Page:Air Service Boys Flying for France.djvu/93

88 the torpedo had missed its mark, brought their boat to the surface and commenced to shell the steamer.

This was just what happened. One thing, however, some of the passengers had forgotten. It was suddenly brought to their attention when a loud crash came. Shrieks arose from some of the women, although they had up to then borne themselves wonderfully well. The first thought was that the ship was under fire and that a shell had burst aboard.

"It's our own gun crew getting busy!" cried Tom.

At this there was a faint cheer. Confidence began to return and color again to tint cheeks that had become pallid.

Tom had surmised the truth. The "seaslinker" as Jack called the enemy craft, had come to the surface and was already chasing after them. It was time for those manning the quick-firing three-inch gun in the stern of the steamer to show what they could do to a pursuing submarine.

Bang!

A shell burst to one side of the steamer. The German gunners could play at that game also, it seemed. They meant to pursue the big steamer and keep up a constant fire in the hope that some lucky shot might cripple her