Then lead and copper lost their weight; he felt buoyant and clung to the steps.

At the bottom he was for a few moments afraid to let go, but an indistinct, monstrous object came out of the strange green gloom and beckoned him on.

Lister went, making an effort for balance, because he now felt ridiculously light.

Then the reflections were puzzling, for the light came and went with the rise and fall of the swell.

Yet he could see and he followed the diver until they stopped opposite the wreck's port bilge.