The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1874-06-11

Full fathoms I'VE he sinks; and - the
zee closes about him the great weight of
his armor dwindles away and his move
~ he descends, and soon feels his feet
touching the hard sand. His foothold 10
unsteady; for Notwithstanding the weights
once or twice he pulls the signal-line for
less air. Well he knows that unless the
supply be rightly adjusted he will either
6e sunocated or sent bubbling to the sur
face feet first.
But his signals are needed, and az his
tread becomes firm he chances around him
out OF the little window In his helmet.
shoals OF fish crowd inquisitively near.
and some daringly rub their noses against
his breast; but wsve of his hand drives
them Oft In utmost terror. A few wards
away lies the wreck, bcdded in sand, and
plainly visible in the green light of the
depths. There Is a. much light, indeed,
IS we have on shore during ordinary
foggy weather. The diver approaches
cautiously. His greatest peril is in the
tangled rigging and splinters, which
might twist or break the air-pipe and
signal-line. He does not move . step
without FIRST finding out whittier it will
lead him, and in good time he safely
reaches the hull. Thus far he is pleased
with the "jOb:" the water is clear and
his feet do not sink into the sand. Now he
begins ais search for the damages, and
works for four or five hours without in
terruption. examining the vessel in every
part, ami -..'nming lively tune as he
moves briskly about. The water is cold,
and If he loiters he will be chilled; and,
moreover, he understands that industry 10
the best cure for the loneliness of his
position. At last he signals to ascend,
and he Is brought on board the tug boat.
The master-wreckers crowd about him
for information.
"Can the vessel be savedi" "She
can, he answers. The planking amidships,
few feet above the keel, has been torn
away; but she holds together, and If the
weather IL fair she may be afoat again in
two weeks. The diver, having removed
his dress, then calmly sits down to eat,
while preparations are making for another
descent.
An old diver is as comfortable under
water as above, and can do eight hours
work . day in seven or eight fathoms.
As the business is precarious, however.
the men are paid $50 month, and sup.
piled with board and lodging. Do they
serve an apprenticeship! Not exactly
that, but most of them have been attend.
ants to other divers, and have picked up
the secrets in that way. IL waited on a
man myself, and didn't get promoted until
l knew the service like q book" saws the
diver, as he rises and calls for his bow.
"All ready, Tom! Excuse me now, eli
it's time to 60 down again." And 80 he
leaves us.
Two other men accompany him in his
nextdescent, and after they have been down
for an hour or two they signal to the men
in the boat, and the heavy cable that we
have seen is lowered to them. In their
curious dress they work together with q
will and drag the massive links of iron
underneath the hull of the ship-one
length amidships, second length astern
and third length forward. This is slow
work, and before it is complete night has
set in and the divers are brought to the
surface. Betimes next day it is resumed,
and when the center of each great chain
is right under the keel the pontoons are
towed over the wreck. Meanwhile, con.
slant communication is established be-
tween the men below and the men in the
boats, by means of the signal.line. Once
in about four hours the divers come to
the surface for fresh air and food. But
these pontoons-what are theyi Let US
pause moment to glance at them. They
are built of wood and painted black, The
largest measure 100 feet in length. 10
feet in width and IA feet in depth.
Those selected for the present case are
much smaller, and three are stationed at
each side Of the wreck to buoy her. In
each pontoon there are several wells, or
holes. running through tho center, from
deck to bottom. Into these the divers in.
sert the ends of the three cables, which
are drawn upward by hydraulic power.
This part OF the work costs severe effort
and much time, and when it is done the
injured vessel, as doctor would say, is
On the faiz way ~ recovery. Inc cSbies
are drawn up through the wells, link by
link, and are frightened gradually until the
wreck lifts. She rises slowly, and the
pontoons groan from the weight bearing
upon them as they are drawn nearer to
her. For some time yet she is out of sight;
but at last her deck is seen dimly
through the waves, and soon afterward it
ia above water. The wreckers, a. We oh.
served, are impressive in their manner;
but they cannot repress their enthusiasm
over the success, and two CT three of the
more excitable burst into cheers.-From
The Coast- Wreekers," in St. Nicholas for
June. .no'nf