best to prevent such a movement.
+
+In the midst of the mêlée Captain Broadbeam rushed to the rescue. He
+had picked up Dave's stick, which the young diver had dropped, and now
+he struck the gorilla twice across the back and then across the lower
+limbs.
+
+Not knowing what to make of this last attack, the creature turned once
+more and dropped its hold of Dave. But at another blow from the stick
+it began to retreat, and soon was lost to sight in the jungle on the
+hillside.
+
+"He has gone!" said the captain, breathing heavily from his exertions.
+
+"What a fighter he is!" gasped Dave. He had all he could do to catch
+his breath.
+
+"I wish we had killed him, lad. Then he couldn't bother us again."
+
+"Yes, it's too bad we didn't finish him. He will probably lay low for
+us now. Maybe he'll attack us while we sleep."
+
+"We'll have to stand guard."
+
+Making certain that the gorilla had really left the vicinity, they
+continued the journey to the shore, reaching the camp a little while
+later. They found Doctor Barrell waiting impatiently for their return.
+Both Bob and the Irishman were sleeping soundly.
+
+"And what did you discover?" asked the man of science.
+
+"Very little," answered the captain. "But we have had a couple of nasty
+fights."
+
+"With the savages?"
+
+"No, with a gorilla."
+
+"Is it possible! Did you kill the creature?"
+
+"No, he got away."
+
+"Too bad! I would give much to catch a gorilla alive. We could add him
+to our collection."
+
+"Thanks, but no live gorilla in mine," came promptly from Dave. "Give
+me a dead one every time."
+
+The doctor listened to their story with much interest and was glad to
+see they had brought some berries and the birds for a meal.
+
+"I have found some herbs and plants and given both of the sufferers
+medicine," said he. "I think Bob Vilett will recover rapidly, but it
+will take time to bring Pat Stoodles around."
+
+It was now midday, and the sun was scorching. This being so, all were
+content to rest in the shade. A fire was built, and over it the birds
+and also some oysters were done to a turn, and these, with the berries,
+made a good meal for all.
+
+During the afternoon Dave made himself a good bow and also several
+arrows. The captain followed his example, and also cut several
+good-sized clubs.
+
+"We must arm ourselves as best we can," said Captain Broadbeam. "If
+those savages should happen to come this way we'll be at their mercy."
+
+It was almost sundown when Dave chanced to go down to the ocean front
+once more. He looked out to sea and then gave a cry that aroused all of
+the others.
+
+"A ship! A ship!"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX
+
+                         AN ATTACK IN THE DARK
+
+
+Dave's cry brought Captain Broadbeam to the shore in a hurry.
+
+"Where is the ship?" he demanded.
+
+"There!" and the young diver pointed with his hand.
+
+"You are right, lad. But she is not headed for this island."
+
+"Can she be the _Swallow_?"
+
+"I should say not."
+
+"Maybe she is the _Raven_."
+
+"It is possible, Dave. But she is not coming here, that is certain."
+
+"Shall we set up a shout?"
+
+"It will do no good. They could not hear us."
+
+"We might fly a signal of distress."
+
+"It is too dark for that now."
+
+Both watched the ship with interest. The captain was right, the vessel
+was not headed for the island, and in a few minutes it passed from
+view.
+
+"If that was a friendly vessel, it's a chance gone," was Dave's sober
+comment.
+
+"True, but it cannot be helped."
+
+As usual in the tropics, night came on quickly. There was no moon, but
+countless stars shone from on high. The birds ceased their songs, and
+presently all was quiet.
+
+"I suppose we may as well proceed to make ourselves comfortable," said
+Dr. Barrell.
+
+"Somebody has got to remain on guard," came from Dave, who was not
+inclined to forget that the gorilla was still at large.
+
+"We'll divide up the night into three watches of three hours each,"
+said the captain. "I can take one watch, Dave another, and the doctor
+the third."
+
+So it was arranged, and it fell to Dave to go on guard first.
+
+"That suits me," said the young diver. "I hate to break in on my
+night's rest after I have once retired."
+
+A comfortable spot had been selected for all hands. It was located
+about two hundred feet from the shore, where there was a series of
+rocks and some trees. The doctor had fashioned some brushwood into a
+shack, and gathered additional brushwood for bedding.
+
+To keep himself awake Dave began to walk around the camp, and also
+made several trips down to the ocean front. He carried his bow and his
+arrows with him, to help guard against any surprise.
+
+On his second trip down to the shore he noticed a strange fire a long
+distance off.
+
+"That must be a camp-fire of some sort," he mused. "Perhaps it is that
+of the savages on that other island."
+
+He watched the fire for a quarter of an hour and gradually it died
+away, leaving the ocean as dark as before.
+
+It must be confessed that his day's tramping had made Dave sleepy, and
+it was all he could do to keep his eyes open.
+
+"I'll be glad when it comes my turn to go to bed," he thought.
+
+The young diver had less than half an hour to remain on guard when his
+attention was attracted to a peculiar sound among the trees close at
+hand.
+
+He looked in the direction, and was horrified to see two shining eyes
+glaring down at him.
+
+"A wild beast, sure," he reasoned. "Wonder if the thing wants to attack
+me?"
+
+As quickly as he could, he got his bow into position and adjusted one
+of the arrows to the string.
+
+The eyes were still turned upon him and the sight was enough to make
+his blood run cold.
+
+"Here goes!" he muttered, and taking careful aim, he let the arrow fly
+with all force.
+
+His aim was true, and no sooner had the arrow struck than there was an
+unearthly shriek, and out of the tree dropped a large dark object. It
+flipped and flopped over the ground, uttering snarl after snarl.
+
+"What's the row?" cried Captain Broadbeam, leaping to his feet and
+seizing a club.
+
+"I've struck something!" answered Dave. "Take care!"
+
+"It's that gorilla!"
+
+"So I see--now," said the young diver.
+
+The creature was seriously but not mortally wounded and continued to
+flop around, uttering the most unearthly of shrieks and cries, which
+awoke all of the others in the camp.
+
+"In mercy's name what does this mean?" demanded Doctor Barrell,
+nervously.
+
+"Here is your gorilla, doctor!" sang out Dave. "Come and get him if you
+want him."
+
+"Ugh! what a horrid creature. Is--is he dangerous still?"
+
+"He will be if you get too close to him."
+
+"Kill him! kill him!" cried Bob. "Don't let him come this way!"
+
+Watching his opportunity, Captain Broadbeam let fly with his club,
+hitting the gorilla in the neck. Then Dave put another arrow into the
+creature's body, and at last it gave a shudder and a gasp and rolled
+over dead.
+
+"Kilt, is it?" came weakly from Pat Stoodles. "Sure an' it's a good job
+done, so it is!"
+
+The camp-fire was stirred up and the captain picked up a torch and
+walked over to the gorilla.
+
+"Dead as a stone," he announced, and then Dave and the doctor
+approached.
+
+"We can save the skin and the skull," said Doctor Barrell. "They, at
+least, can do us no harm."
+
+"I am glad he is dead," came from the captain. "Dave, you gave him a
+good one in the eye."
+
+"I'm glad I had the bow and arrow to do it with," answered the young
+diver modestly.
+
+After this Captain Broadbeam went on guard, and, utterly exhausted,
+Dave lay down and slept soundly until long after the sun came up on the
+following morning.
+
+"Now I feel like a new man," said the young diver on arising. "I can
+tell you a sound sleep is a wonderful thing."
+
+"The question is, what are we to do next?" came from the doctor. "We
+cannot remain on this island forever."
+
+"Well, we shall have to remain until some ship takes us off," said
+Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"And in the meantime we have got to provide for ourselves," put in
+Dave. "And that is not going to be so easy unless we live on clams,
+oysters, fish, and berries."
+
+"Don't forget the birds," said the captain.
+
+Dave wanted to go fishing, and after a good deal of trouble succeeded
+in making a hook of a big pin Bob had been using in place of a button
+on his jacket. For bait he used a big bug he found under a dead tree
+limb.
+
+"I don't know how this is going to work," he said.
+
+"Well, there is nothing like trying," answered the captain. "I'll see
+what I can do to bring down some more birds and find some fruit."
+
+Dave started to fish in the cove, and it was not long before he got a
+bite and pulled in a fish weighing a couple of pounds. This encouraged
+him, and inside of an hour he had a mess of nine to his credit.
+
+"We'll be able to get all the fish we want, that is sure," he reasoned.
+"Living on the island wouldn't be half bad, if it wasn't that those
+fellows on the _Raven_ may sail away and get at that treasure before we
+have a chance to reach the spot."
+
+Dave could not help thinking, too, of those on the _Swallow_, and he
+wondered how his father was faring.
+
+Having caught all the fish he wished he was presently joined by Captain
+Broadbeam, who had brought down two more birds.
+
+"I think I'll take a swim," said Dave. "I feel as if I needed the wash."
+
+"Very well, I'll sit on the shore and watch you," replied the captain.
+
+The young diver was soon in the water, which felt cool and refreshing.
+He loved to sport around, and dove and swam about to his heart's
+content.
+
+"Better come in," he said to the master of the _Swallow_.
+
+"Not to-day, lad," came back the answer. "How is the bottom where you
+are swimming?"
+
+"Sandy, with a few shells," answered Dave. "Do you know what I am
+thinking?" he went on. "There may be pearls here."
+
+"Perhaps."
+
+"I'm going to do some diving and take a look around."
+
+Dave was as good as his word and dove not once but a dozen times. He
+brought up a peck of oysters, but none containing pearls.
+
+"Must have been mistaken," he said. "I'll try it once again."
+
+He made a beautiful dive and reached the bottom with ease.
+
+But scarcely had he put out his hand for an oyster when he saw
+something that filled him with alarm.
+
+A long, dark object was moving along the ocean bottom towards him.
+
+At first he could not make out what it was, but presently discovered
+that it was a slimy water snake. The reptile was all of ten feet in
+length and five or six inches in thickness.
+
+Dave had no wish to encounter such a horrible-looking creature, and
+turning, he started to swim to the surface.
+
+The water snake came after him rapidly, and just as he got his head
+above water Dave felt something slippery curl itself around one of his
+legs and start to draw him under.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXI
+
+                       DAVE AND THE WATER SNAKE
+
+
+"Help me, Captain Broadbeam!"
+
+"What's the matter, Dave?"
+
+"A water snake has me by the leg."
+
+Before Dave could say more the water snake began to pull so fiercely
+that the head of the young diver was forced under the water.
+
+He struggled desperately, trying his best to get away.
+
+But now the reptile swung the fore part of its body around and embraced
+Dave's other leg, rendering the youth almost helpless.
+
+The young diver kicked as hard as he could, but the reptile only clung
+the closer.
+
+Down went the youth, until he felt that he must be drowned or strangled
+to death.
+
+He was afraid to feel for the snake with his hands for fear of losing
+control of those members also.
+
+With a wild effort he arose almost to the surface, so that he could see
+above him.
+
+Whizz! It was a rope, thrown to him by Captain Broadbeam. It belonged
+to the rowboat and the captain had been carrying it, thinking it might
+be useful in one way or another.
+
+The end of the rope just failed to reach Dave, but as soon as he saw it
+the young diver did his best to get hold of the object.
+
+His breath was fast leaving him when he managed to clutch the rope with
+one hand. Then he drew it towards him and caught it with his other hand
+also.
