But no sign of the Eurypharynx Pelecanoides, the wonderful fish, of which they had been sent in search.
"It seems to be safe enough," said Dave to his father, in the sign language of divers. "Let us go outside and look around."
"But not too far away from the diving bell," answered the master diver. "The pressure may make us sick, and then we'll have to get inside again as quickly as possible."
Soon they were ready, and with a fresh supply of air in their helmets, they stepped out upon the slimy, black surface of the ocean's bottom.
At sight of them the small fish thrashed around wildly, and the sea crabs scampered in all directions.
With caution they moved away from the bell to where the bottom appeared to slope downward.
Here there was a large hole, and they wondered what might be at its bottom.
Dave was well in advance, when of a sudden a strange sensation brought him to a halt and made him glance to his left.
A shriek of terror burst from his lips.
The dreadful Eurypharynx Pelecanoides had appeared, and was making swiftly towards him. The terrific mouth of the monster was wide open, as if to swallow him alive!