The effect of the two big projectiles, other than that the tops of the hills had been smashed, was not discernible from on board the Georgetown.
But there was no mistaking the effect on the populace of the capital of the little republic. Through glasses Frank and Ned could notice wild excitement in the public square which came down to the water’s edge. Men, women and children seemed to be rushing about without any special object in view.
“Maybe they think we’ll bombard the town next,” Ned suggested.
“The old man wouldn’t do that,” declared Frank. “It isn’t a fortified city, and by the rules of civilized warfare an unfortified town can not be bombarded.”
“That doesn’t always hold—not in the European war,” said a sailor. “But the people here needn’t worry. We won’t send any shells among ’em. Why, we could take the whole place without using anything larger than one-pounders,” he boasted.
“I wish I knew what it was all about,” Frank said, and he wondered whether there would be a chance for him and his brother to go on shore and make some inquiries about their own and their uncle’s fortunes.
“Though if this battleship is going to shoot up the place after the inhabitants get out, I guess our chances for saving any of that money will be pretty slim,” he reasoned.
“I guess so, too,” assented Ned. “I wonder what the situation is, anyhow?”
But they continued to wonder, as no word came from the captain or other officers regarding the situation in Uridio. That it was momentous might be guessed from the fact that the commander and his officers still had serious looks on their faces.
When the second gun had been cleaned after the one shot, and all made ready for quick action, if need be, there was a period of waiting. Then a few small boats put out from the town and approached the Georgetown.