By degrees the sparks became invisible, and the flames were merged, many tongues in one, as the distance was increased; while the praus, out of whose sight it was no longer necessary to keep, looked comparatively small, with their sides still glistening in the light.
“There is no occasion to keep silence now,” said the captain quietly. “We are far out of hearing.”
“What caused that explosion there?” said the mate, as he seated himself now, but continued to steer.
“We cannot tell for certain,” said the captain.
“No,” said the major; “but there seems to me to be no doubt that it was a powder-keg which the Malays had brought on board, I should say to blow open the cabin-door. And it did,” he added grimly, “and I hope they liked it.”
“What do you propose doing, captain?” said Mr Gregory at last, and the answer was eagerly listened for. “We are heavily-laden and ought to make land.”
“Yes, but it must not be in the sight of the praus. It is early in the night yet, and we are evidently in a sharp current.”
“Yes, a strong current,” said the mate.
“Then row steadily till daybreak, and by then we shall be well out of sight, and can make for one of the islands to the south, or try and get in the route of the China ships.”
“Right!” said the mate. “Give way, my lads; a slow easy stroke, and we’ll all relieve you in turn.”