“Oh, it’ll do us good, I guess,” laughed Frank.
In the days that followed other drills were held aboard the battleship, though they were made as light as possible on account of the hot weather in the tropics.
When the general-quarters call was sounded, all took their stations at the guns for fighting the ship. This was what would be done on going into action, and that drill was usually preceded by the “clearing ship for action” order. In this the upper decks were cleared of all unnecessary rigging, not actually required for fighting. In this drill it is sometimes customary to lower the boats, but as the Georgetown was speeding to accomplish a certain mission she was not stopped to permit the lowering of the small boats.
“Abandon ship” was another drill that interested Ned and Frank. This drill often came after collision drill, and was supposed to indicate that the ship had been so badly damaged in action that she was likely to sink. When the “abandon” signal was given each man rushed to his particular station at the small boats.
Each man had also to get a certain amount of food or supplies which was always his portion, and stow this in the boat. So proficient did the blue-jackets become that in a few minutes after the signal had been given to abandon ship the whole crew, officers and all, would be ready to take to the boats and pull away. And in the boats would be enough food for several days, as well as other comforts and necessities. Everything possible is thought of in advance, and preparations made for all emergencies, from fire or explosion on board, to an attack by an enemy.
Down past the shoulder of Brazil slipped the Georgetown, and as she was now leaving the equator and going south, the heat of the weather moderated a little. Still it was warm enough.
“It won’t be long before we shall be there,” remarked Frank to Ned one day, as they stood on the forward deck, looking across the sea.
“Yes, we ought to be there soon. I hope we’re in time.”
“In time? What do you mean?”
“I mean I hope the revolution isn’t all over.”