He cast off the weight that was at his waist, which he also fastened to the line, and let it go.
Freed from the weight he rose buoyantly to the top of the water.
The boat pulled rapidly toward him and took him in. As he removed his helmet he saw Frank’s eyes fixed on his in mute inquiry. His face was ashen, his lips bloodless.
Louis smiled.
“Heavens!” cried Frank, “can it be?”
“Pull up the signal-line and see for yourself,” was the answer.
And, as Frank pulled, Louis uttered a cry which made him look up.
Louis pointed to the sun. “Good God! what a time I must have been down!”
“Time!” said Frank. “Don’t say time—it was eternity!”