The Placer herald., 1873-05-10
THE OCEANS DEPTHS.
A Divers Tale.

Inc lie 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 nterminable succession of exciting
events renders 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 the ocean
mounds, but to the adept in the civilized
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 creation, and he may gaze upon such
scenes as Arabian story tells us were pre-
sented to the fearful eyes of Abdallah. TO
him the most thrilling occurrences of the up
per world seem frivolous; for, in his mem
ory, he retains thoughts, thoughts that may
well chill the soul with dread.
am diver-a diver from choice-and
am proud of my profession. Where is such
courage required as is needed here? 1t is
nothing to be soldier; diver, however
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 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 found that the vessel
had sunk upon spot where the waters s
depth was by no means great, and that a
daring man might easily reach her.
She was steamer called the Marmion,
and had been seen going suddenly down,
without an instanGs warning, by some fish
ermen near by. She had undoubtedly struck
hidden rock, and 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 a
short time beheld us embarked in our small
schooner for the supken ship. There were
six Of us, and we anticipated extraordinary
success.
l was the leader, and generally ventured
on any exploit in which there was uncommon
danger. Not that the others were towards;
on the contrary, they were all brave men,
but was gifted with coolness and presence
of mind of which the others were destitute.
As two persons were needed to explore the
Marmion, l selected as my companion a
young fellow whose steadiness and dauntless
courage had several times before been fear
fully tested.
1t was a calm and pleasant day, but the
southern horizon looked deceitful. Small,
suspicious clouds were gathered there, i'll Of
aspect, and Irregular hang-dog, sneaking
fellows" as my comrade, Rimmer, remarked
to me. Nevertheless, we were not to be
put off by a little cloudiness Of the sky, but
boldly prepared to venture.
So deep was the water that no vestige Of
a ships mast remained above the surface,
to point out the resting place of the Mar
mion. We were compelled, therefore, to
seclect the scene of operations according to
the best of our ability. Down went the
sails of our schooner, and Rmmer and put
on our diving armor. One by one each
clumsy article was adjusted. The weights
were hung, and we were ready.
"It looks terrible brackish, Berton,"
said Rimmer to me.
"Oh! it's only little mist-all right" l
replied.
"Ahp' He uttered low exclamation,
which sounded hollow from his cavernous
helmet.
"AIl ready" I cried in loud voice,
which they, however, could not easily dis
tinguish. Then, making proper sign, |
was swung over the side.
Down we went, l first, and Rimmer
close behind me. 1t did not take long
time for us to reach the bottom. We found
ourselves upon what seemed broad plain
sloping downward, toward the south, and
rising slightly toward the north. Looking
forward then, dim, black object arose,
which our experienced eyes knew to be a
lofty rock. -.
motioned to Rimmer that we should
proceed there.
cannot tell the strangeness Of the sensa-
ton felt by one who walks the unexplored