had gone below to pack their belongings in anticipation of being
transferred, now came rushing out of their staterooms.

"What was it?"

"Are we going to blow up?"

"Is the ship sinking?"

"Don't be alarmed!" Captain Falcon exhorted them, but, even as he spoke,
there came a second dull rumbling, a trembling of the vessel, and another
explosion, louder than the first. There were screams from frightened
women and children, and a number of men passengers made a rush for the
boats, as the sailors had done before.




CHAPTER VII

IN PORT


"Stand back!" cried Captain Falcon, and again his hand went to his pocket
as though to draw a weapon. "Stand back! The same rule applies to you men
passengers as to the sailors. Women and children first! Do you hear?
Stand back!"

The rush was halted almost before it started. Then Mr. Switzer, who had
taken no part in it, said slowly: