dite, a
powerful English explosive, was in charge of a marine corporal named
J.J. Murray, who acted as captain of the gun. After firing several
rounds with marked success, Murray saw that the gun was loaded for
another trial.

Standing at the breech, he steadied the gun with his left arm and
shoulder, seized the pistol-grip, placed his finger on the trigger, and
then slowly and carefully brought the target within the sighting line in
readiness to fire.

The other members of the gun's crew were at their proper stations.
Numbers 2 and 3, respectively second captain and first loader and
shellman, were directly behind the corporal. They saw him steady the
piece again, take another careful aim, then noted that his finger gave a
quick tug at the trigger.

The result was a dull click but no explosion.

The corporal stepped back from his place in vexation. He had succeeded
in getting a fine "bead" just as the cartridge failed.

"Blast the English ammunition!" he exclaimed. "It's no good."

The other men at the gun nodded approval. Their experience bore out the
corporal's assertion. They also knew that the cordite cartridges were
not adapted to American guns, and should not have been used. But they
were marines and they were accustomed to obey orders without comment.

Captain Brownson had noticed the incident and he sent word to delay
opening the breechblock until all danger of explosion had passed. After
waiting some time, Corporal Murray proceeded to extract the shell. He
took his place at the breech, while No. 2 unlocked the plug and swung it
open.

"Now we'll see what is the matter," he began. "I guess it is another
case of--"

He never finished the sentence. With a frightful roar the defective
cartridge exploded, sending fragments of shell and parts of the
breech-block into the corporal's face and chest. He was hurled with
terrific force to the deck, where he lay motionless, mortally wounded.

Numbers 2 and 3 of the unfortunate gun's crew did not escape, the former
being struck down with the hand lever, which penetrated his arm. The
injured men received prompt attention from the surgeon and his
assistants, but Corporal Murray was beyond mortal aid. He died ten
minutes after the accident.

He was a good soldier, jolly and light-hearted, and a great favorite
with the crew. The peculiar feeling of antagonism which is supposed to
exist between the sailors and marines did not obtain in his case.

In the navy the