The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-06-16
The Ocean Depths.
A DIVERS TALE.

The life OF one who explores the myste-
ries OF the sea, is not more perilous than
fascinating. The charm Of terror hangs
around it, and the interminable succession
OF exciting events renders it dear to its pos
SCISSOR. 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, bat to the
adept 10 the civilized mode Of diving, who
in bis protective armor, may remain sub
merged for hours, and wander with impuni.
ty for miles along those unknown regions
far below the sea. To him are laid open
the horrors Of the watery creation, and he
may gaze upon such scenes as Arabian
story tells us were presented to the fearful
eyes Of Abdallah. To him the most thrill
ing occurrences Of the upper world seem
frivolous for, in his memory, be retains
thoughts that may we'll chill the soul with
dread.
am divcr--a diver from choice--and
am proud Of my profession. Where Is
such courage required as 10 needed here?
II is nothing TO be soldier diver, how
ever-but | forbear. will tell my story
and leave others to Judge concerning it.
An appalling shipwreck occurred, not
long ago, upon the widest part OF the coast
OF Newfoundland The tidings of this ca
Iamity reached the ears oil thousands; but,
amid the crowd OF accidents which followed
in quick succession, it was soon forgotten.
Not by us, however. We found that the
vessel had sunk upon spot where the
waters depth was by no means great, and
that daring man might easily reach her.
She was . steamer called the Marmiou,
and had been seen going suddenly down,
without an instaut's warning, by some fish.
ermen near by. She had, undoubtedly,
struck q hidden rock, and had thus been, in
one moment, destroyed.
spoke to my associates Of the plan, and
they approved it. No time was lost in
making the necessary preparations, and
short time beheld US embarked in our small
schooner 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 un-
common danger. Not that the others were
towards on the contrary, they were all
brave men, but was gifted with c0olDess
and presence Of mind OF which the Others
were destitute. As two persons were needed,
inorder TO explore the Marmion, had &C.
lected a. my companion young fellow,
whose stesdiness aud dauntless courage had
several times before been fearfully tested.
1t was . calm and pleasant day, but the
southern and eastern horizon looked deceit
full. Small, suspicious clouds were gathered
there, i'll of aspect, and sneaking fellows,
regular hang.dog fellows" as my comrade,
Rimmer, remarked to me. Nevertheless,
we were not to be put off by little cloud
iness in the sky, bat boldly prepared to
venture. So deep was the water, that no
vestixe OF a ships mast remained above the
surface. TO point ous the resting place Of the
Marmiou. We we're compelled. therefore,
to select the scene Of operations according
to the best oil our ability. Down went the
sails OF our schooner, and Rimmer and put
on our diving armor. We fixed our helmets
tightly, and screwed on the hose. One by
ooe each clumsy article was adjusted. The
weights were hung. and we were ready.
at looks terrible blackish, Berton," said
Rimmer TO me.
oh" replied, gaily, it's only little
nist--all right
"Ah" He uttered q low exclamation,
which sounded hollow IRON his caverpoas
helmet.
IAN ready, | cried, in loud voice, sIich
they, however, coud not easily distinguish.
Then making proper sign, vas swung
over the side.
Down we went. I frst, and Rimrner, eIoe
behind M. II DID %, take long time Tor
us To resch the bottom. We found our
slvg upon VIA, seemed broad plain,
slopiny downward, tosard the soath. and
rising slightly. toward the north. Looking
f0rward then. . dim, black ohjeet aro~e,
which our erpsrieDeoi EYES sne~ 10 be
lofty rock.