Both became too weak to stand up, and sank on the floor of the diving bell.
The air was now stale and made them sleepy.
Gradually Dave's eyes closed.
He tried to arouse himself, but the effort was a failure.
It was the beginning of the sleep of death, and the young diver knew it!
He caught his father's hand and a warm grasp was exchanged in silence.
After that all became as a dream to the young diver.
He thought he was out in the ocean and that numerous fierce fish were swimming close to him.
Then one large fish swallowed him and he found himself cut off from all air.
He fought desperately and at last cut a hole in the fish's side and stepped out into the upper world.