He dived over the side of the basket. His companions followed him. There was a sickening smell of gas in the air.
CHAPTER XXV
CAPTURED
Hampered by their shoes and clothing the boys could not make much headway in the water. Fenn, who was not a very good swimmer, was the last to strike out. Bart caught a glimpse of him, and saw the bag settling down over his chum.
He turned and grabbed Fenn by the shoulder, pulling him out of the way just as the silken folds settled down on top of the water.
“What’s the matter? What has happened?” cried a voice through the darkness, and the boys saw lights from a boat flashing in their faces. Then they noticed a big barge looming up, and struck out for it.
“Throw us a line!” called Bart.
Aboard the boat men were running to and fro and calling to one another. More lights flashed out and several figures appeared at the sides. Then ropes splashed into the water.