When under the water, and in imminent danger of drowning, seconds count as hours.
If they perished, now, Page would be spared the deep horror of it all, for his mind was already clouded again through his recent injuries.
He retained only consciousness enough to fight like a dying wild beast.
With one of Darrin's arms pinioned Page seemed fighting to get the other in an equal state of helplessness.
Dave fought to free himself. Yet he did not struggle too hard.
"If I free myself abruptly, I may lose Page!" was the thought that rushed through his brain.
To free himself of his comrade in order to get to the surface alone and safe was furthest from the young midshipman's mind.
"It's a tough fix, but I'm going to get Page to the surface, or stay down here with him!" throbbed Dave.
They were near enough to the surface to enable Darrin to see his comrade, though not with much clearness.
Down under the water all forms looked indistinct.