“Wow! Glory to Goshen, here comes annudder one!” bellowed Jupe, dropping a frying pan with a clatter and throwing himself flat on his face.
The others followed his example. Indeed, it was impossible to remain on one’s feet. The mighty earth waves undulated like the billows of the sea.
This shock lasted longer than the other, and was more severe. When it was over they arose to their feet considerably unnerved by the convulsion of nature.
“Do——do you think there is any danger of this island sinking. Professor?” asked Ned in a shaky voice.
“I do not,” rejoined the other with a confidence that he was very far from actually feeling, however. “I see no evidence of any volcanic formation hereabouts.”
“Maybe de ole Mudder Earth done got a bad tummy ache,” hazarded Jupe.
“I wish she’d get it in her foot, then,” grumbled Ned. “I don’t—say, Jack,” he broke off suddenly, “am I seeing things or is that beach narrower than it was?”
A worried look passed over Jack’s face.
“I’m afraid your eyesight is all right, Ned,” he said. “The water is closer than it was, beyond a doubt.”
“And that means?” gasped Captain Andrews. “That we are sinking,” calmly said Professor Chadwick. “There is no use deceiving ourselves. Jack, send out a call for aid. There may be a chance of some ship catching the message.”