life.

He knew that he had only a supply for a limited period.

The only course that remained open to him was to march as quickly as the
dense mass of water would let him, and try to regain the _Searcher_.

But though he turned round, he could not find the sandy plain they had
first traversed on leaving the ship.

The forest of sea weeds, rising straight as arrows on all sides of him,
erect and motionless, grew dense; animal life was everywhere.

Strange fishes glared at him, and seemed to mock his misery by their
quick, darting movements and sportive gambols.

He pushed his way fiercely through the vegetable growth, but only to
become more entangled.

All at once the ground became hilly, and it seemed as if he had come to
the end of the valley and was ascending one of the sides.

He pushed on, thinking he would give the world to be able to rise to the
surface.

If he could only penetrate that thick water and float on the top of the
waves, breathing the free air of heaven, he would have gladly done so,
even if he were to die an hour afterward.

Gradually he quitted the forest, and the sun's rays began to be visible
again.

Decidedly he must be getting higher.

Presently a great black mass appeared at his side.

He could see that it was a ferocious shark, whose huge mouth seemed
capable of engulfing him.

Instinctively he threw himself on his back.

The voracious creature had made a dart at him, but shot past,
disappointed of its prey.

If it had seized his arm or his leg, or even his head, one snap of its
mouth would have been sufficient to cut off either.

As the animal swam around him Mont pointed his gun and fired.

The shot entered its stomach, but was not mortal.

Another and another followed, and at last the vast mass floated slowly
upward, showing that it was dead.

Thanking Providence for this narrow escape, and congratulating himself
on his presence of mind, our hero continued the ascent.

The path became steep and rugged, and it was with difficulty that he
made his way.

He was evidently ascending the side of a rock, which became more
precipitous as he went on.

Where did it lead?

Was it raised above the surface or did it fall short of it?

If so, he would have his trouble for nothing.

He breathed with an effort, and his breath grew shorter and shorter
every moment, for he was making a great demand upon his reservoir of air
while undergoing strong exertion.

At length he