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43
could not have exceeded two and a half feet. In this order
and attitude the men pressed forward towards the summit of
the Sewer passing the Offset with its exposed buttress, sweeping
round the curve beneath Commercial Road, walking
beneath the shaft of the closed manhole, and finally reaching
the Drop, a distance in all from the Stamford Street entrance
of 360 feet.
The Sewer beneath the shaft of the closed manhole is
sufficiently lofty to afford head space and standing room.
Hence to this place the men repaired on their return journey
from the Drop with the object of recording in their note
books the results of their examinations.
THE SIGN OF DANGER.
Whilst engaged in this occupation Ryder noticed water
pouring from that part of the channel monopolized by the
issue from the Refinery, and steam in considerable volume
rising from the incoming current as passing over the Drop it
approached the place where the flushers stood. The men,
alarmed, sought safety by immediately setting out towards the
open manhole in Stamford Street, Garrod leading, Baker
retaining the second place and Ryder following, the first and
second men carrying lamps.
When they had accomplished about 90 feet on their return
journey Ryder experienced a choking sensation, and called on
Baker to quicken his steps. Baker replied. Ryder observed
Baker's figure moving in front of him and the buttress of the
Offset projecting on his left side but noticed nothing more,
nor does he remember anything until with returning
consciousness he discovers that he is down and groping in the
channel of the Sewer. Ryder's recollection of what ensued
is naturally somewhat obscure, but he remembers creeping on
some little distance and laying his hands on Baker's boots;