Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/176

150 came from the Rev. Martin Wells. "Let me help at the work, mate; the sooner we put the fire out, the better."

"All right, sir," answered Grandon. "But have a care, or you'll roll overboard. See, men," he went on, "the mast is afire; that is, what is left of it. Hobson, Roddy, get the axes and chop it away. Striker, bring the hose around the mizzenmast and over to larboard. It's a wonder some of you men forward weren't knocked out. The poor captain's senseless. Oleson, help Striker with that hose, and you, too, Larry. Vincent, cut the ropes with a knife, or an axe, if you've got one. The rest of you screw the hose to the pump and turn on the water. I'll chop this woodwork away so you can get at the fire below." And crash! crash! went Tom Grandon's axe, as he worked away manfully, while the crew scurried off in all directions, to do as ordered.

Striker had already run for the hose, and soon several lengths were unreeled, and not only Larry and Oleson, but also the missionary, took hold to drag it forward. The larboard rail was just gained when the Columbia gave a sharp lurch, and down went the three men and the boy in the