As we had no means of
getting it away except by main force, we all descended into the water
as far as we could on the ladder, and giving a pull against it with our
united strength, succeeded in breaking it down.

The third attempt was equally unsuccessful with the two first, and it
now became evident that nothing could be done in this manner without the
aid of some weight with which the diver might steady himself, and keep
to the floor of the cabin while making his search. For a long time we
looked about in vain for something which might answer this purpose; but
at length, to our great joy, we discovered one of the weather-forechains
so loose that we had not the least difficulty in wrenching it off.
Having fastened this securely to one of his ankles, Peters now made his
fourth descent into the cabin, and this time succeeded in making his way
to the door of the steward's room. To his inexpressible grief, however,
he found it locked, and was obliged to return without effecting an
entrance, as, with the greatest exertion, he could remain under water
not more, at the utmost extent, than a single minute. Our affairs now
looked gloomy indeed, and neither Augustus nor myself could refrain from
bursting into tears, as we thought of the host of difficulties which
encompassed us, and the slight probability which existed of our finally
making an escape. But this weakness was not of long duration. Throwing
ourselves on our knees to God, we implored His aid in the many dangers
which beset us; and arose with renewed hope and vigor to think what
could yet be done by mortal means toward accomplishing our deliverance.

CHAPTER 10

SHORTLY afterward an incident occurred which I am induced to look upon
as more intensely productive of emotion, as far more replete with the
extremes first of delight and then of horror, than even any of the
thousand chances which afterward befell me in nine long years, crowded
with events of the most startling and, in many cases, of the most
unconceived and unconceivable character. We were lying on the deck near
the companion-way, and debating the possibility of yet making our way
into the storeroom, when, looking toward Augustus, who lay fronting
myself, I perceived that he had become all at once deadly pale, and that
his lips were quivering in the most singular and unaccountable manner.
Greatly alarmed, I spoke to him, but he made me no reply, and I was
beginning to think that he was suddenly taken