Page:Cruise of the Dry Dock.djvu/284

 “Force the door open gently. Walk out as if you were sailors. Close the door and pretend to lock it. Meet me out here at the head of the ship's ladder, where the guard is stationed.”

“Very well, sir,” came a whisper.

Then Madden and Smith strolled on down toward the man with the gun. As they walked, Smith whispered:

“When you hear me clear my throat, get within striking distance. When I cough, silence him. I'll help you.”

Madden nodded slightly, and the two drew near the pacing guard. Caradoc lifted hand to forehead as they passed and a little later seated themselves on the rail near the ladder. Madden looked down curiously and thought he could make out the shape of the dinghy below, but was not certain.

The American's nerves still tingled from the torpedo incident, and now he glanced out of the tail of his eye at the guard, whom he would probably have to fight.

The fellow was a broad-chested, short-necked German, armed with rifle and bayonet. The bayonet had a bluish gleam under the incandescent.