The two men ran to his side, ready to help.
“My father has gone in to help the major. As soon—as he comes—near enough—go and help.”
The men stood listening; and then, as they heard the coming steps, made a dart in, but returned.
“You can’t breathe. It chokes you,” cried Billy Widgeon.
“Take a long mouthful, my lad, and hold your breath,” growled the boatswain. “Ha, he’s down! Come on!”
Chapter Thirty Six.
How Mark and Billy Widgeon went wrong.
Mark did as the others did; inflated his lungs and rushed into the darkness, till they nearly fell over the captain; and then how it was done the lad hardly knew, but the two insensible men were dragged out to where there was pure air to breathe, and the rescuers sank down beside them, panting and exhausted. “Too late!” groaned Mark.