Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/275



" off the island!" whispered Striker to Larry, as both peered through the opening beside their gun.

"It's as dark on the island as it is on the ships," returned the boy. His heart was thumping so violently that he could scarcely speak.

"Silence, men!" came the low command from out of the semi-darkness of the gun-deck. And then, for the time being, nothing more was said.

On swept the flagship at a speed of eight knots an hour. Corregidor Island was now directly abeam, and every glass on the big warship was trained on those dark and frowning works, while a sharp lookout was kept ahead and the "mine catchers" were out in force. In a minute more the Olympia would sweep into Boca Grande, the main channel, supposed to be fairly thick with hidden mines. What if their ship should strike? The thought sent a cold shiver