"Bless my--" he began but he had to stop, to cough and gasp.
"There must have been some sort of an accident," he cried, as he
got his lungs full of fresh air. "A bad accident! Tom could never
work in that atmosphere. Whew!"

"Accident! What is matter?" cried Koku stepping to the doorway.
He, too choked and gasped, but his was such a strong and rugged
nature, and his lungs held such a supply of air, that it took
more than mere gas to knock him out. He peered in through the
wreaths of the acid vapor, and saw the body of his master, lying
on the floor--held down by the heavy iron.

In another instant Koku had rushed in, holding his breath, for,
now that he was inside the place, the gas made even him feel
weak.

"Come back! Come back!" cried Mr. Damon. 'You'll be smothered!
Wait until the gas escapes!"

"Then Mr. Tom die!" cried the giant. "I get him--or I no come
out."

With one heave of his powerful right arm, Koku lifted the heavy
shaft from Tom's legs. Then, gathering the lad up in his left
arm, as if he were a baby, Koku staggered out into the fresh air,
almost falling with his burden, as he neared Mr. Damon, for the
giant was, well-nigh overcome.

"Bless my soul!" cried the odd man. "Is he--is he--"