“That’s because objects on the ocean seem nearer than they do on land.”
“Why is that so?” inquired the ever inquisitive Tom.
Jim was clearly stumped by this inquiry, but he did not let on that he was puzzled in the least.
“No time to tell you now. That gun is about ready to fire.”
“You don’t know,” jeered Tom, “that’s just an excuse.”
“Show you later if you can’t study it out for yourself,” remarked Jim nonchalantly.
Juarez now had the cannon loaded and ready to fire. The Sea Eagle was moving obliquely away from the storm-center and it was a very difficult shot, but still a possible one on account of the size of the target. The old captain took much interest in the skill of his protégé Jim, whom he considered worthy to be enrolled in the straight-shooting American navy. He stood with his sturdy figure well braced and the glass in hand ready to mark a successful shot.
“Don’t you think you have got that weepin’ raised a leetle too high?” he inquired anxiously of Jim.
“I’m aiming a little over, sir,” replied Jim, “because I think the shell will fall a little in that distance.”