m to have said something, but
not a sound could he make audible outside his helmet.

With sad and weary steps they traversed the lovely valley, which had
lost all its former attractions for the party.

The forest was passed and the sand regained.

They were not more than two miles from the _Searcher_.

Carl determined to make a last effort.

He seized the captain's arm and pointed pathetically, almost
imploringly, to the dense mass of vegetation behind them.

His mute appeal to go back after Mont was comprehended.

But it was disregarded.

Their own lives would have been in jeopardy had they turned back.

The air in the reservoirs was becoming weak and impure.

Shaking his head in a negative manner, the captain pursued his way.

With a heavy heart Carl followed him, and in time the ship was reached.

They entered the water room, closed the doors, and the captain touched a
bell.

Directly it sounded within the vessel, the pumps were heard at work, the
water gradually lowered, and when it was all out they opened the inner
door and regained the dressing-room.

It was indeed a pleasure to have the helmets removed, for they had
retained them so long that they were oppressed and ill.

The captain was the first to speak.

"I am very sorry for the misfortune that has happened," he exclaimed;
"you must not think me hard-hearted because I returned."

"But Mont will die," answered Carl; "he is lost, and does not know his
way back."

"His supply of air will last another hour and a half. There is yet
hope."

"What can we do?"

"I will send out a party to search for him, and I will head it myself,"
replied Captain Vindex.

At this generous offer Carl's heart was filled with fresh hope.

The captain gave orders for three negroes to accompany him.

They were soon dressed and supplied with air, Captain Vindex himself
taking a fresh reservoir.

Then the ceremony of going out was repeated, and, as the exploring party
quitted the ship, all Carl could do was to pray fervently for their
success.

He, the professor, and Stump were very languid, and, in spite of their
anxiety, they could not shake off the somnolent effects of their long
walk.

Each sank down on the floor of their cabin, and was soon fast asleep.

How long they remained there they did not know.

Barnaby awoke, feeling a hand laid on his shoulder. It was Captain
Vindex.

Springing to his feet in an instant, he said:

"Have you found him? W