+
+Captain Broadbeam was watching anxiously, and as soon as he felt the
+rope tighten he began to haul in, slowly at first and then with might
+and main.
+
+Nearer to shore came Dave, dragging the horrible water snake behind
+him. In vain the reptile tried to stay its progress. Then it thrashed
+around and caught Dave at the neck.
+
+In self-defense the youth had to take one hand and try to force the
+water snake away. But this could not be done.
+
+At last Dave could walk on the bottom, and then he struggled into shore
+with all speed.
+
+As he did this, Captain Broadbeam came to his assistance, and clutched
+at the reptile.
+
+But the water snake was out of its element on land, and in a trice it
+loosened itself, dropped back into the ocean, and disappeared.
+
+Dave was so exhausted he pitched headlong on the sand, where he lay,
+panting for breath.
+
+"Did he sting you?" queried the captain, anxiously.
+
+"I don't think so," was the gasped-out reply. "But he came pretty close
+to drowning me!"
+
+"I reckon you won't go bathing again lad."
+
+"Not for a million dollars!"
+
+"That's the worst of bathing in unknown waters. You don't know what you
+are going to run up against."
+
+"I didn't imagine there were water snakes here."
+
+After resting awhile, Dave dressed himself, and the pair went back to
+the camp.
+
+Dave was delighted to note that Bob was recovering rapidly and that Pat
+Stoodles was also doing as well as could be expected.
+
+"You want to be careful, Dave," said Bob. "We can't afford to lose you."
+
+"And I don't want to be lost," answered the young diver, grimly.
+
+"Have you seen anything of the savages?"
+
+"Not a sign."
+
+"They must wonder what has become of us."
+
+"Perhaps they think we escaped to the ship."
+
+"If we only had!"
+
+"That is so, Bob, but we have got to make the best of it."
+
+"And you can't see a sign of the ship anywhere?"
+
+"Not the least bit of a sign."
+
+"Too bad!" and the young engineer gave a deep sigh.
+
+Slowly the hours dragged by. It was very warm, but there were signs of
+a storm in the air.
+
+Dave set to work to gather some firewood, thinking a good fire would
+serve to keep them comfortable in case of a heavy rain.
+
+"I shouldn't be surprised if we got a heavy one, when it does come,"
+remarked Captain Broadbeam, as he gazed at the sky.
+
+"Storms in the tropics are apt to prove severe," said Doctor Barrell.
+
+Having collected the firewood, Dave went out with his bow and arrows to
+see if he could bring down some more birds.
+
+At first he moved but a short distance from the camp, but presently he
+saw some extra fine birds at a distance and followed them toward the
+north shore of the island.
+
+He had just brought down one bird and was trying for a second when the
+storm broke and the rain began to come down heavily.
+
+"This is severe, and no mistake," he murmured. "Guess I'll have to find
+shelter unless I want to get soaked."
+
+Not far away were some tall rocks, backed up by a clump of bushes and
+vines.
+
+The young diver moved towards the rocks on the run. He was but a few
+feet away when he saw an opening in front of him--a split in the rocks
+of unknown depth.
+
+He tried to step back to safety, but it was too late. His feet slipped
+and down he went for several yards.
+
+"Hullo, this won't do!" he cried. "I don't want to get into another
+underground cave!"
+
+He tried to climb up the rocks, but again his feet slipped and he went
+down a yard or two more. This time he struck a solid flooring of rocks,
+so to descend further was impossible.
+
+"Thank fortune the hole isn't any deeper," he said half aloud.
+
+The fall had shaken him up somewhat and for the minute he remained
+where he was, trying to get back his breath.
+
+He noticed that the rocks around him were all perfectly smooth, but did
+not realize what this meant until he tried to crawl to the top of the
+opening.
+
+He could not get a hold anywhere, and as often as he got up a foot or
+two, he slipped back again.
+
+"Well, this is provoking, to say the least," he muttered. "How in the
+world am I to get out of here?"
+
+The rain was now pouring down steadily, and in a very few minutes he
+was wet to the skin.
+
+"If I had a rope or a pole I might get out," he reasoned. But he had
+absolutely nothing with which to help himself.
+
+A quarter of an hour went by and then to Dave's alarm he found the
+water pouring into the hole steadily from a rivulet above. Soon the
+water was up to his ankles and it arose steadily to his knees.
+
+The storm was now on in all of its fury, and in the forest he could
+hear the trees swaying and snapping under the pressure of the high wind
+that was blowing.
+
+Again he made an effort to crawl out of the opening. But the rocks
+were now wet and slippery and afforded no foothold whatever.
+
+The wind was increasing steadily until it blew a regular hurricane.
+High overhead he saw some branches of trees sailing through the air.
+
+"I hope those in camp are safe," he said to himself.
+
+A little later came an extra heavy blast of wind. There followed a
+great crashing, and in an instant a big tree fell directly over the
+opening, cutting off much of the light above.
+
+One of the tree branches pressed down on Dave's head, forcing him to a
+sitting position in the hole.
+
+"This is the worst yet!" he muttered, after he realized that he was not
+harmed. "Now I am a regular prisoner. I can't move that tree, that's
+sure!"
+
+By the aid of the tree limb the young diver crawled upward until he
+reached the trunk across the opening.
+
+The branches were so thick he had to literally force his way along.
+
+The opening was almost closed by the big tree trunk, but to one side
+there were several loose rocks, and after an effort he succeeded in
+shoving them into the hole and thus making a place through which he
+crawled, although, not without great difficulty.
+
+He was now free once more, and despite the fury of the elements set off
+for the camp with all speed.
+
+To travel was not easy, and often he had to make a detour in order to
+avoid a fallen tree or a deep pool of water.
+
+He was still a short distance from camp when there came another
+terrific whirl of wind that sent tree limbs flying in all directions.
+One struck Dave on the shoulder and hurled him flat.
+
+"Phew! this is awful!" he muttered, and then stopped short, as a cry
+from a distance reached his ears.
+
+"Help! help!" came in Doctor Barrell's voice. "Help, or I shall be
+killed!"
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXII
+
+                        WHAT THE STORM BROUGHT
+
+
+As quickly as he could Dave picked himself up once more and hurried
+into the camp.
+
+Here he ran into Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"Hullo, did you call?" asked the captain.
+
+"No, it was Doctor Barrell," answered the young diver. "Where is he?"
+
+For reply came another call from the scientific man, and now they
+located him down near the shore of the ocean. He was lying on his back,
+with a small tree pressing him down into the sand. The waves were
+sending their spray flying over him.
+
+It was but the work of a moment to lift the tree. While Captain
+Broadbeam did this, Dave helped the doctor to crawl to a point of
+safety.
+
+"Ugh! what an experience!" muttered Doctor Barrell, as he gave a
+shudder. "Thank you for rescuing me."
+
+"How did it happen, doctor?" questioned Dave.
+
+"I came out to look for you. Just as I reached the spot the wind sent
+the tree down and over me. I am thankful that I was not killed."
+
+All hurried into camp, and here Dave told his story. Then they had to
+watch out, fearful that the storm would do them further injury.
+
+But the wind went down as rapidly as it had come up. The rain, however,
+continued, and did not cease until noon of the next day.
+
+"I don't want to encounter many such storms," said Dave, when the sun
+shone once more.
+
+"You'll have to put up with them, if you remain in the tropics,"
+answered Captain Broadbeam.
+
+When Dave and the others went forth after the storm they picked up a
+great number of dead birds. The ocean shore was strewn with stranded
+fish.
+
+"Here is eating enough for a month, if only it would keep," said
+Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"I hope we don't have to stay here a month," answered Dave.
+
+"Right you are, lad. But we must take what comes."
+
+"Don't you think we'll have a spell of good weather after such a storm
+as this?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Then I move we take to the boat and try to find our ship. We can take
+the dead birds, fish, and some oysters, clams, berries, and cocoanuts
+along for provisions. And also some bamboo sticks full of fresh water."
+
+The idea appealed strongly to Captain Broadbeam and also to Doctor
+Barrell. Bob and the Irishman were willing to do anything that the
+others wished.
+
+"Let us start out to-morrow," said the captain, and after that no time
+was lost in preparing for the expedition.
+
+The rowboat was carefully overhauled, and then loaded with the things
+that seemed necessary to take along. Water was to be had in plenty, and
+they filled many big, hollow bamboo stems with it, corking up the stems
+until the water should be wanted.
+
+"We must remember to keep the island in view," said the captain. "We
+may be glad enough to return, in case we cannot locate the _Swallow_."
+
+At last came the time set for starting out, and Bob and Pat Stoodles
+were helped into the rowboat. The others followed, and the captain and
+Dave pushed away and took to the oars of the craft.
+
+"I trust we find the ship," sighed Bob. In his weakened condition he
+longed for the comforts which had been denied to him while on the
+island.
+
+"So do I hope we find the _Swallow_," answered Dave.
+
+"We must keep a close watch for those savages," came from Captain
+Broadbeam. "I shouldn't wish to fall into their hands again."
+
+"Bad cess to thim!" cried Pat Stoodles. "Niver do I want to set me eyes
+on thim ag'in!"
+
+The rowboat passed around one corner of the island and all looked
+eagerly for some sign of a sail.
+
+"Nothing in sight," said Dave.
+
+"I see something drifting upon the waves," announced the doctor.
+
+All looked in the direction which he pointed out and saw a large mass
+of driftwood floating toward them.
+
+"That means a wreck of some sort," cried the captain. "Let us make an
+investigation."
+
+The others were willing, and not long after this they came up beside
+the wreckage, which proved to be a spar with cordage and part of a
+forecastle and rail.
+
+"Can that wreckage be from the _Swallow_?" asked Dave, anxiously.
+
+"It may be," answered the captain. "Still, I am not sure."
+
+"Perhaps it is from the _Raven_," came from Doctor Barrell.
+
+"I'd rather it was from that vessel than from our own," said the young
+diver, quickly. "But it may be from the _Swallow_, and I'll tell you
+why," he added, suddenly.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Don't you remember about Pete Rackley? He may have disabled our ship."
+
+"If he has done so he should be swung from a yardarm," came from
+Captain Broadbeam, hotly.
+
+As they could make nothing of the wreckage they allowed it to drift by
+and continued their journey around another point of the island.
+
+Not to tire themselves, they took turns at rowing.
+
+Bob and Stoodles were made as comfortable as possible on the seats,
+with palm branches laid over them, to protect them from the fierce rays
+of the sun.
+
+Thus an hour passed and still nothing of importance came to view.
+
+They saw some more wreckage at a distance, and rowing up to it,
+discovered several empty chicken crates and an empty water cask.
+
+"These prove nothing," said the captain. "The crates may have been
+thrown overboard on purpose."
+
+"It's queer, with so much wreckage around, we don't sight some ship,"
+said Dave.
+
+"You are right, lad, for that wreckage is not water-soaked and old."
+
+Before long they began to grow hungry, and stopped their search long
+enough to get a lunch of berries and cold fish, washed down with water
+from one of the bamboo stems.
+
+"This is a great way to carry water," was Dave's comment. "It keeps it
+very sweet."
+
+"So it does, Dave," said the doctor. "But the water is bound to
+evaporate very rapidly."
