Paul had been fully instructed by his father in the science of conchology, so he recognized this specimen as very rare and much sought after.

It was the shell called "voluta musica." This was the first one of those shells found during the expedition.

After a careful search he found twenty-three more of the same kind, and several large shells known as "Triton's trumpet." The bucket was filled.

Paul followed it to the surface well satisfied with his first day's work as a submarine diver.
Scott was not enthusiastic over the "volute musica", but the captain of the Cayosa was delighted.

He knew the value of the shell.