Little time was lost in getting back to the side of the submarine, the water being stained with the blood of the octopus so that it could not be seen clearly.
But Ned, who, with the machinist, had had a glimpse of the creature before attacking it, said it was a monster in size, and, as Jerry had feared, had been pulling him and the professor backward into a crevice between the rocks.
Two at a time the party entered the water-gate in the side of the Sonderbaar, and soon they were safely within. The others crowded about the rescued ones as the diving suits were taken off.
“Oh, what an awful experience for you!” cried Grace, while Bob grasped his chum’s hand in a manner that meant much.
“Yes, it wasn’t very pleasant,” agreed the tall lad.
“But I got my specimens,” said the professor proudly when he could get his breath, for he was well-nigh exhausted, as was his companion.
“And now that you have been successful, let us go up and start for home,” suggested Mr. Sheldon. “I am sure we have had enough under-water horrors.”
There was no dissent from this, and in a little while the Sonderbaar began to ascend. Up and up she went, until once more she rested on the waves in the bright sunlight.
Then a course was laid that would take them back to Boston. It was decided not to cruise about to try to find any possible parts of the wrecked Comet, and as for picking up the lone sailor on the Hassen, it was agreed that he must have been rescued by this time.