"You are a brave boy, Jack," said Mcclure finally, springing forward
and grasping the hand of his aide. "If you are willing I'll let you
do it, for, under the circumstances, we are forced to resort to some
heroic measures. God bless you, lad! And now let react quickly."
In short order the entire party repaired to the torpedo room forward
where Jack was to attempt his hazardous experiment. Taking off his
coat and shoes, which he fastened around his neck, Jack stood ready
for the ordeal. Mike Mowrey had opened the upper port chamber and
with the aid of his crew run out the torpedo that had been placed
therein ready for firing. All was in readiness for the youth to crawl
through the breech cap and stretch himself out like a human torpedo.
Lieutenant Mcclure was sure that the prow of the _Dewey_ lay free
of the sand bar on which the vessel was poised, and that there was
no obstruction in front of the bowcap. But to make doubly sure he
ordered the discharge of a torpedo from the lower starboard chamber.
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