UNDER SEA WITH HELMET AND CAMERA 



was because Carol, perceiving by the bubbles that the diver was return- 

 ing, was pulling in the hose steadily. When Eddie reached the rope he 

 began his ascent slowly, as he had been directed. He felt the same 

 clogging of the ears that had occurred during his descent. This sensa- 

 tion is now a common experience, for it is felt by all persons who travel 

 by air and is relieved by the same means. 



When Eddie reached the surface, Carol raised the helmet. All aboard, 

 they took a rest. John was glad because the pumping job, easy at first, 

 had become hard work before he was through. Eddie described his sen- 

 sations and discovered that he had forgotten his intention to sit on the 

 bottom and reach for objects to gain additional experience, for he had 

 been told that the line of vision is distorted and the object is not where it 

 appears to be. This matter of forgetfulness will be mentioned farther on. 



John thought he had earned next turn and Eddie took the pump will- 

 ingly for he felt slightly chilled. John had profited by Eddie's experience, 

 and when he had walked a few steps, seated himself on the bottom. He 

 could see plainly a few pebbles within reach but when he tried to pick 

 them up, he missed them at first by about six inches. On his return to 

 the boat, John found himself breathing rapidly. He became a bit panicky 

 and hoisted himself as quickly as possible. His ears were stopped and he 

 experienced a slight pain. The admonition "take it easy" came to his 

 mind. When on deck this second descent was discussed, and Eddie ad- 

 mitted that when the period was nearly over he had decreased the 

 rapidity of his strokes. The boys learned immediately that an even flow 

 of air is necessary. It is exceedingly disturbing to have an irregular 

 supply, and under some circumstances, dangerous. 



Carol's dive was without incident of importance, for he, having 

 learned much from the experiences of the others, had profited by them. 

 Excitement had subsided and the crew felt ready for the more difficult 

 part of their undertaking. 



1662 



