had to stop.

It seemed as if his strength were failing him.

The sleepy feeling overtook him again, and he leaned back against the
shining rock, which reflected the sun's rays.

He was face to face with death.

Not much longer would his lungs be supplied with breathing air.

Suffocation threatened Mont with a painful end, yet he was so weak and
prostrate that he seemed unable to make another effort.

Every moment was of priceless value.

At last he went on.

How he did it he never knew; but he managed to climb the almost
perpendicular rocks, which afforded little or no footing.

At last the sun's rays were more vivid, and, with a feeling of wonder,
Mont found himself moving with comparative ease.

This was because he had reached the summit of the rock after climbing
nearly two hundred and fifty yards.

He was out of the water.

With nervous hands he tore off his helmet, and, lying on his side,
inhaled the air for a few minutes.

"I am saved, saved!" cried Mont delightedly.

He rose at length, and looked around him.

The rock on which he was standing was a narrow, barren peak, which just
rose above the surface, and that was all.

The remainder of the ledge was under water. If he had not ascended in
that place he must have died.

Afar off was what appeared to be a small island. But whether it was an
arid desert or not he was unable to tell.

"Perhaps I shall die of hunger and thirst," he muttered; "but death is
better here than in the forest under the sea."

Sleep again overcame him, and he passed several hours in a deep slumber.

With wakefulness came a horrible sensation of hunger and thirst.

While he was gazing around him, with despair again attacking him, he
saw something rise in the sea a short distance off.

He thought he recognized the black back of the _Searcher_, and he was
not mistaken.

The trapdoor opened, and two men appeared on the platform.

They were Captain Vindex and Professor Woddle.

Mont tried to cry out, but only a feeble sound came from his lips.

He, however, waved his hands, and the signal was seen.

Soon the electric boat floated gently to the rock.

He stepped on the platform, which was by this time crowded with the
crew, Carl, and Stump.

The next moment he was in the arms of kind friends.

He sank fainting at their feet, and was carried below, where he remained
some days before he entirely recovered his strength.

Captain Vindex had entertained an idea