Two of the crew turned cranks to force air down to him, while Paul seated in the stern held the life line.

When the diver reached bottom, he gave the signal to shift the boat wherever his explorations led him.

When a lot of shells or curious objects were found, several pulls on the line were given indicating, "to anchor and send down the bucket." This bucket was a huge iron affair, holding about five bushels.

It was sent to the bottom.
Tom soon filled it with living and dead specimens of brilliant and beautiful shells.

Then it was hoisted and the contents transferred aboard.