One, two, three others of the struggling sailors now fell before the revolver of the infuriated German officer; the others gave back. Frank saw the man gesticulating angrily; and the sailors fell to getting the boat over in a more orderly manner, apparently more afraid of the officer who confronted them with leveled revolver than they were of the imminent danger of the ship going to the bottom. Forward, aboard the German battleship also were signs of confusion. There, too, officers had their hands full in attempting to maintain discipline. Several times one of their number fired into the faces of the crowd of sailors. Suddenly the great German ship staggered visibly and a dull roar carried to the ears of those aboard the D-17. "Explosion," Frank explained to those behind him. "Fire aboard must have reached her magazine," said Lord Hastings. And indeed such was the case. When the great ship staggered there was a terrible roar, louder than the loudest peal of thunder. Ensued a greater panic than before aboard the German vessel. No longer did men fight for the boats. No longer did they heed the cries of their officers to stick to the ship and die like true German sailors. Instead, they rushed for the rails and threw themselves into the sea in scores. Several times officers rushed in between them, but they were hurled aside. It was every man for himself now, and finally the officers gave up the attempt to check the panic. As the sailors continued to leap into the sea, the officers congregated on the bridge, gathering about a tall figure, apparently the German commander. And at length, besides these officers, there was not a man to be seen aboard the battleship. Then the commander raised his hand in a commanding gesture. A dozen of the score of officers left him and threw themselves into the sea after the sailors. Another command from the German captain and others left his side, though plainly more reluctantly. This continued until, besides the commander, there were but two men left. "His first officers, I suppose," Frank muttered to himself. Again the German commander gesticulated angrily. The others argued back. The commander stamped his foot. One of the officers laid a hand on his arm. The commander shook it off. "They want him to go along," said Frank, who had already explained the situation to Lord Hastings and the others within hearing. "They are wasting time," said Lord Hastings. "I know these German naval commanders." Frank peered across the water again. Now both of the officers had hold of the commander and were seeking to drag him toward the side of the ship. Apparently they held him firmly, for Frank could see that he was trying hard to shake off their hands. But he was held too securely. Even from where he stood, Frank could see the commander shrug his shoulders. Immediately the other officers released their hold. All moved toward the side.