"I want a dredge," he yelled, as soon as the lumberman was within
distance. "I believe we can relieve the pressure somewhat by a
channel into Steam's bayou. Get that Government dredge up and
through the bayou as soon as you can."
"All right," said Welton briefly. "Can you hold her?"
"I've got to hold her," replied Orde between his clenched teeth.
"Have you seen Newmark? Where in HELL is Newmark? I need him for
fifty things, and he's disappeared off the face of the earth!
Purdy! that second cable! She's snapped a strand! Get a
reinforcing line on her!" He ran in the direction of the new danger
without another thought of Welton.
By the late afternoon casual spectators from the countryside had
gathered in some number. The bolder or more curious of these added
a further touch of anxiety to the situation by clambering out over
the jam for a better view. Orde issued instructions that these
should keep off the logs; but in spite of that, with the impertinent
perseverance of the sight-seer, many persisted from time to time,
when the rivermen were too busily engaged to attend to them, in
venturing out where they were not only in danger but also in the
way. Tom North would have none of this on his pile-driver.
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