But it was disregarded.
Their own lives would have been in jeopardy had they turned back.
The air in the reservoirs was becoming weak and impure.
Shaking his head in a negative manner, the captain pursued his way.
With a heavy heart Carl followed him, and in time the ship was reached.
They entered the water room, closed the doors, and the captain touched a bell.
Directly it sounded within the vessel, the pumps were heard at work, the water gradually lowered, and when it was all out they opened the inner door and regained the dressing-room.
It was indeed a pleasure to have the helmets removed, for they had retained them so long that they were oppressed and ill.
The captain was the first to speak.
"I am very sorry for the misfortune that has happened," he exclaimed; "you must not think me hard-hearted because I returned."