“Stand by to launch mines,” came the command at last.
The signal was given by a bugle call. Everyone was on edge, for the time required to put the mines over into the small boats was to be taken and would count on the record.
The Battleship Boys climbed over the side with their signal flags, each dropping into a whale boat, though the operation proved a severe strain on Dan’s injured wrist.
“Launch mines!”
The signal was blown loud and clear.
Crash after crash followed the bugle’s command, as steel met steel when the mines were clamped together.
“Silence!” roared the executive officer as the men began shouting in their excitement.
As fast as the mines were bolted together they were rolled to the side of the ship. There tackle was quickly hooked to them, then at command the heavy spheres were swung over the side, being carefully lowered to the boats below. There they were hung over the opposite sides of the small boats, one mine balancing the other. This would make placing the mines much easier than if they were to be taken over into the boats, for in that case they would have to be lifted out.
In an incredibly short time every one of the sixteen deadly implements of warfare was on the boats. Each boat held either an ensign or a midshipman, who was in command.
Sam was in one of the large whaleboats, while Dan occupied the wherry with an ensign and an oarsman.