CHAPTER XXIV.
SINKING OF THE IVAN II.
"We shall be killed!"
Such was the cry which came from the lips of Andy Greggs as he stared in helpless horror at the bomb, and its smoking fuse.
It was a moment to act, not to think.
By instinct more than reason Oscar leaped forward and caught the bomb in his hands.
His fingers closed over the burning fuse, to put out the fire.
But the action was too late—the fire had gone inside!
Then with a lightning-like movement the young captain hurled the shell up through the trap-door into the air.
Before it had time to drop into the ocean it went off with a loud report.