A terrific report followed, as if the ship and all its contents were
blown up, there being none of the reverberating sound, like that usually
heard when heavy guns are fired, as of an express train rushing at speed
through the air; but a dull, hollow, sullen, sharp roar, succeeded by
the heavy swish of some body, or something, falling into the water
alongside, while a thick smoke hung over the deck like a pall.
"By Jingo!" exclaimed the Captain, "the gun has burst!"