Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/68

 manded the officer, "and keep your hands well up. Now, you on the box, stand up."

The wireless operator had difficulty in obeying because his legs were not inclined to hold him, but Endicott helped him, more forcibly than politely, and he too was searched, without result, and sent to join his companion. By that time Jones' adversary was quiet and he was allowed to get up.

"Back to the wall there, please," said the ensign. "Jones, you and Staples watch those men. If they lower their hands an inch, shoot." He stooped over the man who lay unconscious from a blow with the butt of a revolver and examined the wound. "He will come around in a few minutes," he said. "See any water here, Troy?"

"No, sir."

"He will have to wait then. Now let's see what's here."

He went to the bench on which were the wireless instruments and papers and gave his attention to the latter. Nelson, conscious of a dull pain in his right arm, returned his revolver to the holster with his left hand and then looked curiously around him.

The subterranean apartment was much larger than he had expected to see, being fully five paces 46