“We can attend to her case later, if she comes monkeying around when we’re anchored off that banana republic,” observed Hank, and the others agreed with him.
Gradually the escaping craft drew away, until only her smoke could be seen on the horizon. It was the general opinion, afterward, that the vessel had been scouting around, perhaps to get sight of the approach of the United States’ war craft, and having seen her, had made haste to run and bring the word to the land forces. Just what the outcome would be no one knew.
It was two days later when the Georgetown came to anchor off the city of Pectelo, which was the seacoast capital of Uridio. As the big chains rattled through the hawse pipes, a boat was lowered away, and Captain Decker and some of his officers went ashore to learn what the situation was.
What took place ashore was not made public to the ship’s crew when the cutter returned. But a grave look was observed on the faces of the captain and his officers.
Everyone on the Georgetown waited eagerly for the next move. It was not long in coming.
“Man the forward turret!” came the command. “To your stations, men. We’re going to give them a demonstration!”
“Hurrah!” cried Ned.
“It’s our gun that’s going to be fired!” exulted Frank.
Like clockwork the men in the turret prepared for the work ahead of them. Frank took his place at the firing trigger, and waited for the range.
“Sight her at ten thousand yards,” came the command. “Aim at that hill back of the town. We’re going to blow it apart!”