Preoccupied, perhaps.

There wasn't much time to jump, anyhow.

I suppose that car carried a messenger with important news, for it isn't like those officers to be reckless of the lives of citizens." "No; they seem in perfect sympathy with the people," she returned.

"I wonder what the news can be, Ajo." For answer a wild whistling sounded overhead; a cry came from those ashore and the next instant there was a loud explosion.

Everyone rushed to the side, where Captain Carg was standing, staring at the sky.
"What was it, Captain ?" gasped Patsy.
Carg stroked his grizzled beard.
"A German bomb, Miss Patsy; but I think it did no damage." "A bomb! Then the Germans are on us ?" "Not exactly.