Finally there flashed into view on the turret signal device the words “cease firing.” The practice was over. And then, just how it happened no one could tell, there was discovered on the iron floor of the turret a burning mass of powder that was slowly flaming. And worse than that, this burning powder was near a large charge that had been hoisted up but not used.
“Look!” cried Ned, frantically.
“Run out!” shouted Frank, aware of the danger of an explosion.
“Clear the turret!” yelled the officer. “Out, every one of you!”
The explosion was imminent. The officer stood at the entrance as the lads rushed out. Frank was the last, being preceded by Hank Dell. As the latter hurried he slipped and fell, striking his head on a steel projection. With a moan he rolled over unconscious.
The next instant, though the explosion might occur any moment, Frank stooped over, and catching up in his strong arms the body of the unconscious bully, he bore him from the turret, though, had he wished, Frank might have leaped across the prone form to safety.
“Quick!” cried the officer, as he leaped after Frank to help him. But there was no need. Frank had carried out his enemy.
The next instant there was a big flash of fire, and a dull report that threw Frank with his burden down to the deck.
CHAPTER XV—ORDERED SOUTH
At first more than one thought a terrible explosion had taken place, and the general alarm was sounded. But it was not half so bad as it seemed.