"So far as we can tell, although it seems to have slowed up somewhat," Dick replied, somewhat agitated. Just then a shout arose from aft the _Nemo_. The deckmen were hauling something over the side and yelling their heads off with delight. "Look, a great iron treasure chest," they chorused, as the attention of Captain Austin and Dick was diverted for a moment from the possible plight of Jay Thacker. True enough, for as they exulted, the iron box containing diamonds that Weddigen had reclaimed from the captain's cabin of the _Dominion_ came over the side, dripping with sediment and seaweed, but firmly held in an encircling chain band. "Hurrah! Hurrah! we have landed some of the lost cargo." The crew were rejoicing over the big find of the morning, hardly able to contain themselves over the knowledge that a handsome chest of "swag" had been ferreted from its submarine hiding place, and that they would get a fine fat bonus out of the big "divvy." "Weddigen on his way up," called out the officer in charge of the operations aft. Only for a moment were Captain Austin and Dick Monaghan deterred from the subject that engrossed their minds. What had become of Jay Thacker? "Haul him up as fast as you can," the captain commanded. Jumping to their work, the forward crew began tugging away at the steel cables with which Jay had been suspended. But pull as hard as they could they could not budge the lost diver. "Quick, men, uncover that deck winch," he ordered, now thoroughly alarmed. In short order it was made ready for service and the steel cables supporting Jay affixed. A word of command from Captain Austin and the power was turned on. For an instant the cables wound faithfully, and then brought up taut. Something had to give; either the cables had to part, or the contained weight at the sea bottom torn free of its holdings. More power was turned on. A violent tug, and then the winch began winding steadily again! "Thank God! it's Jay," murmured Dick a minute or so later as the helmeted figure appeared through the haze of the sea green. But the arms and lower limbs hung limp, and portions of the _Dominion's_ deck rail still clung to the suspension cables. "Hurry, men, there; haul him on deck and pull that armor off," Austin directed. As the form of Jay was drawn on deck Dick and several assistants tried to stand him on his feet, only to see him crumple and fall like a man of straw. One glance through the eye ports showed closed lids. A twist of the thumb screw and then the helmet was raised. "Jay! Jay! Speak to me," implored Dick, bending over his chum. CHAPTER VII DIAMONDS ARE TRUMP Light! The glorious sunlight of the world! Voices, too; the friendly voices of his old chums aboard the _Nemo_. These were the evidences of returned life to Jay Thacker as he lay on the deck of the _Nemo_ looking up into the sky. It was like a dream and his befagged brain could scarce comprehend the situation.