human
Can't they drain the reservoir? asked Joe.
gpt
Surely, to save a life, the towns could do without water for a while.
human
Oh, we'd drain it in a minute if we could, said Mr. Blair.
gpt
But you see now we can't get the main outlet pipe open. It's in that one that the diver is stuck. Only a little water is now flowing through it. We have opened all the small outlets we can, but it will take three or four days to empty the reservoir through them.
human
Three or four days, murmured Joe.
gpt
And in the meanwhile----
human
He wants more air! cried the man who interpreted the jerks.
gpt
Give him more air, boys!
human
Helen, said Joe in a low voice,
gpt
I'm going to try to save that man. I can't bear to stand here and think he may be slowly dying down there,
human
But how can you? asked the girl.
gpt
There isn't another diving suit to be had here, Joe, even if you were used to one.
human
I'll go down without one! declared Joe.
gpt
In fact, I think I can work better without one than in one. I'm going down and try to save him!
human
Oh, if you only can! she answered.
gpt
It would be great! But you will be careful--won't you?
human
If they'll let me, said Joe,
gpt
I'd like to go down and try to free that diver from whatever is holding him.
human
You go down? Are you a diver?
gpt
Not the kind that uses a suit, no. But I do a diving and tank act in the circus.
human
I guess you'll find, young man, brave and generous as your offer is, said one of the air-pumpers,
gpt
I realize that,
human
And what about holding your breath? asked Mr. Blair.
gpt
Can you do it?
human
He can hold it for nearly four and a half minutes,
gpt
Whew!
human
If you'll let me, I'll go down without a suit, offered Joe.
gpt
I'm not saying I can save your man, but I simply can't stand here and let him die without making an effort.
human
Good for you! cried one of the pump-men.
gpt
Some of us tried to go down, but we couldn't fetch that far, not being able to hold our breath. If you'll try, it will be the only chance poor Tom has, for he can't last much longer, and by the time the other diver gets here--well, it'll be too late, that's all. Go ahead, young man, and try.