The reef was left far behind. Days passed and the Dart still kept on her swift course.
Still there was no sign of land.
The situation had become a hundred-fold more serious. Every moment matters were becoming more complicated.
In the first place the water supply had given out.
Then the chemical generators began to show signs of failing.
The appalling truth was presented to the submarine travelers that every moment was drawing them rapidly nearer to the end.
Their lives would be cut short very speedily unless land was reached at no very distant time.
Bell was in a fearful state of mind.
He had earned and well merited the euphonious name of “kicker,” and in many ways excited the ire of the others.
“There’s one thing about it, Bell,” said Von Bulow, severely, “nothing is to be gained by your chronic fault-finding. We shall get out of the woods no sooner.”