+
+The lunch over, they resumed their journey. They had put far out to
+sea on one side of the island. Now they returned, to put out on the
+opposite side.
+
+They were within three hundred feet of the island when Doctor Barrell
+set up a cry of warning.
+
+"Stop! Do not land!"
+
+"What's the matter, doctor?" came from the captain. "We were not going
+to land. We are bound for the other side of the island."
+
+"I saw some persons moving behind yonder bushes and rocks," went on the
+man of science.
+
+"Saw somebody?" ejaculated Dave.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"White men?"
+
+"No, savages!"
+
+"Are you sure of this?" demanded Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"I--I think I am," stammered the doctor.
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Gone now."
+
+"Perhaps you were mistaken, doctor," said Dave.
+
+"It is possible--but I do not think so."
+
+The rowboat was allowed to drift, and all gazed earnestly toward the
+island. But not a person of any sort appeared.
+
+"This is mighty queer," was the captain's comment. "The savages
+couldn't have been there when we left."
+
+"Maybe they just arrived," said Dave.
+
+"That is possible. Still----"
+
+"I--I may have been mistaken," said Doctor Barrell. "Remember, my
+eyesight is not of the best."
+
+"I wish we were sure of this," went on the captain. "If the savages are
+on the island in force I don't know as we shall care to go back, even
+if we don't locate the ship."
+
+"Perhaps they are hiding, thinking that we will return," said Dave.
+"One thing is sure, we have got to be careful of what we do after this."
+
+They talked the matter over for a few minutes more and then resumed
+their journey to the other side of the island. They kept their eyes
+toward the shore, but neither man nor beast came to view.
+
+"Maybe he saw some gorillas," said Bob, who had listened to the talk.
+"They look like savages from a distance."
+
+"Well, a lot of gorillas would be as bad as a band of savages,"
+answered Dave.
+
+Slowly the rowboat proceeded on its journey until they rounded another
+point of the island. Then Dave set up a shout of dismay.
+
+"What is it?" questioned the captain and the doctor quickly.
+
+"Savages! They are after us in their canoes!"
+
+The young diver spoke the truth. There, at no great distance from the
+island shore, were two long war canoes, each filled with the enemy.
+
+As soon as the savages discovered the whites they set up a mad yell of
+delight, and then hurried in pursuit of our friends.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIII
+
+                         ON THE SHIP ONCE MORE
+
+
+"We are in for it now!" cried Dave, as he watched the approach of the
+two war canoes loaded down with savages.
+
+"It certainly looks like it," muttered Captain Broadbeam, grimly.
+"Well, a man can die but once, and we had better fight to the bitter
+end."
+
+"That is true," came from Doctor Barrell. "But I am afraid that three
+against two dozen or more will make a poor showing."
+
+The savages now became aware that they were discovered, and they set up
+a fierce shout. Those at the long sweeps began to row more swiftly than
+ever, as if thirsting for the blood of the whites.
+
+"If we only had a gun or two," said Dave. "But we haven't a thing."
+
+"Only the oars, and they'll make poor weapons," answered Captain
+Broadbeam. "I'm afraid it's all up with us, lad. We must look for the
+worst."
+
+"Can't we outdistance them by rowing?"
+
+"I think not."
+
+"But we might reach shore again and take to the jungle. That will be
+better than being slaughtered on the ocean."
+
+"Yes, yes, let us try for the shore!" burst out the doctor. "We have at
+least a fighting chance of reaching it."
+
+As quickly as possible the rowboat was turned about, and its bow
+pointed to a distant headland. All pulled with might and main, the
+perspiration pouring down their faces and backs.
+
+But it was useless. The war canoes crept closer and closer.
+
+And now, as if to make doubly sure of them, there suddenly appeared
+upon the beach another crowd of natives, brandishing knives and war
+clubs.
+
+The din was hideous, and the cry from the shore was echoed and
+re-echoed by the savages in the canoes.
+
+They felt certain that the whites would become their prisoners.
+
+Captain, doctor, and young diver looked at each other with blanched
+faces.
+
+They felt that their last hour on earth was at hand.
+
+Swiftly the war canoes came closer.
+
+Then of a sudden something happened which came as a great shock to our
+friends and as an even greater shock to the savages.
+
+Boom!
+
+Dull and sullen a ship's gun boomed out and a shot sped across the bow
+of the foremost of the canoes.
+
+"A shot!" ejaculated Captain Broadbeam, leaping to his feet. "What can
+it mean?"
+
+"It means that there is a steamship in sight!" cried Dave. "See the
+smoke around the bend of the island. Here she comes!"
+
+"It is the _Swallow_!" came from the doctor. "Heaven be praised!"
+
+The physician was right; it was indeed the _Swallow_, and now another
+shot boomed out.
+
+The ball struck the stern of the leading war canoe, and the craft began
+immediately to fill with water.
+
+[Illustration: "THE BALL STRUCK THE STERN OF THE LEADING WAR CANOE."]
+
+The yelling was terrific, for the natives were taken completely by
+surprise.
+
+As the first of the canoes began to sink, those on board leaped into
+the water.
+
+Some started for the other canoe, but the majority swam toward shore,
+thinking that the second craft would soon be served like the first.
+
+But the natives on the shore were not yet daunted, and with another
+yell they let fly a shower of arrows at those in the rowboat.
+
+"Down!" cried Captain Broadbeam, and all hurled themselves to the
+bottom of the craft.
+
+It was well that they did this, for the arrows must otherwise have
+killed one or more of them.
+
+Boom! A third shot from the _Swallow_ was now directed at those on
+shore.
+
+The aim was a good one and two natives were seen to pitch forward, to
+rise no more.
+
+Seeing this, the others took to their heels with all speed and
+disappeared into the jungle.
+
+It was the last of the attack upon our friends.
+
+The savages had had enough of the contest and now thought only of
+saving themselves.
+
+The second canoe was beached in a great hurry and the occupants
+disappeared as if by magic.
+
+As soon as they felt free to do so, our friends resumed their oars and
+rowed in the direction of the _Swallow_.
+
+On the deck they saw the lieutenant of the ship, Amos Fearless, and
+several other familiar faces.
+
+Soon the steamship and the rowboat came together, and then Bob and Pat
+Stoodles were hoisted aboard the larger craft. Dave, the captain, and
+the doctor followed.
+
+"Father!" cried Dave, and rushed into his parent's arms.
+
+Amos Fearless could not speak, but his face showed plainly his great
+joy.
+
+"And how are you, father?" went on his son.
+
+"He is doing nicely," answered the first mate of the _Swallow_. "But
+his speech has not yet come back to him."
+
+Bob and Pat Stoodles were carried to state-rooms, and here Doctor
+Barrell proceeded to minister to their comforts through the stock in
+his medicine chest.
+
+While this was going on Captain Broadbeam started in to learn if Pete
+Rackley had shown himself.
+
+"Why, certainly; he is on board," said the mate. "He's a poor,
+down-hearted castaway, isn't he?"
+
+"He's a rascal!" burst out Captain Broadbeam. "Where is he? I'll put
+him in irons!"
+
+A search was at once instituted and at last Pete Rackley was found
+hiding in the forecastle.
+
+He was the picture of misery when brought before Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"It's all a mistake," he said, in a trembling voice. "All a mistake."
+
+"It is no mistake," said the captain, sternly. "Dave Fearless is here
+to testify against you."
+
+"But--but----"
+
+"You need make no more denials, Rackley. You have played the game and
+lost. Now answer me truthfully: Have you done any harm as yet to the
+_Swallow_?"
+
+"No! no!"
+
+"You are telling the truth?"
+
+"I am--I swear it."
+
+"I will order a strict investigation. If anything is wrong----"
+
+And the captain ended with a stern shake of his forefinger at the
+rascal.
+
+Pete Rackley was then bound and cast into the brig of the ship.
+
+The assistant engineer was closely questioned, and he said Rackley had
+been seen frequently around the engine room.
+
+Then the entire machinery of the ship was inspected.
+
+At one point several bolts were found filed almost in two.
+
+At another point an oil cup was broken, so that the part might get dry
+and thus cause considerable delay.
+
+These things were all mended, and Captain Broadbeam ordered that
+Rackley be chained up in the brig because of his falsehoods.
+
+The day was spent in the vicinity of the island, looking for the
+_Raven_, but that vessel failed to appear.
+
+By the next morning both Bob and Pat Stoodles were pronounced out of
+danger by the doctor.
+
+A conference was held and it was decided that the _Swallow_ should now
+proceed with all haste to the spot where the _Happy Hour_ had gone down
+with the treasure.
+
+Nothing of special interest happened for several days.
+
+Bob Vilett grew better rapidly and was able to be around at the end of
+a week.
+
+Pat Stoodles' recovery was slower. But to the satisfaction of the
+friends he had made it was seen that the Irish castaway's mind was
+becoming clearer every day.
+
+"He'll be as clear-headed as any of us when he gets on his feet once
+more," said Doctor Barrell, and his statement proved correct.
+
+Day after day went by and the _Swallow_ kept steadily to her course.
+
+Amos Fearless was now as well as ever excepting for his voice.
+
+He could occasionally speak a few words in a hoarse whisper, but that
+was all; and he would sometimes break down in the midst of a sentence.
+
+This grieved Dave very much, but he could do nothing for the sufferer.
+
+"It is time alone can do it," said Doctor Barrell, encouragingly.
+
+But Dave was downcast. What if his father should never be able to talk
+again as of old?
+
+"I'd rather let the fortune go than have that happen," he told himself,
+over and over again. He was afraid that the affliction might grow
+worse, so that his parent would not be able to make any sound at all!
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIV
+
+                        ATTACKED BY A FIRE FISH
+
+
+"And this is the spot where the _Happy Hour_ went down?"
+
+"It is, according to the markings on the chart, Dave."
+
+"And how deep do you reckon the ocean is at this point?"
+
+"The chart says 12,500 feet--a little over two miles."
+
+"It is a deep distance. Regular divers could never make it. They would
+be crushed to death by the mere pressure of the water."
+
+"I have thought the matter over, Dave, and I think it will be best for
+both you and your father to go down only a half-mile the first day.
+Then, if that is successful, you can go a little deeper each day, until
+the bottom is reached. And you will have to use the diving bell at all
+times."
+
+"I know that. And if we leave the diving bell at all it will have to
+be in those new steel-ribbed diving suits we had made in Washington
+especially for this trip," concluded the young diver.
+
+The _Swallow_ lay at rest on the broad bosom of the mighty Pacific
+Ocean.
+
+Nothing had been seen of the _Raven_, and at present not a sign of a
+strange sail showed itself anywhere.
+
+It was high noon, and Captain Broadbeam had just concluded his
+calculations to prove that he was at the very spot which was said to be
+that where the _Happy Hour_ had sunk.
+
+Dave looked thoughtfully over the side, into the greenish waves, lit
+for a depth of only thirty or forty feet below the surface.
+
+What fortune did that silent body of water hold for his father and
+himself?
+
+A touch on his elbow aroused him, and turning, he found his parent
+standing beside him.
+
+Amos Fearless could not say a word, but he motioned to the water and
+smiled. Then he spoke to Dave in the sign language of the divers.
+
+"This is the spot," he signed. "How soon does Captain Broadbeam
+calculate to let us go down?"
+
+"I think to-morrow," replied Dave.
+
+A long talk followed, by word of mouth on Dave's part and by signs on
+the part of the parent.
