At this time, however, while Edgar Berrington stood watching them, these two men seemed to have found an apple of discord of unusual sizeto judge from the energetic display of feeling which it occasioned. Edgar never ascertained what the bale in dispute contained, but he saw them appear rather suddenly and simultaneously, dragging it between them. The violent gesticulations of the two showed that their spirits were greatly roused, both having evidently resolved to claim and keep possession of the bale. At last one of them struck the other a severe blow on the chest, which, though it did not hurt him, caused him to stumble and fall. From his smaller size Edgar judged the striker to be Rooney. Before the other could recover, he had fastened his slings to the bale, and given the signal to hoistintending to go up with it, but Maxwell caught him by the legs and attempted to drag him off, whereupon Rooney kicked as hard as his suspended position would admit of, and in his struggles kicked in one of the glasses of his comrades helmet. The water instantly began to rush in, and he would certainly have been suffocated had he not signalled quickly, and been hauled up to the surface without delay. At the same time Rooney Machowl signalled to be hauled up in haste, and appeared on deck of the attendant vessel, in dreadful anxiety as to the consequence of his violent conduct under water.
But Maxwell was not seriously injured. He had indeed been half-suffocated, and had to be invalided for a few days, but soon he and Rooney were at work again, as goodor, if you will, as badfriends as ever!
After this incident Edgar received a pull on his life-line, to which he replied All right. Immediately after, and while he was in the act of rising from the hold of the wreck by the process of retaining his air until it floated him, he heard Baldwins voice saying
Youve kicked up a pretty shindy among my men, Mister Edgar, since you went under. Dont you think youd better come up?
Yes, Im coming directly, he replied.
Theres a letter here for youjust brought off by a boat.
All right; send me more air.
While this order was being obeyed, Edgar made his way to the ladder-line, being guided thereto by his guide-line, and then, shutting his valves, he quickly inflated his dress which soon floated him, so that he used the rope depending from the ladder merely to guide him upwards. As he ascended the light became gradually stronger, the pressure of water also decreased, obliging him to open his valves and let out air which was becoming superabundant. At last he emerged from the sea, was assisted over the side, and two men began to divest him of his dress.
While thus occupied he read his letter. It was from the owners of the steamer in which he had made his recent voyage. Not being aware of his distance from London they merely asked him to call, as they wished to talk with him on a matter of importance.
I wish they had mentioned what the matter was, said Edgar, with a troubled look, as he and Baldwin descended to the cabin. It may be important enough to justify my returning to London at once, and yet may not be worth more than a walk of half a mile.
True, Mister Edgar, said Baldwin. However, as you say youve examined the hull well, and feel sure it can be raised, theres no reason why you shouldnt go see about the apparatus required, and so kill two birds with one stone. Meanwhile, Ill write to Mr Hazlit, recommending him to try to raise the wreck, and hes pretty sure to take my advice.
In accordance with this plan Edgar returned to London. We will not however trace his future steps in regard to the Seagull