The others understood the import of the words. There was a wild cheer as they dashed after Jack and the negro Tom.
CHAPTER IX
THE FIGHT
Frank, on deck, was doing his work. At the first stroke of six bells, the lad had dropped his hand to his pocket. A moment later there came a sharp report from below.
"Things have started moving," said Frank quietly.
The officer on the bridge had also caught the sound of the revolver shot. He looked up sharply. A moment later Lieutenant Blum dashed forward and jumped to the bridge. He spoke hurriedly to the officer of the deck, and both made a leap for the machine guns.
Frank smiled quietly to himself. Here was fighting in which he knew his true value.
The lad's revolver flashed. The man nearest to the first machine gun dropped in his track. The second man, Lieutenant Blum, touched the nearest machine gun. Frank's revolver spoke again. The German lieutenant pitched forward on his face.
"So much for you!" cried Frank. He leaped to the bridge and covered the man at the wheel.
"A false move and you are a dead man," he said. "Hold her steady."