He gasped for breath.
In his haste Charley stumbled over the free end of the bow line, made
fast to the deck cleat. It had been coiled loosely, leaving the free end
trailing across the deck. Quickly he was up.
Lunging forward again, his arm outstretched, the boy tried to grasp the
package that was still just out of reach. He made a last fierce lunge
and grasped the thing. He stood upright. A shower of sparks flew from
the end of the shortening fuse.
CHAPTER XXIII
AT THE SPANISH FORT
There is no doubt that Charley's bravery and quick action saved the
Fortuna and her crew. With a mighty effort he flung the package far from
him. It fell into the waters of the bay with a splash. The next moment a
muffled roar was heard and a vast column of water was flung skyward. The
Fortuna rocked in the waves.
"Man overboard!" cried Tom, who had been nearer Charley than any other
member of the crew. "Throw me a ring buoy!"
He was over the side in a flying leap. He had paused but an instant to
gauge the spot where he believed he would find the other lad. Charley's
effort to throw the dynamite as far as possible had resulted in his
losing his own balance. The severe motion of the Fortuna had completely
upset him and he had fallen overboard.
Instantly all was activity and bustle. Ring buoys hung in beckets at
either side of the pilot house. A long line was attached to each. Jack
tore one of these free preparing to throw it to his chum when he should
rise to the surface.
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