The loading operation of the huge shells was also interesting, for it must be remembered that some of the missiles weigh nearly a ton. After the tremendous rebound of the gun, the breech block was opened, the opening mechanism being so arranged that the cartridge shell would be extracted automatically, thus preparing the gun for the next shell.
CHAPTER XIII
THE MYSTERIOUS FIGURES ON THE RANGE FINDER
All in the battery arose the next morning with an air of expectancy on their countenances, and this was particularly marked in the demeanor of the boys. Captain Winston was at the camp all night, and the probable result of the cannonading was the all-important topic.
"Do you think, Captain, that we wiped out the big battery over there yesterday?" asked Ralph.
"That is the problem uppermost in my mind," replied the captain. "It was impossible for me to spot any location in that depression, which could conceal the guns, although, of course, as my observations were not less than a mile from the earth, it is rather indefinite."
"Do you think they will have another try at it today?" asked Alfred.
"I understand not," was his reply.
"Then what will be done really to find out?" asked Ralph.