+
+It was a sad sight to see Amos Fearless try to talk with his mouth and
+fail. His tongue would cling to his teeth and refuse to budge. At last
+he turned away with tears in his eyes and Dave was equally affected.
+
+The remainder of the day was spent in getting the diving bell into
+shape for use.
+
+This was inspected with great care, for it was understood by all that
+the two divers, father and son, would be taking their lives in their
+hands in going down such an immense distance as contemplated.
+
+"It's queer we don't see anything of the _Raven_," said Dave to Captain
+Broadbeam.
+
+"Perhaps Lemuel Hankers knows enough to keep out of our reach," was
+the answer. "He may know that we--or rather, you--are on board and
+have exposed Pete Rackley, and he may wish to keep his own head out of
+danger."
+
+"That must be it."
+
+"If Hankers came near us I would be apt to make it hot for him."
+
+"And I'll do the same."
+
+It was a clear day overhead when Dave and his father entered the
+diving bell and were hoisted over the side of the _Swallow_.
+
+Slowly the immense cable unwound itself, letting the bell down deeper
+and deeper.
+
+Soon the light of day was shut out and all became as black as night and
+as cold as a tomb.
+
+Amos Fearless turned on the electric current and the diving bell sent
+out several rays of light.
+
+The light attracted numerous fish, who swam up swiftly, only to stop
+just as fast and gaze stupidly through the glass of the bell's sides.
+
+There was one fish in particular, commonly called the electric-light
+fish, the scientific name being linophyrne lucifer, which had what
+looked like an electric light on the end of its sharp snout and a
+rope-like appendage under its lower jaw. It had a square mouth and
+sharp, curved teeth, and a look which was enough to give an ordinary
+mortal a chill.
+
+"We must secure a specimen of that fish," said Amos Fearless, in the
+sign language. "The captain and the doctor spoke about it particularly."
+
+"And also a specimen of that long, thin thing," answered Dave,
+pointing to what is familiarly called in Borneo the ray of fire. The
+ray of fire is a white fish four or five feet long and less than three
+inches thick. It has silver scales which flash out like fire whenever
+it swims quickly.
+
+Soon they had reached the half-mile limit, and the diving bell came to
+a standstill.
+
+Then a door in the bell was opened and they prepared to spread out a
+strong net with which to catch what was desired.
+
+It was by no means an easy task--indeed, the most of a diver's labors
+are very hard, and before the net was properly adjusted both Dave and
+his parent were almost winded.
+
+Then they moved the diving bell around, from one spot to another, on
+the lookout for the electric-light fish and the ray of fire, so called.
+
+Soon they saw one of the electric-light fish in the vicinity.
+
+They had brought some bait along, and this was tied up in the net.
+
+The monstrous fish scented the bait and came forward slowly and
+cautiously.
+
+He was hungry, yet he did not altogether like the appearance of the
+diving bell.
+
+He had never seen a live human being before, although he had feasted
+upon the body of more than one dead sailor, coming down with some wreck.
+
+Amos Fearless and Dave remained as motionless as statues.
+
+Nearer and nearer came the electric-light fish.
+
+The light on his snout blinked and winked in an odd fashion and was
+once or twice turned upon Dave and his father.
+
+Then, like a flash, the monstrous fish swept into the net after the
+bait.
+
+Snap! went the line attached to the top of the net, and Dave and his
+father began pulling the net shut with might and main.
+
+They had to work like lightning, for, feeling that something was wrong,
+the electric-light fish began to thrash around at a lively rate.
+
+The net swept to and fro as the fish darted hither and thither in its
+efforts to escape.
+
+Bang!
+
+Up against the diving bell came net and fish with a shock that
+threatened to shiver the glass into a million fragments.
+
+"Shove away!" motioned Amos Fearless to his son, and Dave caught hold
+of a rod to which the net was fastened and the net was placed at a
+distance from the bell.
+
+At last the wonderful electric-light fish was a prisoner in the net. It
+still continued to thrash around, and fearful that he might break loose
+in spite of the strength of the net, Amos Fearless signaled to those on
+the ship to haul up the prize.
+
+Slowly the net ascended until it was out of sight and only the
+occasional blinking of the fish's light lit up the path he was taking
+to the outside world. Then even this died out.
+
+"A good haul," said Amos Fearless, in the sign language. "Now for that
+ray of fire and our day's work will be done. And I will be glad of it."
+
+"So will I be glad," answered Dave. "We'll want several days down here
+in order to get used to deep-sea work once more."
+
+The diving bell was supplied with a second net--smaller and of a much
+tighter mesh, and this they now put out in the hope of catching one of
+the rays of fire.
+
+Two were in the vicinity and eying the bell and those inside with much
+curiosity.
+
+"Nasty, snaky-looking things," observed Dave, as he helped to bait the
+net. "And they look wicked, too."
+
+"All of the deep-sea fish are wicked-looking," was the answer. "I never
+saw anything different."
+
+They waited for fully ten minutes before one of the strange fishes came
+up to the net.
+
+Then it darted inside and began biting at the bait.
+
+"We've got him!" cried Dave, and began to pull on the string which shut
+the net up.
+
+At once the ray of fire tried to escape.
+
+But it was too late, for the top of the net closed tight just as he
+shoved his nose against it.
+
+Then an odd thing happened.
+
+The fish began to lash around in a circle, emitting a strange sound
+like the roll of distant thunder.
+
+Sparks flew from its tail which dropped down into the water like the
+sparks from a Roman candle.
+
+"What a beautiful sight!" began Dave, when of a sudden he heard a
+swishing through the water.
+
+He turned, to behold his father in a truly perilous situation.
+
+The second ray of fire had come up and wound itself around Amos
+Fearless' neck.
+
+Its hard body was like a wand of rubber, and unless the fish were
+released the old diver would speedily be strangled to death!
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXV
+
+                            LEFT TO PERISH
+
+
+For one moment Dave Fearless' heart seemed to stop beating.
+
+The sight before him was a terrible one.
+
+Vainly was his father struggling to free himself from the deadly
+embrace of the creature which had attacked him.
+
+There were three coils of the ray of fire around the old diver's neck
+and these were slowly but surely choking the life out of the man.
+
+His eyes were bulging from their sockets--his tongue stuck from his
+mouth. In a few seconds more all would be over.
+
+Close at hand stuck a knife in a case on the wall of the diving bell.
+
+With a leap Dave secured the blade. Another leap and he was at his
+parent's side.
+
+But how should he attack the strange, snake-like fish? A false cut and
+he might stab his father in the throat.
+
+But he must act, or it would be too late.
+
+With a cautious movement of the knife he slit the fish along the back.
+
+There was a strange hissing and the ray of fire swung loose the end of
+its tail.
+
+It caught Dave around the wrist, holding that member as in a vise.
+
+At first the youth was inclined to drop the knife, but he managed to
+hold on.
+
+Then began an intensely interesting struggle between boy and fish.
+
+Dave tried his best to twist the hand around so that he might cut the
+fish a second time.
+
+He brought up his other hand, in an endeavor to transfer the knife, but
+as quick as a flash the ray of fire unloosened itself and caught both
+wrists.
+
+In its own way it was fighting for its mate, a prisoner in the net.
+
+Dave's two hands were now drawn tightly to his father's throat, as if
+the horrible monster of the deep meant to make the boy strangle his own
+parent!
+
+"I must get my hand free!" thought the young diver.
+
+Again he struggled, the sweat standing out on his forehead inside of
+his diving helmet.
+
+At last he managed to turn one wrist and got the point of the knife
+again into the fish's body.
+
+He cut and twisted as best he could and felt the ray of fire quiver
+with pain and rage.
+
+The fish could not stand the cutting and presently raised its head in
+order to make a new move.
+
+Exerting all of his strength, Dave made a slash at the head and cut
+into the light on the fish's snout.
+
+A rush of phosphorescent blood followed, and on the instant all of the
+light died out in the creature's body.
+
+Again Dave made a cut, striking deep into the fish, so deeply in fact
+that he made an ugly scratch on his father's neck.
+
+This last blow was too much for the ray of fire, and slowly it fell
+away and floated off, Dave did not know to where.
+
+Freed from his captor, Amos Fearless sank in a heap at the door of the
+diving bell.
+
+Was he dead?
+
+In frantic haste the youth pulled himself and his parent into the bell
+and shut the door.
+
+Then he gave a quick signal to be raised to the surface.
+
+There was no immediate answer, and a fresh alarm took possession of the
+young diver.
+
+"What does this mean? Why don't they pull us up?" he asked himself.
+
+Generally the life-line, as it is termed, is watched constantly, and
+every signal of a diver is acted upon on the instant.
+
+Were this not so, many a man of the deep would go down never to come up.
+
+A minute went by and still the signal remained unanswered.
+
+To the boy the time seemed an age.
+
+Feeling that his parent might die before being brought up, he began to
+empty the diving bell of water.
+
+There was a fresh-air hose attached to the bell, and as the water was
+forced out the air came in, until at last the bell was as dry as a
+hogshead that has been emptied.
+
+The moment the water was out, Dave began to work upon his diving suit.
+
+It was no easy job to get it off without assistance.
+
+Generally one diver helped the other, but he could obtain no aid from
+that form now lying stiff and motionless upon the floor of the diving
+bell.
+
+At last his arms and his head were free and he turned his attention to
+his parent.
+
+He unscrewed the helmet and then the rest of the old diver's suit.
+
+Amos Fearless was almost black in the face and there was an ugly mark
+around his throat, mingling with the blood from the scratch Dave had
+caused.
+
+Putting his ear to his parent's breast, the boy made out that his
+father still breathed faintly.
+
+In the diving bell was some liquor, to be used for restorative
+purposes, and some of this Dave poured down his father's throat.
+
+But still the man did not stir, and Dave began to rub his hands and
+move his arms, that his lungs might again get into working order.
+
+Ten minutes passed and at last Amos Fearless gave a slight gasp.
+
+Taking this for a good sign, Dave continued his labors and was
+presently rewarded by seeing his father open his eyes and shudder.
+
+"Father! are you all right now?" asked the boy.
+
+The only reply was a groan. But then Amos Fearless gave a long breath,
+and Dave knew that he was saved.
+
+"You had a narrow escape, father," he said. "The light fish tried to
+strangle you. I had to cut him to pieces with the knife. I cut you a
+little on the neck, but that couldn't be helped."
+
+Amos Fearless made a feeble sign. "I know--brave boy," was what he
+said, and caught his son by the hand.
+
+In the meantime the ray of fire in the net was still threshing around
+on the outside of the bell.
+
+But to this fish they now paid no attention.
+
+"Let us go up," signed Mr. Fearless, after a pause of a few minutes.
+
+"I have signaled," was the son's answer.
+
+"I will signal again."
+
+He pulled the cord several times in lively fashion.
+
+Then he waited--five seconds--ten seconds--a full minute. And still the
+diving bell did not move.
+
+"They have given up watching the life-line," he reasoned. "How
+careless! I'll give Captain Broadbeam a talking to when they do haul us
+up."
+
+"Something must be wrong," said the father, in his sign language.
+"Captain Broadbeam would not forget us in this fashion."
+
+Slowly the minutes went by and each instant father and son grew more
+anxious.
+
+They could not ascend of themselves, nor could they leave the diving
+bell and float to the surface.
