Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-04-10
MISCELLANEOUS.
From Putnam'si Magazine, for April.
THE OCEAN DEPTHS.
A DIVERS TALE.

The life of one who explores the mysteries
of the sea, is not more perilous than fasci-
mating. The charm of terror hangs around
it, and the interminable succession OF excit-
ing events re nders it dear to its professor.
Not to the common diver of the East, who
can remain but for fraction of time beneath
the wave, and grope fearfully among rugged
ocean mounds, but to the ad ept in the civil
ized mode of diving, who, in his protective
armor, may remain submerged for hours, and
wander, with impunity, for miles along those
unknown regions far below the sea. To him
are laid open the horrors of the watery crea-
ton, and he may gaze upon such scenes as
Arabian story tells US were presented to the
fearful eyes of Abdalah. To him the most
thrilling occurrences o. the upper world
seem frivolous; for, in his memory, he retains
thoughts that may chill the soul with dread.
am dver--a diver from choice--and |
am proud of my profession. Where is such
courage required as is needed here! 1t is
nothing to be a soldier a diver, however,
but forbear. I will tell my story, and leave
others to Judge concerning it.
An appalling shpwreck occurred, not long
ago, upon the widest part of the coast of
Newfoundland. The tidngs of this calamity
reached the ears of thousands; but, amid the
crowd of accidents which followed in quick
succession, it was soon forgotten. Not by
us. however. We .ouno that the vessel had
sunk upon a spot where the waters depth
was by no means great and that daring
man might easily reach her.
She was steamer called the Marmlon,
and had been seen going suddenly down,with'
out an instants warning, by some fishermen
near by. She had, undoubtedly, struck a
hidden rock, and had thus been, in one mo-
ment, destroyed.
spoke to my associates of the plan, and
they approved it. No time was lost in max
ing the necessary preparations, and short
time beheld us embarked in our small schoon-
et for The sunken ship. There were six of
US, and we anticipated extraordinary success.
/ was the leader, and generally ventured
upon any exploit in which there was uncom-
mon danger. Not that the others were cow
ards; on the contrary, they were all brave
men, but was gifted with GOODNESS and .
presence of mind of which the others were
destitute. As two persons were needed, in
order to explore the Marmion, had selected
as my companion young fellow, whose
steadiness and dauntess courage had severa
times before been teariuly tested.
IT was a calm and pleasant day, but the
southern and eastern horizon looked deceitful
Small, suspicious clouds were gathered there
III Of aspect, and "sneaking fellows, regua
hang-dog fellows as my comrade, trimmer
remarked to me. Nevertheless, we were no
to be put off by little cloudiness in the SIX!
but boldly prepared to venture.
So deep was the water, that no vestige o
ships mast remained above the surface, t
point out the resting place of the Marm'ou
We were compelled, therefore, to select th
scene Of operations according to the best o
our ability. Down went the sails of ou
schooner, and Rimmer and put on our div
ing armor. We fixed on our helmets tighi
~, and screwed on the hose. One by on
each clumsy article was adjusted. TIL
weights were hang, and we were ready.
at looks terrible biackish, Berton," sal
Rmmer to me.
"Oh," replied, gaily, sits only ltt
mst-all right"
"Ah!" He uttered a low exclamation
which sounded hollow from his caverLo'
helmet
"All ready" cried, in loud voice, whit
they, however, could not easily dstnguis
Then, making proper sign, was swu
over the side.