"But he'd go up with the rest of us," said Frank.
"Unless he used a slow match," put in Jack. "These captains always have their enemies, who are desperate fellows and ready to do almost anything to injure them. The steamer might be set afire by means of a slow match, which would give the villain time enough to get away."
"I hardly think there's anybody desperate enough to do that kind of a trick, for it would be a case of suicide."
"Perhaps not. The chap who did the trick might have some plan of escaping. Then I have known men desperate enough to commit suicide if they could destroy an enemy at the same time."
"Well, it's likely all this worry about this vessel and cargo is entirely needless and foolish."
"I don't believe it," said the Virginian. "I know now that the captain has been worried. I have noticed it in his manner. He is pale and restless."
"Well, it's likely he may be rather anxious, for it's certain he cannot carry any insurance on such a cargo."
"He was not at the table to-night."
"No."
"I'd give something to be on solid ground and away from this powder mill. You know that sometimes there is such a thing as an unaccountable explosion. A heavy sea must cause motion or friction in the cargo, and friction often starts a fire on shipboard. Fire on this vessel means a quick road to glory."