The moment the water was out, Dave began to work upon his diving suit.
It was no easy job to get it off without assistance.
Generally one diver helped the other, but he could obtain no aid from that form now lying stiff and motionless upon the floor of the diving bell.
At last his arms and his head were free and he turned his attention to his parent.
He unscrewed the helmet and then the rest of the old diver's suit.
Amos Fearless was almost black in the face and there was an ugly mark around his throat, mingling with the blood from the scratch Dave had caused.
Putting his ear to his parent's breast, the boy made out that his father still breathed faintly.
In the diving bell was some liquor, to be used for restorative purposes, and some of this Dave poured down his father's throat.
But still the man did not stir, and Dave began to rub his hands and move his arms, that his lungs might again get into working order.
Ten minutes passed and at last Amos Fearless gave a slight gasp.