Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/177

Rh. Oleson came on top of Larry, and took grim delight in planting the heel of his rough boot on the lad's neck.

"Get off of my neck, Oleson!" cried Larry, and then Striker hurled the Norwegian back and scrambled up. He had just reached for the rail, when, muttering some fierce imprecation in his native tongue, Oleson caught Striker by the leg and flung him over the side! For one second the Yankee sailor seemed to hang in mid-air, then with a wild cry he disappeared into the boiling waters beside the vessel.

"Striker!" gasped Larry. "He will be drowned! Hobson! Vincent! Mr. Grandon! Come here! Oleson has thrown—"

He was permitted to go no further, for the Norwegian had now turned and caught him by the throat. "You can a-go wid him!" hissed the infuriated rascal, and forced the alarmed boy over the rail. In vain Larry tried to cling fast; Oleson beat off his hold, and down he went into that same tempest-tossed element, out of sight and hearing of those who were hurrying to answer his call.

How far down into the depths of the China Sea