epth, and the oysters
lay on the bottom, with some clusters clinging to the rocks, where
they could be torn off like sponges.

It can be understood that the work of removing these would be almost
impossible for any one excepting a professional diver, unless, as was
the case with our friends, he should have some artificial assistance.
But for the diving-armor, it is hardly possible that Abe Storms would
have made a serious attempt to secure anything, knowing the danger
from sharks, and the difficulty of retaining his breath for any
extended time below the surface of the water.

It was near the middle of the afternoon when this spot was reached.
The sea was calm, but there were signs in the sky ominous of a coming
storm, so that the two were anxious to make a beginning without any
unnecessary delay. Stooping almost upon their faces, when the swell
had receded enough to permit them, they peered down into the crystal
depths, and caught shadowy glimpses of the prizes. They saw the craggy
clusters, big and brown, clinging to the rocks, while others were
outlined on the floor of the bank.

"They're there, beyond a doubt," said Storms, "and it now remains to
see whether they are worth the gathering. Help me get on this suit."

Both worked deftly, and it was soon adjusted. The main thing was the
breathing apparatus, Storms having some fear that at such a depth the
pressure would be so great as to close the pipes, and thus shut out
the air. However, the only way to learn was by experiment, and he did
not wait. Carefully coiling his pipe, he took the rope in his hand and
began descending, the two having arranged the signals so that with
ordinary care no accident need result. Captain Bergen held one end of
the rope in his hand, ready to draw his friend to the surface the
instant he should receive notice that it was necessary.

"It is a long way to the bottom!" exclaimed the captain, standing like
the harpooner in a whale-boat, and saw the line steadily paying out.

"It won't do for him to go much further," was his conclusion,
noticing, with some alarm, that but little more of the hose was left
on the ground. "I wish those pearls had fixed themselves not
quite----Hello!"

He knew from the instant cessation of the weight on the rope, and the
motionless condition of the hose, that the bottom had been reached by
Abe Storms, and none too soon, either. Peering carefully into the
clear depths, Captain Bergen saw, too, that his mat