+
+Had they left the bell without their suits the water would have crushed
+them, for the pressure was enormous at this distance under the surface.
+
+The air in the diving bell was anything but pure, and now of a sudden
+it stopped coming in altogether.
+
+"We are lost!" cried Dave. "We shall be smothered to death!"
+
+"I cannot believe Captain Broadbeam has forgotten us," signed Amos
+Fearless. "As I said before, something must be wrong!"
+
+The old diver was right; something was very wrong on board of the
+_Swallow_.
+
+While the two divers were at work under the surface of the ocean, a
+wild cry had arisen on board of the ship, a cry which thrilled everyone
+who heard it to the heart.
+
+It came from the cook's galley and was quickly taken up on all sides.
+
+"Fire! fire! The ship is on fire!"
+
+The report was true. Some fat on the cook's stove had boiled over and
+taken fire, and now the burning fat was flowing in all directions.
+
+It looked as if the _Swallow_ and all on board of her were doomed!
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVI
+
+                       THE BATTLE OF THE FISHES
+
+
+"Fire! fire! fire!"
+
+This cry, echoing throughout the _Swallow_, is the most dreadful that
+sailors on the high seas know.
+
+What hope is there for those on board of a ship going down in
+mid-ocean, thousands of miles from land?
+
+"We must put out that fire!" came from Captain Broadbeam. "Man the fire
+hose and send word to the engine room to turn on the water!"
+
+His orders were obeyed as quickly as possible.
+
+Yet everything takes time, and before the hose could be brought into
+play the cook's galley was a mass of flames from beginning to end.
+
+The wind was blowing the sparks directly forward, so the captain had
+the ship swung round, that the fire might be carried largely over the
+side.
+
+A bucket corps was formed and they, too, poured all the water possible
+on the conflagration.
+
+It was fierce, hot work, and for some time it looked as if the fire
+would get the best of the workers and destroy the _Swallow_.
+
+Small wonder then that Amos Fearless and Dave were for the time being
+forgotten.
+
+Ten minutes went by--twenty minutes--and both began to grow desperate.
+
+"We must perish!" groaned Dave.
+
+Amos Fearless shook his head, dismally.
+
+Both became too weak to stand up, and sank on the floor of the diving
+bell.
+
+The air was now stale and made them sleepy.
+
+Gradually Dave's eyes closed.
+
+He tried to arouse himself, but the effort was a failure.
+
+It was the beginning of the sleep of death, and the young diver knew it!
+
+He caught his father's hand and a warm grasp was exchanged in silence.
+
+After that all became as a dream to the young diver.
+
+He thought he was out in the ocean and that numerous fierce fish were
+swimming close to him.
+
+Then one large fish swallowed him and he found himself cut off from all
+air.
+
+He fought desperately and at last cut a hole in the fish's side and
+stepped out into the upper world.
+
+Oh, how good the fresh air tasted. He filled his lungs and took breath
+after breath--and then----
+
+Dave opened his eyes and stared vacantly around him. He was on the deck
+of the _Swallow_ and Doctor Barrell was bending over him, a look of
+deep anxiety on the kindly face.
+
+"Dave, how do you feel now?" came in anxious tones. "Can you breathe?"
+
+He could not answer excepting to take a long breath; but he now
+understood the situation. He had been hauled up to the _Swallow's_ deck
+and was saved! Then of a sudden he became unconscious again.
+
+Quarter of an hour later Dave found himself sitting up and swallowing
+some medicine Doctor Barrell was forcing into his mouth. He still felt
+very weak, and when he tried to stand, all swam before his eyes.
+
+"You must keep quiet, lad," said the doctor. "You have had a narrow
+escape from death."
+
+"My father----" began Dave. He could say no more.
+
+"He was brought up with you, of course."
+
+"And is he--is he----"
+
+"He is slowly recovering, but of course he is older than you and not so
+strong, and it will, consequently, take longer."
+
+"But he will get well?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+After that Dave was silent for a long while. Then Captain Broadbeam
+came in, his face covered with smoke and grime.
+
+"I suppose you thought we had deserted you," said the captain. "We had
+a hot time of it, I can tell you."
+
+"A hot time? What do you mean?"
+
+"Don't you know the ship has been afire, lad?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Well, it has been, and that's why we didn't haul you up before. I was
+afraid we were all bound for Davy Jones' locker, sure."
+
+Of course, Dave was surprised and he listened to the particulars of the
+fire with interest.
+
+"The galley is burned off clean and clear," said the captain, "and
+we've got an ugly hole in the forward deck. But otherwise the ship is
+all right."
+
+The remainder of the day was spent in cleaning up the muss, and then
+the ship's carpenter went to work, with several sailor assistants, to
+build a new galley and mend the burned deck.
+
+It was several days before Dave felt able to do any more diving, and
+even then it was only the thought of locating the sunken treasure that
+made him go down.
+
+Amos Fearless was too weak to do anything, so Dave had to go down alone.
+
+"Be sure and pull me up," said the young diver, as he was about to
+enter the diving bell.
+
+"I will see to that," replied Amos Fearless, in his sign language.
+"Don't stay down too long."
+
+Down and down into the dark and cold waters of the Pacific sank the
+diving bell.
+
+The trip before had been about half a mile; this time Dave intended to
+go down twice that distance.
+
+If this trip was successful he was resolved, on the next day, weather
+permitting, to go down to the very bottom, two miles below the surface.
+
+After what seemed a journey without end the diving bell came to a stop.
+
+The mile limit had been reached.
+
+The young diver turned on the electric lights and gazed around him,
+curiously.
+
+He gave a start of surprise, and not without reason.
+
+The waters were no longer dark and black.
+
+There was a peculiar glow of light coming up from somewhere below, and
+in the water floated something closely resembling smoke or clouds.
+
+"What did this mean?"
+
+"It's like another world," he thought. "And what strange fish!"
+
+But then he caught sight of something which filled him with alarm.
+
+A number of small fish had come up around the diving bell and were now
+swarming all over it, inside and out.
+
+Each fish was less than six inches long, but there were hundreds of
+them darting hither and thither, churning up the water as before, and
+emitting a strange, hissing sound.
+
+He tried to get back to the diving bell, but found the effort a failure.
+
+The fish swam against him, plunging and leaping, and finally turned
+him completely over.
+
+He was in the power of a new enemy, and what the end of this adventure
+would be there was no telling.
+
+The fish were indeed curious--some long and thin, others short and fat,
+but all with something extremely unusual in their make-up.
+
+One fish had horns on its head, another had wings like those of a bird,
+and many had feathers instead of scales on their bodies.
+
+And then came a fish shaped very much like a long, spiral spring, with
+a square-looking head and horns all of two feet long just over his
+eyes, which set out like two yellow and white eggs.
+
+"I must try and get you, my beauty," thought the young diver, and
+prepared to put out the net for that purpose.
+
+He had to work with care, being alone, and it took considerable time
+before he opened the diving bell and let in the water.
+
+The first thing that struck him when he felt the water on him was that
+it was no longer cold, but warm--even warmer than at the surface.
+
+This was not unpleasant, but he could not help but wonder how much
+hotter it might be at the very bottom.
+
+"This part of the ocean may be over a submarine volcano," he reasoned.
+"If that is so it will be boiling at the bottom, and to get to the
+wreck will be impossible."
+
+At last his net was set and he baited it with care.
+
+Then he waited.
+
+Several small fish came up and nibbled at his bait, but not the spiral
+fish he was after.
+
+"He's a shy one," thought Dave. "He's not going to be caught if he
+knows it."
+
+But at last the young diver was rewarded by seeing two of the spiral
+fish approaching.
+
+One apparently urged the other on, until both came into the net and
+began to chew at the bait, which was purposely very tough.
+
+With all speed Dave set to work to shut the net.
+
+This was no easy task for a single person, and in order to accomplish
+it the young diver had to step outside of the diving bell.
+
+He was just finishing up the task when a strange rushing behind him
+caused him to turn around.
+
+At first he could see but little, for the water behind him was churned
+up into a milk-white foam. Then he saw a great mass of little fishes
+pressing toward him.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXVII
+
+                           THE RIVAL DIVERS
+
+
+"Gosh, but this is something new!"
+
+So thought Dave Fearless as he tried to pass the little fish in order
+to get into the diving bell.
+
+But the little chaps were both frisky and powerful and got in his way
+continually.
+
+They smelt of his legs, his body and his head, and then each gave him a
+resounding slap with the tail.
+
+It was like a hundred tack hammers playing a tattoo over his entire
+body.
+
+Never had the young diver been in such a peculiar position before.
+
+At last he hit out straight ahead of him.
+
+It was like striking into a mass of jelly.
+
+The little fish flew in all directions, only to return the moment the
+young diver's arm was hauled back.
+
+Slowly but surely, however, he got closer to the diving bell.
+
+At last he gained the door and hauled himself inside by main strength.
+
+The bell was full of the tiny fish, and he had literally to squeeze
+them out in order to squeeze himself in.
+
+Once in the bell he hardly knew what to do next.
+
+To shut the door under the circumstances was out of the question.
+
+Yet he could not remain below the surface forever.
+
+But while he was meditating upon the unexpected turn of affairs some
+other fish came to his aid.
+
+They were long, fat fellows, with stomachs on them resembling balloons.
+
+There were a score or more of them, and they began to gobble down the
+little fish as rapidly as they could swallow them.
+
+A fight ensued between the little fish and the big fish, and in the end
+nearly all of the fish of both sorts left the vicinity of the diving
+bell for parts unknown.
+
+Realizing what was going on, Dave watched his chance and when only a
+few of each kind of fish remained in the diving bell he shut the door.
+
+Then he began to pump out the water, and at the same time signaled to
+those on the ship to raise him to the surface.
+
+"A splendid haul!" cried Doctor Barrell, on examining his strange
+catch. "Two spiral whipsnaps, to use the vulgar name, and half a dozen
+fish which are new to science."
+
+Captain Broadbeam had taken up one of the little fish and was examining
+it with interest.
+
+The fish was dead, having been cut open during the struggle in the
+diving bell.
+
+"He's got something inside of him that don't belong there, I reckon,"
+said the captain. "Creation, look here!"
+
+And he held up--a small gold coin!
+
+"A gold coin!" cried Dave. "A Chinese piece, too!"
+
+"You are right," said Doctor Barrell.
+
+"Perhaps it came from the sunken treasure," put in Amos Fearless, who
+stood near.
+
+"Perhaps."
+
+"Then the treasure must be down here, at the bottom of the ocean,"
+added Dave.
+
+"It's not unlikely," said the doctor. "Although such a fish might swim
+a long distance with such a coin in his insides."
+
+While the party was talking the matter over, and Doctor Barrell was
+preparing to place the spiral fish in a safe place, there came a cry
+from the lookout:
+
+"Sail oh!"
+
+"Where away?" cried Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"Dead ahead, sir."
+
+"Can you make her out?"
+
+"A steamer, sir."
+
+"Perhaps it is the _Raven_," said Dave. And his heart gave a leap.
+
+Slowly the newcomer came closer until, at noon, she was within hailing
+distance.
+
+She was really the _Raven_ and she came up boldly, with Lemuel Hankers,
+Bart, and several others on her deck.
