Soon they had reached the half-mile limit, and the diving bell came to a standstill.
Then a door in the bell was opened and they prepared to spread out a strong net with which to catch what was desired.
It was by no means an easy task—indeed, the most of a diver's labors are very hard, and before the net was properly adjusted both Dave and his parent were almost winded.
Then they moved the diving bell around, from one spot to another, on the lookout for the electric-light fish and the ray of fire, so called.
Soon they saw one of the electric-light fish in the vicinity.
They had brought some bait along, and this was tied up in the net.
The monstrous fish scented the bait and came forward slowly and cautiously.
He was hungry, yet he did not altogether like the appearance of the diving bell.
He had never seen a live human being before, although he had feasted upon the body of more than one dead sailor, coming down with some wreck.
Amos Fearless and Dave remained as motionless as statues.