That is
our sole hope. The ship is in a powerful tidal current, and it is
high-water at 5.30 A.M. At a rough estimate, Hanover Island is twenty
knots distant. Now you know all. The outcome is mere guesswork."
"Why did the furnaces blow up?"
"I was cross-examining Joey on that point when you came in. He reserved
his opinion. My own view is that, by accident or design, some explosive
substance found its way into the coal."
"Shem, Ham and Japheth! Explosive substance! Do you mean dynamite, or
gunpowder, or that sort of thing?"
"Something of the kind. That is only a supposition, but when I whispered
it to Walker he agreed."
"Walker! Is he the man who speaks so queerly?"
"If ever you go to Newcastle, don't put it that way. I told him to take
Miss Maxwell to her cabin. Did he do so?"
"Yes. I have not seen her since, so I assume that the bromide, plus the
wine, was effective. Well, I must return to my patients. Can I get you
anything? I am store-keeper, you know."
"No, thanks."
"Nothing to eat, or drink?"
"Nothing. I shall be ready for a square meal when I am able to come
below--not before.
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