This was the usual arrangement.
Barney was completely exhausted himself, and in spite of his efforts to the contrary fell asleep at his post.
He was far advanced into the mystic Land of Nod when a startling thing happened.
From the gloom of a defile near there appeared a monster black form. It glided once or twice around the Diver as if to size it up.
The creature’s powerful curiosity was aroused and it ventured into the glare of the searchlight.
It was a strange creature.
Had Barney been awake he would have seen a monster specimen of a fish which seemed a cross between a shark and a whale. But he failed to see it at that moment, though he speedily became aware of its proximity.
CHAPTER VII.
A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE.
The curious fish passed several times around the Diver. Then it drew off with an apparent air of offended dignity and aroused jealousy.
What right had this unknown creature to venture into these waters? It looked as if this was the reasoning of the huge fish.