If the Turkish battery had managed to escape that first explosion there would very likely be more coming along. The intense white light from above continued to cover the spot in a most tantalizing way; and there was no means for shutting it off. The guide called out just then:
“Come, we must make off as fast as we can before another shell falls. This time it may be closer to us, and we may be torn to pieces. Hasten, everyone. Do not mind little things like that,” he added, as Amos in his extreme haste fell over some obstacle, and measured his length on the rough ground.
They had not gone much more than forty feet when again came that flash out at sea. Once more they threw themselves flat in hopes of being able to escape the flying missiles better when in this recumbent position. The dreadful explosion was as awe-inspiring as the first had been; and Jack noticed that if anything this shell landed closer to where that big Turkish gun had been hidden from sight, with the intention of some day surprising an incautious vessel of the Allied fleet.
CHAPTER XXII.
PERILS OF THE TRAIL.
“That must have done some damage, I reckon!” gasped Amos as he struggled once more to his feet, ready to push steadily on again.
They had heard a series of shouts, some of them indicating pain, and others an acute degree of terror. Evidently the Turkish gunners were being demoralized by this firing. The bursting shells were working sad havoc in their midst.
But Turks have ever been known to show bravery under fire, and Jack was not so very much surprised when there came a bellow from the rear that made the earth quiver. The big gun hidden in the brush and rocky spurs had been fired, perhaps almost at random, to prove to the enemy that although betrayed by that searchlight from above the gunners were ready to die at their posts.
The two boys and Arturus were all hurrying along by that time, eager to put as much space between themselves and the danger zone as possible. More terrible shells were bound to fall in that limited area, and since the Turks would be utterly unable to move their big gun it stood a good show of being finally smashed.
So accurately did the gunners on the warship manage to drop their missiles that there seemed no further danger of one falling close enough to the boys to injure them. On this account then they no longer threw themselves down when that flash over the water announced the speeding of another projectile.