Some, more fearless than their companions, swam round and round Paul's copper helmet, and looked into the thick glass at the front.

When Paul made a sudden move of his hand, they darted away; but returned soon again to satisfy their curiosity and ascertain what strange monster had invaded their fairy land.
Three sudden jerks of the life line held in the hands of the anxious Tom, recalled Paul to his work.

The three pulls meant, "Where are you?
Is everything right ?" He then signaled for the bucket to be lowered.
Taking his pry he broke off some exquisite specimens of the undergrowth coral, which he loaded in and sent up.

He then explored on the side of the coral forest until he came to a small portion of the bottom, covered with sand and surrounded with rocks.

Under the growth of marine vegetation, he passed his hand, and pulled from the rock a living shell.