These much diminish the value of the
cable, as they must all be cut out, the gutta-percha made good, and
the cable spliced. They arise from the cable having been badly
laid down so that it forms folds and tails at the bottom of the
sea. These kinks have another disadvantage: they weaken the cable
very much. - At about six o'clock [P.M.] we had some twelve miles
lifted, when I went to the bows; the kinks were exceedingly tight
and were giving way in a most alarming manner. I got a cage rigged
up to prevent the end (if it broke) from hurting anyone, and sat
down on the bowsprit, thinking I should describe kinks to Annie:-
suddenly I saw a great many coils and kinks altogether at the
surface. I jumped to the gutta-percha pipe, by blowing through
which the signal is given to stop the engine. I blow, but the
engine does not stop; again - no answer: the coils and kinks jam
in the bows and I rush aft shouting stop. Too late: the cable had
parted and must lie in peace at the bottom.
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