+
+The _Raven_ would have gained the spot several days before, but an
+unexpected breakdown of her machinery had caused a delay.
+
+The wait was maddening to Lemuel Hankers and his son, yet their rage
+did them no good.
+
+The _Raven_ came to a standstill when within hailing distance of the
+_Swallow_.
+
+"_Raven_, ahoy!" shouted Captain Broadbeam, through his speaking
+trumpet.
+
+"Ahoy, the _Swallow_!" came back from Captain Nesik.
+
+"You're a pretty set of rascals!" burst out the honest commander of
+the Government vessel.
+
+"Don't talk that way to us!" retorted Captain Nesik.
+
+"Why didn't you rescue us from the savages?"
+
+"We were running on a reef and had to look after our ship," was the
+lame excuse.
+
+"You're a set of rascals!" burst out Dave Fearless, and he shook his
+fist at those on the _Raven_.
+
+"Don't call me a rascal!" ejaculated Lemuel Hankers.
+
+"But you are one, and your son is another," came from Dave. "The mask
+is off, and in the future you had better keep your distance, or there
+will be trouble for you."
+
+"What are you doing here?" demanded Bart, leaning on the rail.
+
+"You know well enough."
+
+"You are after the sunken treasure."
+
+"If we are it is because it belongs to my father and myself," retorted
+Dave.
+
+"We are on the high seas," came from Lemuel Hankers. "The treasure was
+abandoned, and it will belong to whoever succeeds in raising it--if it
+can be raised."
+
+"By gum! I reckon he's right there," muttered Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"Well, we intend to raise it, so you had better clear out," said Dave,
+boldly.
+
+At this there arose a howl of derision from those on the _Raven_.
+
+"Go ahead and do as you please," came from Lemuel Hankers. "But let
+me tell you, you have got to have pretty slick divers to get ahead of
+those I have hired."
+
+"Whom have you?" questioned Captain Broadbeam, curiously.
+
+"I am not afraid to let you know--Cal Vixen and Sam Walton."
+
+At this announcement the faces of Captain Broadbeam, Amos Fearless, and
+Dave fell.
+
+Cal Vixen and Sam Walton were known to be the best divers on the
+Pacific coast.
+
+What Amos Fearless and his son had done on the Atlantic shore for the
+Government, Cal Vixen and Sam Walton had accomplished on the Pacific
+shore.
+
+"Rivals for fair!" murmured Dave.
+
+"Yes, my lad," answered Captain Broadbeam. "I reckon it will be nip an'
+tuck between ye!" And he shook his head doubtfully.
+
+There was a pause in the talk.
+
+"Have you a castaway on board?" questioned Lemuel Hankers, at length.
+
+"No, but we've got a prisoner named Pete Rackley," answered Captain
+Broadbeam, with a chuckle.
+
+"A prisoner!"
+
+"Exactly--and you know what for, Lemuel Hankers, you old fraud!" said
+Dave.
+
+"I? I know nothing."
+
+"You know everything. Your well-laid plot failed to work, and Pete
+Rackley shall remain a prisoner until we can hand him over to the
+United States authorities."
+
+A wordy quarrel followed, and presently the two rival divers came
+forward.
+
+"We are going down to-morrow," said Vixen, the leader of the pair. "If
+you go down, mind and keep your distance."
+
+"You mind and keep yours!" retorted Dave. "Remember, neither I nor my
+father can be scared by you."
+
+"We have been hired to bring up that treasure and we mean to do it."
+
+"I expect to do the same thing--and you shall not stop me."
+
+"All right. Only look out, or you'll be running up a lot of trouble on
+your back!" came from Vixen, and then he and his mate fell back, and
+the two ships drifted apart, out of talking distance.
+
+"They mean business," said Dave, to Captain Broadbeam.
+
+"Yes, and they will cause you a lot of trouble if they can," replied
+the captain. "Watch them closely, every time they come near you."
+
+The next day the hunt for the sunken treasure began in earnest.
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+                        THE DEMONS OF THE DEEP
+
+
+As early in the day as possible Captain Broadbeam made another
+astronomical calculation and worked out the position of the _Swallow_
+on his set of charts.
+
+It was found that the ship lay about one hundred yards to the westward
+of where the _Happy Hour_ was reported to have gone down.
+
+This was not much, but the captain immediately gave orders that the
+ship be brought to the correct position.
+
+"You'll have work enough locating her as it is," said the captain.
+"More than likely the ocean current has shifted her considerably."
+
+Luckily Amos Fearless was now feeling much better, having quite
+recovered from his experience at the time of the fire on the ship.
+
+With the _Raven_ on the scene, it was decided by father and son that
+the diving bell should be taken directly to the ocean's bottom, if the
+thing could be accomplished.
+
+"I know we are running a risk," said the old diver, in his sign
+language, "but we must be the first to discover the _Happy Hour_, no
+matter what the cost. To suffer defeat would kill me."
+
+By ten o'clock in the morning the diving bell was over the side and
+father and son had entered it.
+
+Those on the _Raven_ were also getting out a diving bell, and Vixen and
+Walton were busy overhauling their deep-sea outfits.
+
+It was indeed to be a race for the treasure.
+
+Soon Dave and his parent had left the outside world behind and were
+going down and down into the mighty ocean's depths.
+
+On this occasion it had been agreed not to look for anything but the
+sunken treasure ship; consequently, the fish net and several other
+similar appliances had been left behind.
+
+In their places the diving bell contained several tools for digging
+and hauling and also several under-water firearms, for use against
+a possible enemy. In addition to the firearms, father and son had
+provided themselves with long and sharp knives.
+
+"There is no telling what we may run across away down there," said Amos
+Fearless, in his sign language. "We are taking our lives in our hands,
+to my way of thinking."
+
+And what he said was true--as events speedily proved.
+
+Soon they passed through the darker portion of the ocean and knew that
+the first mile of the downward journey had been covered.
+
+Then those above lowered more slowly and watched keenly for the first
+signal that danger might be encountered by those below.
+
+"See, it is growing lighter," said Dave, presently, and turned off the
+electric lights.
+
+His father had his hand upon the glass side of the diving bell.
+
+"It is also growing warmer," motioned the parent, in his sign language.
+
+A mile and a half had been covered and now the waters of the ocean were
+so clear and light that they could see for a hundred feet about them.
+
+The water glistened and sparkled like diamonds as it washed against the
+sides of the diving bell.
+
+"The light is growing brighter," observed Dave, presently. "Isn't it
+wonderful!"
+
+They now felt they were approaching the bottom of the Pacific, for the
+diving bell was moving very slowly. Soon they saw great, ribbon-like
+grasses, the ends floating upward past the diving bell.
+
+At this Amos Fearless shook his head.
+
+"We don't want to get caught in those grasses," he signed. "They may
+prove worse than ropes of wire."
+
+Suddenly a slight jar on the bottom of the diving bell told them that
+the machine had struck something. It no longer descended, but wabbled
+from side to side.
+
+At once Amos Fearless signaled through the air-tube to stop lowering.
+Then a small glass trap was opened in the diving bell's bottom.
+
+Through this they saw what had caused the machine to stop. It was
+caught in the top-most branches of a submarine tree. Below them, upon
+all sides, was a regular submarine forest.
+
+The trees were two to three hundred feet tall, twisted and gnarled in
+all directions, with branches stretching out of their sight.
+
+Some of the trees boasted of most gorgeous flowers, while from others
+floated what looked like luscious fruits.
+
+Below the trees could be seen strange mosses and sponges, of every
+imaginable hue and shape, and between them bushes and creeping vines.
+
+"This is a submarine paradise!" whispered Dave. "Did you ever dream of
+anything so lovely?"
+
+"Lovely--and dangerous!" came from Amos Fearless. And then he added: "I
+see nothing of the _Happy Hour_."
+
+He was right--there was no sign of a sunken ship anywhere.
+
+"Let us take the diving bell in a grand circle around this spot,"
+suggested Dave.
+
+His father agreed, providing the thing could be accomplished without
+positive danger.
+
+To move around, they had to pull the machine along from one tree-top to
+another by means of the crab-like claws attached to the bottom.
+
+The diving bell worked like a charm and soon a distance of several
+hundred yards had been covered.
+
+Sometimes the crab-like claws would slip on the tree-tops and at others
+the trees would break off with a dull, snapping report. When this would
+happen the sap flowing from the tree would be pure yellow in color.
+
+In order to see at a great distance Amos Fearless now adjusted a
+powerful light which had been brought along, using a small reflector
+behind it.
+
+Suddenly Dave let out a cry:
+
+"The rival divers!"
+
+He was right. At a great distance he had seen the other diving bell
+coming down.
+
+It contained Vixen and Walton. Bart Hankers had said he was coming down
+with them, but had backed out at the last moment, much to the divers'
+satisfaction, for they had counted that he would only be in their way.
+
+As swiftly as the other diving bell had come into view, it now faded
+from sight beyond another portion of the great submarine forest.
+
+"They are close upon our heels," muttered Dave, and again Amos Fearless
+shook his head, doubtfully.
+
+At last the diving bell gained the edge of the forest and came to a
+rest upon one of the banks of moss of many colors.
+
+A short distance away the bank sloped downward into a sort of valley.
+
+Here it was darker, and what there was at the bottom of the valley
+there was no telling without an investigation.
+
+Should they leave the diving bell upon an exploring tour?
+
+They debated the subject for several minutes.
+
+It would be a risky thing to do, although as yet they had encountered
+no strange fish or marine monsters at this great depth.
+
+With care they adjusted their diving suits and then armed themselves
+with their knives and submarine guns.
+
+Then the door of the bell was opened slowly.
+
+The pressure of the water became enormous and their suits of steel
+creaked as if to crash in upon them, as a shell can squeeze in upon the
+inside of an egg.
+
+But they had calculated upon all this, and the suits held as expected.
+
+When they stepped out upon the moss they found it as soft and yielding
+as a thick velvet carpet.
+
+They advanced with caution toward the edge of the slope before them,
+casting their eyes continually upon all sides for the first sign of
+danger.
+
+They had thus gone a distance of two hundred feet when Dave pointed to
+a mound to their right.
+
+He had seen something strange moving among the moss.
+
+Of a sudden the moss was uplifted like a blanket and the young diver
+fell back in amazement.
+
+Before him stood a monster as startling as it was horrible.
+
+Whether it was fish, beast, or demon, he could not tell, but it was
+certainly so awful that his very heart appeared to stop beating as he
+gazed upon it.
+
+It had a long, round body, fat and blubbery, with two legs in the
+center, two arms near the neck, and at the end the tail of a fish.
+
+The head was shaped like a huge pear, with eyes blinking savagely from
+either side of a nose which was as long and pointed as a cow's horn.
+
+The mouth of the demon was wide open, showing a double row of sharp,
+bluish teeth and a tongue covered with yellow slime.
+
+All told, the creature was at least ten feet long, and when it stood up
+it towered well over the heads of the two divers.
+
+On the instant Dave raised his gun, but his father was before him, and
+a bullet from Amos Fearless' submarine gun took the demon squarely in
+the breast.
+
+Hardly had the bullet reached its mark than the demon uttered a roar
+which rang in the divers' ears like thunder.
+
+As if by magic the roar was answered from half a dozen near-by places
+and the moss was flung right and left.
+
+The demons of the ocean's bottom had been sleeping, and the roar had
+aroused them to a sense of danger.
