"That's the only way now." "Yes.

Follow me." The midshipman had hardly given the command when there was another explosion, a fresh flash of fire, which nearly reached them, and he saw beyond the dancing tongues of flame the black opening he sought.
But this fresh explosion--one of which he knew scores must now rapidly follow--checked him for the moment, and he saw that Ram had disappeared.
"It's our only chance, my lads," cried Archy.

"Are you all ready ?" "Ay, ay." "Hold your breath, then, as you get to the fire, and follow me." "Through that blaze, my lad ?" whispered the master.
"Yes.

Don't stop to talk.

Now, then," roared Archy, "come on!" "Hurrah!" cried the men wildly; and Archy dashed forward, but was thrown back, and had to retreat, as a fresh keg exploded and added to the size of the pool, now almost a river of fire many yards wide.
"It's now or never!" cried Archy frantically, and he rushed into the blue flames, which leaped about his feet and up as if to lick his face.
A dozen strides, splashing up blue fire at every step, and he was through it, and where a faint current of cold air seemed to be meeting him.
Almost as he reached the farther side, the men came leaping and yelling after him, to stand beating the tongues of fire from their feet and legs.
_Bang_--_bang_--a couple more explosions, and the men crowded up to Archy, the master included, as if to ask what next.
"Are you all here ?" "Ay, ay, sir." "And that boy ?" "I'm here," cried Ram.