Then both of us throw ourselves down to the floor, and I will pull the string.

Three feet of water over us ought to save us; but mind, the instant you feel the shock, jump up and rush for the opening, for it is pretty sure to sink her.
"Now!" The lads dived under water, and the instant afterwards there was a tremendous explosion.

The deck of the boat was blown into the air in a hundred fragments, and at the same moment the boat sank under the water.
A few seconds later Rupert and Hugh were swimming side by side.

For a while neither spoke--they were shaken and half stunned by the shock.
"It is a thick fog, Hugh.

All the better; for if those scoundrels come back, as is likely enough, there is no chance of their finding us, for I can hardly see you, though I am touching you.