ing that we might rely upon smooth water
for about a week or two in summer, we determined to do what we could to
lift the sunken vessel to the surface.

We calculated the probable weight of the vessel, and had a number of
air-tanks expressly built for her floatation. These were secured to
the ship with chains and hooks, the latter being inserted through the
side lights in her sheer strake. Early in the following summer
everything was ready. The air-tanks were prepared and rafted together.
Powerful screws were attached to each chain, with hand-pumps for
emptying the tanks, together with a steam tender fitted with cooking
appliances, berths and stores, for all hands engaged in the enterprise.
We succeeded in attaching the hooks and chains by means of divers; the
chains being ready coiled on deck. But the weather, which before
seemed to be settled, now gave way. No sooner had we got the pair of
big tanks secured to the after body, than a fierce north-north-easterly
gale set in, and we had to run for it, leaving the tanks partly filled,
in order to lessen the strain on everything.

When the gale had settled, we returned again, and found that no harm
had been done. The remainder of the hooks were properly attached to
the rest of the tanks, the chains were screwed tightly up, and the
tanks were pumped clear. Then the tide rose; and before high water we
had the great satisfaction of getting the body of the vessel under
weigh, and towing her about a cable's length from her old bed. At each
tide's work she was lifted higher and higher, and towed into shallower
water towards Belfast; until at length we had her, after eight days,
safely in the harbour, ready to enter the graving dock,--not more
ready, however, than we all were for our beds, for we had neither
undressed nor shaved during that anxious time. Indeed, our friends
scarcely recognised us on our return home.

The result of the enterprise was this. The clean cut made into the bow
of the ship by the collision was soon repaired. The crop of oysters
with which she was incrusted gave place to the scraper and the
paintbrush. The Wolf came out of the dock to the satisfaction both of
the owners and underwriters; and she was soon "ready for the road,"
nothing the worse for her ten months' immersion.[2]

Meanwhile the building of new iron ships went on in the Queen's Island.
We were employed by another Liverpool Company--the British Shipowners'
Company, Limited--to