The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-06-05
Bisbee had literally dissolved

beneath them, and the three were
struggling in the water. Burning oil
and gases had burst out in jets, but
the solid piece of decking that rose
with them had Afforded protection; but
now 1t settled back into the water and
melted away beneath them, dragged
down by some of the iron work, leav
ing only fragment Of rail top and
bottom with the woven wire netting
between held together by two solid
stanchions and piece of upper deck.
The stanchions kept the rail ahoat in
horizontal position, so that the net
ting formed sort Of stretcher onto
which Tank with a sweep of his huge
arm and a bunch of his mighty shout
ders flung the limp figure of the pilot.
face upward. Then he worked around
to one OF the stanchions, we'll up where
1t gripped the buoyant piece of upper
decking Gimball hung his long neck
by the chin over the other stanchion.
He had lost his glasses in the explo-
sion, but looked as goggly as ever.
The immense quantity of oil poured
out had Gained the waters till they
were like glass. Before the smoke and
smudge from the explosion cleared, the
fog swept over them and they were
alone.
The air was filled with shouts and
cries, the calling of people still unres-
cued from the RATS and fearful OF
drifting out to sea, the blowing of po-
lice whistles, and presently the con-
slant booming of fog sirens as the craft
in the grip Of the fog felt their way
about the bay or from slip to slip along
the front Darkness, however, had not
yet fallen, and the fog was thinnest at
the water, 80 that Tank and Gimball
could make each other out plainly. For
some time both were silent. There was
only the gentle wash Of the oil
smoothed waves. and the porpoise-like
putting of Tank as occasionally he
lifted himself higher upon the impro-
vised raft Presently he became con-
scious that Girnball was looking at him
rather intently.
Goggle-eye." he asked, what's on
your mind?"
MIR. Tank" said Gimball. his mis-.
shapen eyes kindling with the light OF
admiration. you are q strong. brave
MAJ"
"Aw," said Tank. deprecatingly.
"you amt such mutt as you look
yourself"
Gimball opened his mouth to muir
muir Thanks" when small wave
broke against his stanchion. filling his
vocal cavities with salt water. Ugh!
he gulped instead.
I'm goin' to boiler for help as soon
as en- get my real breath" gasped
Tank, IN we'll get 1t Alright Alright"
He was, barring hts pufiness. as pla-
cidly calm as when In his office ten
hours ago he gave Reddy Halloran a
Job His confidence never failed him
for an instant, not even when he felt
the outgoing lido grip at his legs from
below. H
Now. MS he spoke. head appeared.
| otter-like. moving toward them. In a
moment an arm was thrown up on the
wreclyage and chin was laid upon the
raft, while two dark, beady eyes looked
| pldCluiy, lnquii ih6iJt NIL SoS~'S'NoN' AASS~'
the face of Tank.
Lilo, Dan," said the newcomer in a
deep, slow voice, after minute or two.
LILO, Tom" said Dan. cycling him
| steadily, refectively.
Can / have the Food Inspectors
| job, DAM" he asked. the eams old visit
/ tul look coming into his eye
Tank eyed him contemplatfvely. He
was thinking Of that proud. half-boast-
full speech of his in the morning:
/ like best the men have had to lick.
/ like 'em and trust EN-; and the harder
they was to lick somehow the more |
| trust EN-" Here was a man who wac
distinctly eligible. Here were the ele
4 ments for dog-like devotion
Can II" said Tom, again, still with
that deep-seeing, wistful gaze.
Yes" said Tank, laconically, when
he had concluded his reflections.
Reach out and grab that raft foatin'
/ right behind We there, ana we'll all get
on It."
= \