Very good theories all these, but those on board forgot that a good deal of refuse food was thrown overboard by 'Pollo every now and then, and that this floated away slowly on the current, and might act as an attraction to the fish some distance away. The air-pump was tried, and proved, thanks to Rasp, in excellent condition. Such of the crew as were not to work at the pump were in good places for observation, partly to satisfy their own curiosity, for the novelty of the coming experiment quite excited them, partly to keep watch for sharks and give ample warning; while a portion of the deck was marked off, where the apparatus was placed, and no one but those at work was allowed to pass the ropes. Here Rasp had arranged his coils with mathematical exactness; the rope for signalling was as carefully arranged, and men stationed at the pump, to the use of which he had drilled them; and in addition a stouter coil with a spring hook was ready, the spring being held in Rasp's hand. "I think you had better have it attached, Pugh," said Mr Parkley. "Nonsense!" replied Dutch, smiling; and as his countenance lit up Hester thought he had never looked so true and brave before. "Why, anyone would think I was a novice, who had never been down." "'Taint that, Mr Pug," said Rasp, "it's on account of those long-nosed sharks. You just have it on, and if we sees one o' the warmint coming we'll haul you up in a way such as'll startle him." "I'm not afraid of the sharks," said Dutch, taking up and feeling the point of the great dagger-like knife. "A man can but the once." "My dear Pugh," exclaimed Mr Parkley, "don't talk in that cynical way. Of course, a man can only die once; but do you think I want to go to the end of my days feeling that I had murdered you by my neglect. My dear boy, I would not exchange your life for twenty sunken ship-loads of treasure." "Thank you, Parkley," said Dutch, taking and wringing his hand, "I believe you." "Then, come, you will have the rope attached?" "No, no, it will only be in the way." "My dear fellow, it will not. It is not as if you were going down the hold of a ship. All is clear; there is not even a rock in your way, only a few upright ribs that you can easily avoid." "But it is such a childlike preparation," said Dutch, petulantly. "Here, give me the helmet, Rasp." "Yah, you allus was as obstinate as a mule, Mr Pug," said the old fellow, handing the great casque with its barred visor. "If you don't have the rope, I won't give you a good supply of wind--there!" "I'm not afraid of that, Rasp," said Dutch, laughing; and then, as he stood with the helmet on his arm, he turned cold and stern again, for he saw Hester approach, and as she did so the others involuntarily drew away. "What is it?" he said, coldly. "Dutch," she whispered, as she laid her hands upon his shoulders, "your true, faithful wife, who has never wronged you in thought or deed, implores you to take the precaution they ask."