They gave the signal, and gradually their diving bell began to leave the valley at the ocean's bottom.
But less than quarter of a mile of the distance to the surface was covered when there came a shock on top of the diving bell which, sent all inside sprawling headlong.
Then came another shock and the water began to pour into the bell.
Some great monster of the deep had hit the bell and cracked some of the upper joints.
The collision showed those above that something was wrong, and they began to haul in faster than ever.
But great damage had been done also to the monster, which was somewhat similar to a deep-sea whale.
He became entangled in the guide line of the diving bell and was hauled up to the surface in spite of himself.
"Hullo, what's this?" cried Captain Nesik, when the monster came into view.
Then ensued a battle royal for fully five minutes.
At last the monster was cut loose and disappeared, with a loud splash, into the ocean.