The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-05-19
THE STORY OF A DIVER.
BY MARLTON DOWNING.

"No, Bob, l won't send you down to that
wrecked steamer. I'll let you relieve Har
ris on the sea-wall and he can go to the
steamer"
But do you think that is using me just
right, Mr.. Tompkius?" asked the young
diver. I've always had reason to suppose
that l have done your deep-water work
satisfactorily, and l feel as if this job by
right belongs TO me-"
" Yes. Bob, you always have done we'll
l consider you as good man as ever made
dip. But I'd rather you wouldn't tackle
this wreck"
6 know your reasons" replied Bob, with
his eyes keenly fixed upon his employers
face. My tender has told you that Jennie
was coming on board this steamer, and you
fear l will find her body among the dead.
Is it not so, Sir?' -
well, to tell you the truth, 1t is some
Ciliff33t Ike fiIat." answered Mr.. Tompkins
with hesitation.
Then you need have no apprehenSions,
as l do not expect my wife for two weeks
yet"
"Ah, that makes some difference" said
the chief. 80 you can get your gear To-
gether as quick as you're mind to, for the
tOwDoat and lighter are at the end OF the
wharf, waiting to start"
Never before had Robert Emerson seemed
so light-hearted in preparing his dress"
and apparatus a. lie aid that morning, and
all through the trip down the harbOr, and
along the coast to the scene of the wreck,
he was the liVeliest one of the whole party.
There was another diver present besides
himself, who was 10 assist in bringing the
bodies OF the passengers and the YaluaOleS
of the steamers cargo to the surface.
Scarcely had the ScOW been m0Ored over the
Sunken craft when Bob was in his "armOr'
and standing on the iron ladder over The
side, waiting for his assistant 10 secure the
hide0us copper helmet in place.
Nov, Rob, look out for yourself" eau
toned the attendant just before screwlnS on
the face lece."
ION, have no fears for ne. III be all
right. GuOd-Oy," and with this farewell The
young diver vas shut into his armOr.
Then hearing the pat on his metal head
covering, Robert Emerson Telinqushed his
hold, and sank beneath the dark, cold
waters Of the Atlantic.
Down, down he went until the tender"
who was looking after the hose and lifeline,
''Ielt' that the diver had reached the deck
of the steamer. Then after a few moments
the rubber hose was shaken.
More airl" called the attendant. Rob
wants more air. and the two men at the
pump began 10 turn the cranks more vigOr-
ously.
All, he's going down below decks" re-
marked the assistant, as he allowed the rope
and tube to slip through his hands.
a long pause enSued, during which no
signal came TO the Sarface. Then the
tender, his face assuming a look Of appre-
hensOn, turned to Mr.. Tompkins, who was
standing near.
What do you think, sir? l haven't felt
Bob for some time"
Ask him if he's all right" said the en-
plOyer.
The trembling signal went down into the
depths, but 10 answer came back.
Haul up on the lifeline" quickly called
Nj. Tompkins. HE may be damned"
Truly he IS, sir, for l cannot start either
hose or rope an inch" replied the anxious
attendant, pull o. with al his might.
Quick. Bear hand there, Pete Be
ready TO make a dip. Bob is in trouble"
called the employer to the other diver
Pm dressed. On with the head-piece and
give me plenty OF air."
In less than thirty seconds Pete was on his
way to the bottom. As he descended Pete
followed the line and hose of his cOmrade
They led him to the deck Of the steamer
and thence down through the saloon to the
open door Of a state-roOm.
He entered, and was struck aghast at the
spectacle which he saw before him. There
was his companion kneeling upon the floor,
his arms stretched over the form Of a lovely
woman, while the barred face-piece Of his
helmet was pressed close to the pallid, up
turned cleek OF Inc uedu.
The flowing tresseS Of the drowned, wash
ing in the cruel waters. had twined about the
metallic collar OF the diver, as though they,
possessed of life, essayed 10 return the en-
brace of the one whom their owner had so
iOndly loved.
1T is Bob's wifew gasped Pete within
his armOr. " He must be taken cut from
here or he viii die from grief where he
kneels."
TIE courageous fellow stepped to the side
of his comrade and touched him on the arm,
but recoled Mortified to tind that both hose
lines had been severed by the sharp knife
which had been carried at the belt of the
diver, while the ends were made fast to the
d0OT-kn0b Of the state-roOm.
Pete was quick to act, however. Casting
adTIft the rope, he fastened it about the
body of Robert, dragged il out of the apart
ment and gave the signal to "haul up"
while lie gently guided the inanimate form
out through the saloon and to the deck.
Then he returned for the remains of the
drowned wife, which he tenderly lifted in
his arms and on his own line gave the
shake " t. be drawn to the surface.
As his head appeared above the water
eager hands were extended to relieve the
diver of his burden.
Tenderly and with a woman's touch the
sturdy mariners lifted the form OF Jennie,
whom most of them had known IN life. aud
laid ii upon the once strong arm OF her hus-
band, aud then over both, united In DEATH
was lightly placed an American ensign to
shield the piteous sight from the gaze OF the
crew.
Mr.. Tompkins," whispered the tender
Of the dead diver, just before the wharf
was reached. Rob knew that his wife was
among the drowned, and it was to find her
body and die by her side that he begged