Most of the men must have escaped, but if they were drunk, as Gibson says, perhaps some have been caught like rats in a trap." The flames continued to roar upward, and toward the island back of the ship, for over an hour.

During that time they heard two dull explosions, caused by some barrels of chemicals catching fire.

The second explosion sent the bits of burning wood and rigging flying in all directions.
"That will leave the mutineers without a home and without stores," said old Jerry.

"They're in a poor fix now." "I'd like to know how the fire started," said the captain.

"Can you explain it ?" he went on, to Gibson and Marny.
"I've got an idea," said Marny.