In the meanwhile Clifford had been fighting for all that was in his power. He wielded his ax with desperate energy.
He struck blow after blow at the huge tentacle which held him so firmly. Each blow threatened to sever it.
But even as success was crowning his efforts, out darted another arm and encircled him.
This was surely drawing him into the orifice, when Frank came to the rescue.
The young inventor dealt a terrific blow at the tentacle. It partly severed it. Another huge arm came stealing out, and Frank dealt it a blow also.
Clifford was too exhausted to do more. But Frank threw an arm about him, and dealing the tentacle a severing blow drew his friend quickly out of reach.
Nothing more was seen of the octopus.
It did not emerge from its den, but a dense cloud of black fluid did, and it so clouded the water that Frank was obliged to drag Clifford some distance away.
The latter recovered quickly. Frank put his helmet close and shouted:
“Are you all right?”