The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1899-03-18

unarmed, and was pulled to the boat as
rapidly as possible.
When once on the small boat he removed
the big brass helmet for air. He was as
white as sheet and perfectly exhausted
His attendants crowded around to know
the cause of this sudden flight.
When restored to his usual strength, tor
Captain Conrad is a man of magnificent
physical endurance, he quietly told OF the
submarine enemy.
He thought over the situation. The ship
was leaking badly, and could not be allowed
to remain over night without assistance and
careful attention. The work had to be
dome and done at once He called for
heavy harpoon, which was on board the
boat. and cut the handle, making the
weapon about three feet in length. Armed
with this. he went down in the sea again
This time he had but one object IN view
a fgli. The fight was necessary TO con
tinU-she work He was very careful.
He did not pay much attention to the varied
and exquisite coloring of the coral and the
fish and the way the wonder-struck tribe
watched his every movement, tie was
looking for a foe and one OF the most dan
perous the sea divers know. Slowly he
approached the ship and the spot where the
octopus was hidden under the bilge of the
vessel 1t was still there and also watch
ing him carefully. As he approached the
animal moved from under the vessel. gath
ering itself for the attack.
There were but four or FIVE feet between
the coral reef and the vessel at this point,
and Captain Conrad settled himself Tor the
battle L, was not leng in coming. The
snakelike creature moved forward and
reached out with one Of its long arms, only
to be met with a vigorous blow from the
harpoon. The sea creature was quick and
avoided the blow aud touched the diver on
the hip. but lost the arm at once, one cut
seyering it clean.
Then the fight began in earnest One
or two blows were given with but slight Ell
feet. but fortunately the harpoon was
driven deep into vital spot. When IN
jured these creatures discharge dye which
eolors the water perfectly black, When
hit this time the water became Immediately
inky black. aud having his vision Gu, Of,
CAPTAIN Conrad rushed for safety. tie
managed to yet beyond reach with but
little difficulty. aud again gave the danger
signal
For long time he remained On board
the tender boa,, and the c'lor'ng d'scharg
Ell by the octopus came to the surface.
Within sew minutes it had cleared away
and again Capt Conrad went down to re
suu,e the battle The deyil6sh was dead,
however, bur remained close under the hull
Of the vessel, jus; a, the point where work
Wa necessary. The harpoon was driven
deep into the bcly. bu, he animal weighed
more than the diver could move. \ rope
was attached to the hsrToon. bat those in
the boa, ca,lld nos pull the 6sh away.
Captain Conrad. while speaking Of h,
remark able adventure, stated that the &C
tupus va at.ou, three fee, broad, aud IT,
boiy was tvicc rha, leugth. while IT. arms
extended .ouac eight " ten feet When
there vas M longer danger from the octo-
pus he resumed hi, work and Jay on the
back Of the animal when driving bome the
rivcts over the hole ia the hull The work
va. completsj that evening. aud next
uorping the body oi the animal vas sone.
That was the 6rs, and ls,' experience he
ever bad Of the kind. and he sincerely
hope, tkere will be No more