Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/140

116 several yards off, although deeper below the surface than ever. Instinctively both struck out, and a distance equal to that already from the enemy was covered ere either dared to come up, to get a breath of much-needed air.

"Are you safe?" was Striker's first question, and seeing that Larry was, he continued, "What was it?"

"I—I—don't know!" gasped the boy. "It's pretty big, whatever it is. Oh, see, they have a line attached to it and are hauling it round to the starboard!"

They had floated to the port side of the Columbia, and now swam as rapidly for the ship as their exhausted condition would permit.

"On deck there! Throw us a line, if ye want us aboard!" piped up Striker.

"Gee shoo! it's the boys!" ejaculated Tom Grandon, and a rush was made by those who were not holding the sawfish. Several lines were cast overboard, and in a twinkle Larry and the tall Yankee were once more safe on board.

"God be praised for His mercies!" murmured Mr. Wells, as he helped Larry over the rail and noticed how weak the lad was. "You have had a narrow escape, Lawrence, and you, too, Striker."