The undertaking was one of great difficulty and danger; for, as we could hardly expect to find much, if any, provision in the cabin itself, it was necessary that the diver, after letting himself down, should make a turn to the right, and proceed under water a distance of ten or twelve feet, in a narrow passage, to the storeroom, and return, without drawing breath.
Everything being ready, Peters now descended in the cabin, going down the companion-ladder until the water reached his chin.

He then plunged in, head first, turning to the right as he plunged, and endeavouring to make his way to the storeroom.

In this first attempt, however, he was altogether unsuccessful.

In less than half a minute after his going down we felt the rope jerked violently (the signal we had agreed upon when he desired to be drawn up).

We accordingly drew him up instantly, but so incautiously as to bruise him badly against the ladder.