il fish had the shivering man in its fearful
embrace.

The captain and Mont, however, raised their guns, and with one shot left
it convulsed in its dying agonies.

As they continued to descend into a valley, bounded on each side by high
rocks, the darkness increased, for the sun's rays could not penetrate
more than a hundred and fifty yards.

It was now that the electric lamps became of importance.

As they got lower and lower, Mont felt an oppression about the head, and
a great desire to sleep overcame him.

He lagged behind the others, and with difficulty kept up with them.

Several fine sea otters were seen in front, playing about amongst the
weeds.

The captain fired, and the others followed his example.

Three fell dead, one of which Stump took up and threw over his shoulder.

Suddenly Mont sank down on the ground and immediately fell asleep.

His companions, in the eagerness of their chase after the game that had
escaped, did not notice his absence.

They had proceeded fully half a mile, when Barnaby, looking back, was
unable to discover any trace of Mont.

He at once ran to the captain and made signs, pointing to himself, the
professor, and Stump, and pointing in different directions to intimate
that Mont was lost.

Captain Vindex at once comprehended his meaning.

He retraced his steps, going carefully over the ground they had
trodden.

It was without success, for nowhere could they find the slightest trace
of their unfortunate companion.

Carl would have given worlds had he been able to speak.

He was profoundly agitated, for it was horrible to think that his chum
was lost under the sea, not knowing his way back to the _Searcher_, for
they had come a roundabout way.

Captain Vindex was also annoyed.

If Mont chose he could climb up the rocks and reach the summit.

There he might take off his helmet, and breathe the free air of heaven.

But would he think of this?

Perhaps in his confusion he would wander about in the effort to meet his
companions, and at last be suffocated miserably.

The supply of air with which each was provided was not sufficient to
last more than five hours.

Two of those hours' supply had been already consumed.

It was necessary that Captain Vindex and those with him should think of
returning to the ship.

Making a sign, he led the way back.

Carl felt inclined to stay and die in the attempt to find his friend.

It would have been an immense relief to hi