The age-herald., 1899-01-03

beautiful light to the surroundings, for these waters are so blue and clear. That day the picture seemed exceptionally en- chanting, and the diver gave himself up to it's enjoyment and thoughts of things which happen away down in the blue sea, out of sight of the world.
 Slowly he approached the ship, thorough ly preoccupied. and he was getting down under the bilge near the point where the work was necessary when a long, dark arm shot across his face glass. He had been in tropical waters before, and knew the sign. He realized he had the fearful devil fish to fght-the real octopus, which Is feared by all divers, and given a wide ter ritory when met The attack was so sud- den and the sight so vivid that the diver lost his courage for a moment and gave the danger signal He was entirely unarm- ed, and was pulled to the boat as rapidly possible.
 When once on the small boat he removed the big brass helmit for aid. He was as white as a sheet and perfectly exhausted. His attendance crowded round to know the cause of this sudden flight.
 When restored to his usual strength, for 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 lO ItHldln over DlBnl Wltuout tSbiStdhoc oiisa careful attention. The work had to be done and done at once. He called for a heavy barpoon, 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 fight. The fight was necessary to con- tinue the work He was very careful. lie did not pay much attention to the varied and exquisite colorings of the coral and fish, and the way the wonder-struck tribe watched his every movement He was looking for a foe, and one of the most dan gerous the sea, divers know. Slowly he approached the ship and the spot where the octopus was hidden under the bige of the vessel It was still there, and was also watching him carefully. As he approached the animal moved from under the vessel. gathering 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 for the battle It was not long in coming. The snakelike creature moved forward and req ched out with one of it's long arms, only to be met by vigorous blow from the harpoon. The sea creature was quick and avoided the blow and touched the diver on the hip, but lost the arm at once, one cut severing it clean.
 Then the fight began in earnest. One or two blows were given with but slight effect but fortunately the harpoon was driven deep into vital spot. When injured, these creatures discharge a dye which col ors the water perfectly black. When hit this time immediately the water became inky. and having his vision cut off, Cap tain Conrad rushed for safety. He man aged to get beyond reach with but little difficulty, and again gave the danger SEE nal.
 For long time he remained on board the tender boat, and the colorlng dischargeo by the octopus came to the surface. Wlthn o few minutes it had cleared away and Again Captain Conrad went down to resume inc battle. The devilfish was dead, however,