"So far we are but four against seven," said Andy. "We want to be careful, or our cake will be dough."
"I hope Dross is safe," said Oscar. The old engineer was very dear to him.
He told the men to remain on guard, and each armed himself with a dagger, sword or pistol.
Then Oscar tiptoed his way to the engine room.
Peering in he saw Gabretti at the engine, studying a power register with much perplexity.
"I can make nodding of heem!" he muttered. "Do zat make ze boat go zis vay or zat vay, eh?"
He turned to George Dross, who still lay bound to the iron bench.
"Don't ask me any questions," growled the old engineer.
"You shall answer me!" stormed the Italian. "Answer—vot ees zat funny clock for?"
"It shows the time to pump the electricity in the go-bang-it-on-the-head," answered Dross.