Forgetting himself, Bell attempted to speak to the professor. But the latter, of course, could not hear him.
It was only by putting their helmets together that they were able to converse, and then with difficulty.
They walked in the pathway of light from the boat.
Looking back through the plate glass windows they could easily see the interior of the Dart.
Both divers now began to enjoy themselves looking for specimens and exploring the submarine recesses.
While Captain Bell was not a scientist, he was nevertheless pleased to render aid to the professor.
Thus they kept on, gradually working further and further away from the submarine boat, until finally they reached the shadows which indicated the limit of the searchlight.
Beyond all was pitchy blackness, for it was into the unknown depths of the great Atlantic Valley.
Captain Bell put his helmet close to the professor’s and shouted:
“Is it safe to go further?”