“Lay alongside, sir,” commanded Dan, with a feeble effort at saluting with his injured hand.
“Can’t do it. We will run you down in this sea. Look out for the next cast.”
“You’ll have to hurry, sir. We’ve got a drowning man under the water here, sir. Lay over, no matter if you do run us down. Quick!”
A sudden, but quickly suppressed exclamation escaped the ensign.
“Take hold; I’m going to let go,” gasped Dan.
Sam grabbed the rope from the hands of his companion, but Dan suddenly snatched it away again, observing that his companion was getting weak.
“Can you take care of yourself?”
“Yes,” replied Sam faintly.
The next time the line was cast from the steamer, Davis grabbed it, and with his burden was quickly hauled alongside the plunging steamer. Willing hands grabbed the lad, dragging him aboard and then began a frantic effort to pull up the drowning diver. Kester was hauled over the steamer’s side a few seconds later.
The helmet was jerked from the head of the diver in wonderfully quick time, and then began a hurried effort to restore him to consciousness.