In an instant he seized his gun, and, firing at its eye, wounded it grievously, causing it to splash about and retreat into a mass of weeds, where its struggles continued for some time.
For a moment Mont forgot where he was.
But as his senses came back to him, he recollected everything, and, rising, looked about for his companions.
As he could see nothing of them, a horrible fear took possession of him, and he trembled from head to foot.
They had lost him in the depths of the ocean.
Without an experienced guide like Captain Vindex, it was impossible for him to find his way back.
The dangerous and perhaps fatal sleep which had overcome him must be fought against.
For if it came on again he knew he must die.
How much precious air had he not consumed already?
To him, in his condition, air was life.