attempt to save the miserable wretch's
life, when he was pushed rudely back by Captain Vindex.

In his hand he held a knife, and was evidently prepared to battle for
his life against the shark.

The latter, just about to seize the Indian and snap him up, perceived
his new adversary and, replacing himself upon his belly, directed
himself rapidly toward him.

He waited coolly the attack of the shark, which was one of the largest
of its species, and when it charged him, he stepped quickly aside and
plunged his knife into its belly up to the hilt.

Then commenced a fearful combat.

The shark began to bleed dreadfully, tinging the sea in such a manner as
to hide the two in a sea of blood.

As the water cleared a little, Mont saw the captain, caught by one of
the creature's fins, stabbing at it as fast as he could, but not being
able to give it a deathblow. The shark lashed the sea with fury, and
almost prevented the professor and his friends from keeping their
footing, though they were some distance off.

Neither the professor, Mont, nor Carl dared to go to the help of the
captain, for it seemed as if the shark would bite them in two, and they
lost their presence of mind for a time.

But Mont soon recovered, and then, catching Stump's harpoon, he darted
forward to do his best.

With his teeth set, he precipitated himself toward the shark, and struck
it a terrible blow in the flank.

Again the sea was saturated with blood.

The shark agitated the water with indescribable fury, for our hero had
not missed his aim.

It was the death agony of the monster.

Stricken to the heart, he struggled gallantly, but was powerless for
further evil.

As the immense creature was dying, Mont pulled the captain from under
him, and at the same moment the Indian, coming to himself, detached the
stone from his feet and shot upward.

Following the example of the pearl diver, the captain struck the ground
with his heels, as did the others, and all were soon at the surface.

The Indian had regained his canoe, but he was lying at the bottom in a
half-fainting condition.

Satisfying himself that the poor fellow would live, and was not
seriously injured, the captain signaled to his companions to descend,
leaving the Indian gazing at them with haggard eyes, thinking he had
seen some supernatural beings.

Walking as fast as they could along the bottom of the sea, they came in
time to the anchor of their boat, reascended to the su