Joe and Jimmy, gasping, but with infinite relief in their hearts, knowing that they were safe, sank down on the floor of the radio room and tried to regain their breath. Bob and Herb hovered around, shaken to the depths by the narrow escape of their comrades.
“I’m—all—in!” panted Jimmy, as soon as he could speak.
“And no wonder, old boy,” said Bob, sympathetically. “You’ve never been so near death as you were at that moment.”
“It was Hector that saved my life,” said Jimmy, as he caressed the head of the dog, who barked proudly as though he understood.
A volley of shots rang out from the deck, followed by the fall of a heavy object.
“I guess they’ve got the bear,” said Bob.
“Who so nearly got me,” Jimmy finished.
Bob slid the door open a couple of inches and looked around. What he saw prompted him to open it to its full extent.
“Come out and take a look at them, fellows,” he called. “The Meteor’s men have bagged them both.”
They joined the group that stood around the monsters, now forever beyond the power of inflicting injury. They were formidable beasts, and even in death retained their looks of sullen ferocity.