Two minutes later Tony came rushing into the apartment where the captives were held prisoners.
“Here! Come quickly, Mark!” he exclaimed. “Something has gone wrong with the gas machine again, and you must come and fix it before we are all dashed to pieces!”
With every appearance of haste Mark rushed from the apartment, following Tony. The latter led the way to the engine room.
“Can anything be done?” he asked.
Mark took a survey of the machinery.
“It is too late,” he said as though much excited. “The ship is falling down toward the sea with terrific force.”
It needed but a glance at the height gage to show this. The pointer was revolving rapidly about the face of the dial.
“Will the ship stand the blow?” asked Tony.
“Not at the rate it is falling,” replied Mark. “She will go all to pieces when she strikes the water, and she may explode!”
“What are we to do then?” asked the leader of the mutineers.