This panel from a golden age American comic book depicts a tense underwater scene between two characters. The setting is clearly underwater, with a blue background representing the ocean and visible waves.

In the foreground, we see two figures. On the left is a man wearing a red wetsuit and a blue diving helmet. He's holding a breathing apparatus in his hands, which he's in the process of putting on. This character appears to be preparing for some kind of underwater mission or exploration.

To the right is a woman with long, curly brown hair. She's also wearing a blue diving helmet, but interestingly, her hair is visible beneath it, suggesting this might be a special or temporary helmet. She's looking at the man with a mix of curiosity and concern.

The man is speaking to the woman, his words conveyed through speech bubbles. He's explaining their mission, mentioning a base and expressing curiosity about a "mermaid business." This suggests they might be investigating some underwater phenomenon or event related to mermaids.

The woman's expression and the man's statement create an intriguing contrast. While he seems excited about the prospect of investigating this "mermaid business," she appears more skeptical or apprehensive. This could indicate a potential conflict of interests or a difference in approach to their mission.

The overall composition of the panel, with its vibrant colors and dynamic poses, captures the excitement and tension typical of adventure comics from this era. The scene effectively sets up a mysterious underwater expedition, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy in the classic comic book style.