There was a strange, hissing sound, a thrust, and the sword-like spear was thrust into the side of the Eurypharynx Pelecanoides.
It was like sticking into an inflated bladder.
The water was at once dyed crimson and the mighty ocean monster swept back and then began to thrash around wildly, sending mud and sand, slime and blood, flying in all directions.
As quickly as it had appeared, the Devil's Needle now disappeared.
Too faint to stand, Dave sank back on the ocean bottom.
But his father was close at hand, and with rare presence of mind he caught up his son and carried him to the diving bell.
In another moment both were inside of the machine and had the door bolted.
They were now, as they thought, safe from harm, and Amos Fearless lost no time in turning the electric light of the diving bell upon the Sea Devil of the Ocean's Bottom.
It was still thrashing around in a circle, but gradually its struggles became fainter, and at last it lay quiet.
"He's done for," said the parent, in the divers' sign language. "I will fasten him to the bottom of the bell and then signal them on the ship to haul up."