A fight ensued between the little fish and the big fish, and in the end nearly all of the fish of both sorts left the vicinity of the diving bell for parts unknown.
Realizing what was going on, Dave watched his chance and when only a few of each kind of fish remained in the diving bell he shut the door.
Then he began to pump out the water, and at the same time signaled to those on the ship to raise him to the surface.
"A splendid haul!" cried Doctor Barrell, on examining his strange catch. "Two spiral whipsnaps, to use the vulgar name, and half a dozen fish which are new to science."
Captain Broadbeam had taken up one of the little fish and was examining it with interest.
The fish was dead, having been cut open during the struggle in the diving bell.
"He's got something inside of him that don't belong there, I reckon," said the captain. "Creation, look here!"
And he held up—a small gold coin!
"A gold coin!" cried Dave. "A Chinese piece, too!"
"You are right," said Doctor Barrell.