Then the diving bell was hoisted aboard and opened.
It was found that those inside had been almost drowned, and all were unable to help themselves and had to be carried to the ship's cabin. Here they lingered for many hours between life and death.
The diving bell was ruined, and it was doubtful if another search for the treasure could be made by the Hankers' party.
CHAPTER XXXI
THE TREASURE AT LAST—CONCLUSION
Little dreaming of the accident which had overtaken their rivals, Amos Fearless and Dave returned to their own diving bell.
The heart of each was heavy, and for several minutes neither felt like speaking.
"A wild-goose chase," said the old diver at last. "I might have known it would prove so."
"But what has become of the gold!" returned Dave. "It couldn't walk off of itself."
"That is true. Perhaps those on board of the Happy Hour took it off, when they found the ship was about to sink."