By this time the men were laying out the diving suit for the diver, the hideous-looking helmet having been placed on the stern seat of the cutter that had brought them over.
“Sound for that mine before you put the diver over,” commanded the ensign. “No use bottling the man up until you are ready to send him down.”
“This helmet is not fit to use, sir,” spoke up one of the diver’s assistants.
“What is the matter with it?”
“It leaks. See?” He held up the helmet, which he had partially filled with water, for the inspection of the officer.
“It has lain out on deck too long. The sun has checked it,” continued the man.
“It should be your business to see that the sun did not check it. I shall have to place you on the report,” replied the officer.
“I was ordered to get the apparatus on deck this morning, sir.”
“Davis, signal the ship to send out another diving suit. Tell them this one is out of order.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”