+
+They came walking and swimming up from every direction, and in a
+twinkle Amos Fearless and Dave found themselves surrounded and
+hopelessly cut off from the diving bell!
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXIX
+
+                      THE ESCAPE FROM THE DEMONS
+
+
+It was a situation calculated to make the stoutest heart quail.
+
+Amos Fearless and Dave were surrounded by the demons of the deep!
+
+The horrible ocean monsters pressed close upon them, their big eyes
+fairly starting from their heads, their long arms working convulsively,
+and their sweeping tails working the brine up into a milk-white foam.
+
+Evidently the battle-cry had gone forth, for more monsters were coming
+up each instant.
+
+Father and son looked at each other mutely. Both felt that the end must
+be near.
+
+The din increased, and being under water was so painful to the two
+divers that they almost fainted from the concussions.
+
+In the midst of the uproar, however, there came a sudden and dead
+silence.
+
+Other monsters were approaching, leading to the scene a monster larger
+than the rest. It was the king of the submarine demons.
+
+At the approach of the king all the others fell back.
+
+The king advanced, with eyes as staring as his followers, but with a
+tail that was motionless.
+
+Ten feet from Amos Fearless and Dave he halted.
+
+For a moment nothing was done upon either side.
+
+Evidently the king of the demons was calculating the best manner of
+attacking the strange objects which had appeared in his realm.
+
+He had seen the dead bodies of human beings, but never had he beheld
+live human beings, with skins of steel and rubber.
+
+At last he came up cautiously and put out one long and bony hand
+towards Dave.
+
+The movement was so slow that Dave was filled more with curiosity than
+with fear.
+
+The king of the demons felt of Dave's legs, his body and his arms.
+
+Then he took hold of the submarine gun and suddenly wrenched it from
+the young diver's grasp.
+
+With the gun he went back to his followers.
+
+In the meantime the demon that had been shot was slowly dying,
+surrounded by a number of his friends.
+
+As soon as he was dead the others rent him limb from limb and began to
+eat him up!
+
+They were cannibals!
+
+The king of the demons handled the gun he had taken rather gingerly,
+nevertheless his hand, or paw, struck the trigger, and the submarine
+weapon was discharged full into the face of another demon sitting near.
+
+A wild sound immediately arose, and as the shot demon fell back dead,
+several other demons closed in upon the king.
+
+Soon the monsters were fighting wildly among themselves. The water was
+dyed half a dozen shades, shutting in the fighters as in a cloud.
+
+Amos Fearless touched Dave on the arm and motioned his son to follow
+him.
+
+The young diver understood, and in haste the pair withdrew from the
+circle of combat.
+
+Then they literally ran for the diving bell.
+
+It was a fearful strain upon each, for their diving suits weighed
+seventy-five pounds apiece.
+
+They were still a score of feet from the bell when some of the demons
+saw them running and started in pursuit.
+
+"We are lost now!" thought Dave, but continued to run, and urged his
+parent before him.
+
+At last both gained the diving bell, all but exhausted.
+
+Entering, they snapped the door shut and sent the signal up.
+
+Soon the bell was rising. To assist, they began to pump the water out
+of the bell.
+
+The demons swarmed all around the bell, but did not dare to touch the
+glass sides or the crab-like claws.
+
+Soon the bell passed from the zone of submarine light and then the
+demons dropped back, for they could not breathe in the upper portions
+of the ocean.
+
+The bell cleared of water, father and son took off their diving suits.
+
+"Thank Heaven we are out of that!" came in the sign language from Amos
+Fearless.
+
+"We were lucky to escape," answered Dave, earnestly. "But, father, the
+treasure--how will we ever get at it, with those demons around?"
+
+At this the old diver shook his head slowly.
+
+It was a problem difficult, if not impossible, to solve.
+
+"I wouldn't like to meet those fellows again for a million dollars,"
+went on Dave.
+
+And his father agreed with him.
+
+It seemed a long while before they emerged from the ocean, at the side
+of the _Swallow_.
+
+Those on the ship lost no time in bringing them on board and
+questioning them regarding what they had discovered.
+
+The story about the demons was listened to with keen interest by Doctor
+Barrell.
+
+"Ah, they must belong to the lost order of chilusia damondaribytis!"
+cried the learned man. "They are supposed to have lived at one time
+upon the lost continent of Atlantis. But if so, how did they come here,
+in the middle of the Pacific? It is a great mystery. You must bring up
+one of them in the net."
+
+"Thanks, but I don't want the job," replied Dave, quickly.
+
+"But, my dear young man, think of the interest to science--the--the
+great fame it will bring you."
+
+"Not if the chilu-what's-his-name chews me up, doctor. You just ought
+to see them. Why, they are enough to give you bad dreams for a month."
+
+"Then I will go down myself in the diving bell. If it is light, as you
+say, perhaps I can get some snapshot photographs of them," went on the
+learned man.
+
+"What if they take it into their heads to smash the diving bell to
+pieces?"
+
+"Cannot you keep them at a distance with the submarine firearms?"
+
+"Hardly; but I was thinking we might take down some submarine
+torpedoes," went on Dave, suddenly.
+
+The matter was talked over for fully an hour, and at last it was
+decided that another trial should be made the next day, and the divers
+should take along two submarine torpedoes, with which to blow up the
+demons should the latter molest them.
+
+In the meantime Captain Broadbeam had his glass trained upon the
+_Raven_, and presently he announced that the diving bell from that ship
+was coming up.
+
+All watched eagerly for the reappearance of Vixen and Walton, the rival
+divers.
+
+At last the men were hauled up on the deck of the _Raven_.
+
+It was seen that Walton was injured and had to be carried to the cabin
+by some of the sailors.
+
+The rival divers had met only two of the demons of the deep, but an
+awful conflict had occurred, and Walton had had his left arm nearly
+torn from the socket and was suffering from the effects of the water
+which had poured into his diving suit.
+
+"I'll not go down again," announced Vixen. "Not for a thousand dollars
+a trip."
+
+"What, you don't intend to give up the search already?" cried Lemuel
+Hankers, in horror.
+
+"I do."
+
+"But you agreed to find the _Happy Hour_," put in Bart. "You must stick
+to your agreement."
+
+"It's wuss nor putting your head into a lion's mouth," persisted Cal
+Vixen. "If you don't believe it, go down yourself."
+
+"I will go down--if you'll go with me," said Bart. He was so anxious to
+get the Washington fortune that his former timidity was overcome.
+
+Vixen held out all day about going down again, but several drinks
+of liquor at last made him bolder, and he agreed to try once more,
+providing Bart would go with him, and providing the bell was stored
+with explosives with which to fight off the demons if they showed
+themselves again.
+
+The day proved cloudy, and it looked as if a storm were brewing.
+
+"But I don't reckon we'll get it right away," said Captain Broadbeam.
+"And if you want to get ahead of the _Raven's_ crowd you had better go
+down. I see they are getting ready to put their bell over again."
+
+At half-past nine the _Swallow's_ diving bell was hoisted into the
+Pacific once more, and Dave and his father entered it.
+
+"We may never see you again, captain," said the young diver. "If we
+don't, good-by!"
+
+A minute later the diving bell disappeared beneath the surface of the
+mighty Pacific.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXX
+
+                           IN A DIVING BELL
+
+
+Down and down went the bell.
+
+The spot chosen was about five hundred feet to the northward of where
+the bell had gone down before--directly over the valley the divers had
+discovered.
+
+Amos Fearless was of the opinion that if the _Happy Hour_ was at all in
+that vicinity she must lie at the bottom of the valley.
+
+The dark zone of waters was passed, and now they came into the light
+once more.
+
+The water was warm and as clear as crystal, showing nothing of the dye
+and foam produced by the battle of the deep-sea monsters.
+
+A number of curious fish sailed past the diving bell--fish which they
+had not seen before.
+
+One was jet-black and shaped exactly like a pillow tied in the middle.
+
+Another was red, white, and blue, with six eyes which shone like stars
+of silver.
+
+"That's a regular starry-flag fish," was Dave's comment. "I wonder if
+we can take the sight of that for a good sign?"
+
+"Let us hope so," answered Amos Fearless, in his sign language.
+
+The old diver's voice was gradually improving, and that morning he had
+spoken a few words to Dave in a hoarse whisper.
+
+At last they came in sight of that mossy plain, which, the day before,
+had almost been the scene of their death.
+
+The diving bell was halted and they gazed around sharply for some sign
+of the demons.
+
+Not a monster of the deep was in sight.
+
+The moss was torn up on all sides, and here and there lay parts of
+bodies and bones, but that was all.
+
+"Perhaps they all killed each other," suggested Dave.
+
+"Let us hope so," came from his father.
+
+The mossy plain was now passed, and gradually the diving bell slipped
+down the slope of the valley beyond.
+
+Here the light was not so good and they had to turn on the electricity.
+
+At the bottom of the valley grew a number of submarine trees and
+bushes, with vines which sent up their swaying bodies several hundreds
+of feet into the crystal-like water.
+
+At last the diving bell came to a stop at the very bottom of the
+valley, among the trees.
+
+They signaled to stop lowering and then brought out a tiny searchlight
+which had been brought along.
+
+This was swept in every direction.
+
+Suddenly Dave uttered an exclamation:
+
+"Look! There is something which resembles a ship's stern!"
+
+The young diver was right. Far down the valley his eye had beheld some
+woodwork, half buried in the muck and moss.
+
+In a few minutes both father and son were working the claw-like feet of
+the diving bell and moving toward the wreckage in crab-like fashion.
+
+As they advanced they saw a dark object above them coming down swiftly.
+
+Amos Fearless caught his son by the arm and both drew back.
+
+Then Dave gave a start.
+
+The dark object was the diving bell from the _Raven_!
+
+The bell contained Cal Vixen, Lemuel Hankers, and Bart.
+
+Dave motioned to his father in the sign language of the divers:
+
+"Come, let us get to the wreck first."
+
+Amos Fearless caught his son by the arm and moved forward once more.
+
+But the rival diving bell was between them and their object, and they
+had to make a semicircle with their own diving bell.
+
+The rivals now saw the bell from the _Swallow_, and as both bells came
+closer, Lemuel Hankers shook his fist at the Fearlesses.
+
+"You're a cheerful enemy," was Dave's dry comment.
+
+Soon our friends were close to the wreckage, and Dave gave a shout:
+
+"The _Happy Hour_! See, the name is on the stern!"
+
+He was right, the wreck was indeed that of the ship for which they had
+searched so long.
+
+The second diving bell now came up and came to a standstill directly at
+the side of the wreck.
+
+But Dave was the first on board, and as Vixen approached he motioned to
+the rival diver in the sign language:
+
+"We claim this wreck, which we discovered first."
+
+"We claim the wreck," returned Cal Vixen.
+
+And he made several motions to Lemuel Hankers and his son.
+
+It soon looked as if there would be a fight then and there, but this
+would have been suicidal for all hands.
+
+Yet when Dave and his father tried to enter the cabin of the _Happy
+Hour_, Cal Vixen attempted to bar their way.
+
+Instantly Amos Fearless seized the rival diver and hurled him back.
+
+"Touch me or my son and you will pay dearly for it," he motioned to
+Vixen.
+
+At this the rival diver fell back, knowing full well that Amos Fearless
+was not a person with whom to trifle.
