Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/297

Rh felt it was all over. In that moment he virtually suffered the pang of being killed.

But now came a chance to stop the impending catastrophe. Prompted by curiosity, Barrow turned, to take another squint at the enemy before letting drive. But his hand still retained its hold on the connection used for firing purposes.

"Oh, God, help me!" was the thought which forced its way to Larry's lips, and he made one wild, agonizing leap to the head gunner's side. "Don't fire! don't fire!"

"What's that?" asked Barrow, coolly, as he turned. Then as he caught sight of the boy's set face and staring eyes, he added, "Why, lad, what ails you? Got a fit?"

"Don't fire! don't fire! " repeated Larry, and with rigid finger pointed to the unlocked breech.

It was now Barrow's turn to be struck dumb. He still held the connection, and threatened in his consternation to set off the gun anyway. But suddenly he realized the situation more fully, and dropped the connection as though it were a coal of fire.

"Where is Castleton?" he thundered. "Does he want to blow us all to kingdom come?"

For answer, Larry pointed to the prostrate man.