Springing up he dove and swam near to the bottom, where he began his search.
It was soon rewarded.
The other box was where he had left it but it had taken longer to locate it than he expected, and it was necessary now to ascend to the surface again.
The boat was where he had left it and Ed swam to it and climbed in.
That he was far from being master of himself even yet was certain.
But he knew enough to stick to his purpose and presently he made another dive and went down again.
And this time he easily secured the other case.
As his head came above the surface of the water Ed saw something which made his heart stand still.
Two Chinamen were peering down over the stringpiece.
They certainly saw him but they instantly pulled back out of sight.