+
+Slowly and cautiously Dave entered the cabin of the _Happy Hour_.
+
+His father followed, and at a respectable distance came Cal Vixen and
+the two Hankers.
+
+The cabin was badly wrecked, and in it nothing of value remained.
+
+"I wonder if we can get down into the hold," thought Dave, and motioned
+to his father.
+
+"We will try," came back from the old diver. "But be careful, or you
+won't get out alive."
+
+The pair advanced with great caution, going down through the forward
+hatch.
+
+In the meantime the rival party entered the hold by the rear hatch.
+
+It was very dark, and the electric light shone but dimly here, for the
+water was so foul it contaminated the air they carried.
+
+To the intense surprise of all, the hold of the _Happy Hour_ was
+absolutely bare!
+
+Dave could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses.
+
+The great treasure was gone!
+
+Their trip to the middle of the Pacific and to the bottom of that
+mighty ocean had availed them nothing.
+
+Father and son stared helplessly at each other and then at the rival
+party.
+
+All were equally dumfounded.
+
+The rage of the Hankers knew no bounds.
+
+Lemuel Hankers would not believe the truth, and had Cal Vixen go with
+him and Bart on a thorough search throughout the wreck, and all around
+it.
+
+It was useless; the _Happy Hour_ and the vicinity were absolutely bare
+of the first trace of gold, or, in fact, of anything of value.
+
+With heavy hearts the Hankers party returned to their diving bell.
+
+"The jig is up!" cried Bart, as soon as he was inside and could speak.
+"Oh, what a sell!"
+
+"I was mad to believe in it!" came from Lemuel Hankers. "And to think
+that I have spent thousands of dollars on a fool's errand!" And tears
+of miserly rage flowed down his cheeks.
+
+"I reckon we might as well go up," put in Cal Vixen. He, too, was
+disgusted.
+
+They gave the signal, and gradually their diving bell began to leave
+the valley at the ocean's bottom.
+
+But less than quarter of a mile of the distance to the surface was
+covered when there came a shock on top of the diving bell which sent
+all inside sprawling headlong.
+
+Then came another shock and the water began to pour into the bell.
+
+Some great monster of the deep had hit the bell and cracked some of the
+upper joints.
+
+The collision showed those above that something was wrong, and they
+began to haul in faster than ever.
+
+But great damage had been done also to the monster, which was somewhat
+similar to a deep-sea whale.
+
+He became entangled in the guide line of the diving bell and was
+hauled up to the surface in spite of himself.
+
+"Hullo, what's this?" cried Captain Nesik, when the monster came into
+view.
+
+Then ensued a battle royal for fully five minutes.
+
+At last the monster was cut loose and disappeared, with a loud splash,
+into the ocean.
+
+Then the diving bell was hoisted aboard and opened.
+
+It was found that those inside had been almost drowned, and all were
+unable to help themselves and had to be carried to the ship's cabin.
+Here they lingered for many hours between life and death.
+
+The diving bell was ruined, and it was doubtful if another search for
+the treasure could be made by the Hankers' party.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XXXI
+
+                   THE TREASURE AT LAST--CONCLUSION
+
+
+Little dreaming of the accident which had overtaken their rivals, Amos
+Fearless and Dave returned to their own diving bell.
+
+The heart of each was heavy, and for several minutes neither felt like
+speaking.
+
+"A wild-goose chase," said the old diver at last. "I might have known
+it would prove so."
+
+"But what has become of the gold?" returned Dave. "It couldn't walk off
+of itself."
+
+"That is true. Perhaps those on board of the _Happy Hour_ took it off,
+when they found the ship was about to sink."
+
+"But they never brought any of the treasure to land."
+
+"No--at least, none that was reported. They might have done such a
+thing in secret."
+
+"Supposing we move the bell around and make another search," suggested
+Dave. "The demons appear to have vanished."
+
+They pumped in a fresh supply of air and then moved around in a large
+circle.
+
+It was hard work, and the confinement of the diving bell gave each a
+headache and a strange ringing in the ears.
+
+Presently they came to a curiously shaped mound of shells, covered with
+moss.
+
+"Hullo, what's this?" said Dave. "Hang me if it doesn't look like the
+home of some submarine animal. Perhaps it's a meeting house for those
+demons."
+
+"If it is, we had better move on," replied Amos Fearless, in the sign
+language.
+
+But Dave was curious to investigate, and presently they replaced their
+helmets, took in some fresh air, and sallied forth to examine the mound.
+
+Inside all was damp--a dampness different from that produced by the
+water around them.
+
+The mound proved to be hollow, with the walls covered with brilliant
+seashells of all colors.
+
+At the top was a round hole to admit light.
+
+In the center was a smaller mound, with a curious hump in the middle.
+
+"Nothing here," signed Amos Fearless, when of a sudden something
+glittering caught Dave's eye.
+
+He stooped and picked up--a gold coin!
+
+In a moment he was digging away at the small mound in the center of the
+shell-like structure.
+
+The moss came away readily, and to their gaze was disclosed--a heap of
+shining gold!
+
+"The treasure!" burst from the young diver. "Found at last!"
+
+His father was equally pleased.
+
+The gold was mixed with bits of other bright metal and glass, for
+whoever had stored it there had known no difference in value and had
+simply made a collection of stuff bright to the eye.
+
+"Let us go back and fill up the diving bell," said Amos Fearless, by
+signs.
+
+Dave was more than willing, and they soon had the diving bell as close
+as possible to the door of the mound.
+
+They had brought several bags along, and into these they began heaping
+the gold.
+
+It was hard work, but this they did not mind.
+
+The finding of the treasure meant to them a lifetime of leisure, had
+they a mind to take it.
+
+At last the bags were full and still more of the gold remained.
+
+"We will pile it on the floor of the diving bell," signed Amos
+Fearless. "Let us make one trip of it. After this I never wish to visit
+the bottom of the sea again."
+
+Both worked steadily, and in half an hour had every piece of gold in
+sight picked up.
+
+They were just taking the last of the gold to the diving bell when a
+horrible roar broke upon their ears.
+
+The demons of the deep were returning to the locality.
+
+"Quick!" cried Dave. "Or it will be all up with us!"
+
+Father and son ran for the diving bell.
+
+But now the demons saw them and the roar increased.
+
+Soon fully fifty of the ferocious creatures were leaping and swimming
+toward the mound.
+
+Their sharp teeth clicked together as if anxious to bury themselves in
+the bodies of the human beings.
+
+With all haste Amos Fearless and Dave got into the diving bell. But
+before they could close the door one of the demons was upon them.
+
+He caught the old diver by the head, intending to pull that member from
+the rest of the body.
+
+Dave's heart leaped into his throat, yet his presence of mind did not
+desert him.
+
+Raising one of the submarine guns he blazed away and caught the monster
+of the deep straight in the mouth and throat.
+
+Mortally wounded, the demon fell back, one arm still within the doorway
+of the diving bell.
+
+As quickly as possible Amos Fearless turned and shoved the arm outside.
+
+Dave was about to close the door when his father motioned him to desist.
+
+Then the old diver caught up one of the torpedoes which had been
+brought along, set its clock-like movements in motion, and hurled it
+forth among the approaching company of demons.
+
+It fell in their midst, and, attracted by the shining metallic covering
+of the torpedo, all crowded around the object.
+
+As they did this, the door of the diving bell was closed and the signal
+was sent up to hoist away immediately.
+
+Hardly had the diving bell begun to move when a fearful shock made it
+quiver from top to bottom and cracked one of the glass sides.
+
+The torpedo had exploded, dealing death and destruction among the
+demons of the deep, impossible to describe.
+
+Fully a score of the monsters were utterly annihilated, while nearly
+every one of the others was badly wounded.
+
+One that escaped came after the diving bell, trying vainly to destroy
+the bell and those inside.
+
+But an unlucky movement caused the demon to come in contact with one of
+the crab-like claws of the bell, and seeing this, Dave worked the claw
+instantly, thus making the demon a prisoner.
+
+The creature flopped violently, but as the bell ascended to the upper
+waters of the ocean, it seemed to become stunned, and before the
+surface was gained it lay utterly helpless.
+
+Soon the diving bell was hoisted aboard of the _Swallow_.
+
+"The gold at last!" cried Captain Broadbeam. "Hurrah! I was afraid
+something awful had happened."
+
+"And the wonderful monster," put in Doctor Barrell. "What an odd
+creature! It will make a grand exhibition at the Smithsonian
+Institution."
+
+"You'll have to pickle him in alcohol, doctor," said Dave, with a laugh.
+
+Both Amos Fearless and Dave were very weak from having remained at the
+ocean's bottom so long, and it was several days before either felt
+entirely like himself again.
+
+Strange to say, however, the trip after the treasure had helped Mr.
+Fearless' organs of speech, and soon he could talk almost as well as
+ever.
+
+"This is the best yet," declared Dave. "It's better than finding the
+treasure."
+
+"I am thankful from the bottom of my heart," answered the old diver,
+and his face showed that he spoke the truth.
+
+"I don't think that I want to go to the bottom of the Pacific again,
+father."
+
+"Nor I, Dave. It is too full of perils."
+
+The storm that had been threatening broke the next day, and was a great
+strain on the _Swallow_ and likewise on the _Raven_. The latter ship
+sprung a leak, and the _Swallow_ stood by, ready to offer assistance if
+she should go down.
+
+During that time those on the _Raven_ heard of the finding of the
+treasure.
+
+"I claim half of that treasure," said Lemuel Hankers.
+
+"You'll never get it," replied Amos Fearless, firmly.
+
+When the two ships separated it was discovered by those on the
+_Swallow_ that Pete Rackley was missing.
+
+"Do you know what I think?" said Dave. "I think he escaped to the
+_Raven_."
+
+"Well, let him go," said Captain Broadbeam. "We can well afford to do
+without him."
+
+"Do you think the Hankers will make any further trouble for us?" asked
+Dave of his father.
+
+"That remains to be seen," answered Amos Fearless. The Hankers and
+their friends did try to make trouble, and how will be told in another
+volume, to be called "The Cruise of the Treasure Ship; or, The
+Castaways of Floating Island."
+
+After the storm the weather cleared off nicely, and then Captain
+Broadbeam lost no time in beginning the long journey to San Francisco.
+
+"I suppose you want to bank that gold as soon as possible," he said to
+Amos Fearless.
+
+"Yes, I shall not feel safe about it until it is stored in some bank
+vault," was the answer.
+
+"And father and I intend to give all on board of this ship their just
+share of the treasure," put in Dave.
+
+"Well, I shan't complain of that," returned Captain Broadbeam, with a
+smile. "You've got a big pile and no mistake."
+
+"Won't the folks at home stare when they hear the news!" said Dave to
+his father. "Why, we'll have enough money to buy half of the town, and
+more."
+
+"I shall be glad of one thing, Dave."
+
+"You want to give up diving?"
+
+"Yes, I feel that I am getting too old for the work. Besides, I am
+afraid of losing my power of speech again."
+
+"Then give it up by all means, father." And the youth gave his parent a
+hug which meant a great deal.
+
+The outlook was very bright for both father and son; and here we will
+leave them, knowing that neither will ever forget the day when he met
+the rival divers and went down to the bottom of the Pacific for the
+sunken treasure.
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76085 ***