Not much longer would his lungs be supplied with breathing air.
Suffocation threatened Mont with a painful end, yet he was so weak and prostrate that he seemed unable to make another effort.
Every moment was of priceless value.
At last he went on.
How he did it he never knew; but he managed to climb the almost perpendicular rocks, which afforded little or no footing.
At last the sun's rays were more vivid, and, with a feeling of wonder, Mont found himself moving with comparative ease.
This was because he had reached the summit of the rock after climbing nearly two hundred and fifty yards.
He was out of the water.
With nervous hands he tore off his helmet, and, lying on his side, inhaled the air for a few minutes.
"I am saved, saved!" cried Mont delightedly.