“Do not hesitate on our account,” said Hartley firmly; “we do not shrink from it.”
“All will be over in a very few moments. We shall know if it is to be life or death.”
“It would be death in the long run anyway,” declared Clifford. “Whatever it is, let us all meet our fate like brave men.”
“That settles it,” declared Frank, “prepare for the shock!”
Everything movable aboard the boat was carefully secured. Then Frank announced all in readiness.
It was a moment of suspense.
Frank stood by the vestibule door with the wire and electric key in his hand. He closed his eyes and spasmodically pressed it.
It was all a matter of momentous doubt. All hinged upon the result of the explosion. Five human lives hung in the balance.
The result was instantaneous.
All that the voyagers could ever remember of the affair afterward was that there was a terrific shock, a confused jumbling of ideas and incidents, and then——