The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-06-19

contrlve to exist for 4S hours. may
add that before seriously attempted the
tunnel had gradually accustomed my
seals to see me without my clothes.
Naturally l feared to brighten away
these creatures, upon whose industry /
lived. Approaching the entrance of the
tunnel, l dived, holding in my left hand
the timber upon which the fishing line
was wound, and entered the tunnel, let
ting the cord wind off as I went like
thread from reel. CROPPED along-it
could hardly be called diving-with my
back close to the roof Of the tunnel, up-
til, as calculated, half my power Of re-
tanning breath was exhausted. At this
point put knot on the cord, and half
swimming, half drawing myself for
ward by the cord which I held now in
my right hand, returned as had come.
When rose to the surface of the pool,
was aware that I could have gone
some distance farther without any dis
tress. Coming to land, drew in the
line and found by the knot that had
made only 10 yards. That represented
"a yards to and fro, which was con-
siderable falling off from the so yards
which IN unobstructed water I knew to
be the length of my average submarine
performances. The seals splashed about
and made joyful cries on my reappear-
ance. They were now quite accustomed
to me, both on land and in the water.
I dressed, and thinking I had done
enough for the first attempt desisted
from a renewal Of the enterprise till
next day. The next day, however, was
stormy. Indeed wild weather now GU
pervened for more than a fortnight. Dur.
ing this wild weather I made no at
tempt upon the tunnel. knew that even
if I were lucky enough to get through
the whole way into the ocean I would
be banged about in the surf and break
ers at the foot of the cliffs and would
never be able to get home. Every day
I made an observation of the weather
at Curry's Window. After fortnight
and two days the weather grew mild
again, and having waited three days
more to allow the agitation of the sea
to subside renewed my efforts to pen
citrate the tunnel. This time I deter
mined to proceed at least three yards
beyond the knot. I did SO, and still find
ing the rock above me was about to re-
turn when, as was turning round and
kicking, discovered that my foot made
a noise. This, Of course, was sign that
l had agitated the surface of the water.
Turning again and making stroke for
ward and upward, I suddenly found my
head in the air. My delight may be
imagined. The first of the blowholes
or airholes for which had hoped was
discovered. 1t might be the beginning
Of that arched gallery reaching nearly
to the sea for which had hoped. Rest
ing for awhile, began to examine this
vacant space and discover its nature
and capabilities as we'll as I could in
the dark. I feared it might be SO small
that at full tide the water might fill it,
but that was not so.
clearly proved that it was of great ex-
tent. AS for my hope that it might be
the beginning of long reach of tunnel,
half air and half water, was greatly
disappointed to find that such was not
the case. I could swim all round it.
At one point the edges were SO inclined
that could get clear out of the water
and stand upright. As far as could
reach with my hand I could feel free
space above me. This blowhole at all
events would be at my disposal, whether
the tide was at flood or at ebb. Before
starting from the seals pool had made
series Of knots upon my line behind
the knot which made on the occasion
Of my first attempt, each knot repre-
senting yard. The distance from the
entrance Of the tunnel to the farthest
point of this cave found now by means
of these knots to be 20 yards. In the
event of my discovering the tunnel at
this point on its way to the sea, and add
ing 16 yards to the distance-the space
that l could traverse without being
obliged to turn back-I might now con-
slider myself as being within 1876 yards
of the open sea and as having virtually
achieved A yards. No doubt had a
huge extent of water to get through
still. but was not daunted. On the
contrary, was filled with hope. Ihad
found my first blowhole, and I might
find others. "Who knows" said,
"but after passing through another SUBJ
marine tunnel of half dozen yards
might find myself in an airy gallery
running almost to the edge of the cliff"
I again entered the water and swan
slowly all around the edge of my cave,
holding on by the rock and feeling with
my feet. Eventually thought that I
had found the continuation Of the tun-
mel, and though could not be sure, yet
quite satisfied, and more than satisfied,
with the result of this exploration, I re-
solved to get home now. So dived
again, and following my clew reap
peared in the seals pool and that day
dined in better spirits than had been
at any time since my descent into this
terrible cavern.
CHAPTER xxi.
FAILED FOR THE PRESENT.
Next day, for, az think I have re-
marked, observed the seasons of day
and night, made another and more de-
termined exploration of the seals tun-
mel. I got into my first blowhole with
out difficulty, though at the cost of a
bad cut on my right ankle, which panied
me a good deal and which no doubt
bled profusely. Arrived here, l felt
ahont for the ledge on which had stood