The noise grew positively deafening as they got closer. The intense heat of the blaze and the shower of falling embers that enveloped them added to their discomfort.
“Row toward the bow,” roared Mr. Smallwood, cupping his hands, “or we’ll have the boats afire next.”
Already several of the seamen had hastily extinguished portions of their clothing that had caught, and burns on hands and faces were plentiful. But as they pulled toward the blazing craft’s bow, this annoyance was avoided, the wind blowing the heat and embers from them.
All at once, as they swung upward on the crest of an immense comber, Jack uttered a shout:
“The mystery’s solved.”
“What do you mean?” demanded Mr. Smallwood.
“The mystery of that horrible noise. That’s a cattle ship yonder, and the poor beasts are mad with fear.”
The next wave gave them a clear view of tossing horns and heads as the unfortunate cattle, penned on the burning craft, rushed madly about the decks, in vain seeking some means of relief. It was a piteous sight, for there was no way of saving them from being burned alive unless the ship sank first.
“Oh, but that’s awful!” gasped Jack, with a shudder.
“Look, look up on the bow!” cried Bill suddenly. “There’s a man. He’s seen us.”