“Say, that’s great!” exclaimed Ned.
“Look at the fishes around him!” cried Bob.
“Yes, and there’s a big shark coming behind him!” suddenly gasped Jerry. “Say, if that monster ever attacks him——”
He did not finish.
Walking along on the sand, which was strewn with shells and stones, while about him waved sinuous seaweed, Dr. Klauss did not seem aware of the near presence of the monster fish. But an instant later something must have warned him, for he turned, and those watching saw the flash of a knife in his hand—a long, keen blade.
“That’s better!” whispered Jerry, tensely.
But there was no need for Dr. Klauss to defend himself. The shark seemed afraid, now that it had come close to the human fish, and with a sweep of its big tail it turned and was lost in the gloom of the sea. Then the German moved on. Other fishes nosed him, or swam at his side, apparently curious about the lamp, but none offered to attack him.
The doctor seemed to be looking about, as though studying the configuration of the sea bottom.
“What do you suppose can be his object?” asked Grace.
“He is looking for rare specimens,” declared Professor Snodgrass. “Oh, that I were with him! If I could not get a hermit crab, perhaps I could find something else of value.”