Page:The Great Secret.djvu/209

Rh they and the mates occupied, and then through the small saloon—a cosy enough cabin, with swinging oil lamp, cushioned lockers at the sides, one centre table, and at the end a couple of panel mirrors at the side of the stove.

Outside the cabin a small passage led to the main deck, the outer doors of which were closed. On one side lay the pantry and on the other the captain's cabin, the most commodious room on the ship.

The door was a little ajar, held in its place by a hook, and as it was lighted with an oil lamp they could see the window over which the curtains were carefully drawn, with the white painted chest of drawers and dressing table. On the top of the drawers were spread out for constant reference the charts and log-book with sextant and other instruments. The medicine chest stood at the side of the washstand, and could also be seen through that narrow slit.

Standing deadly still, and listening intently, they could hear that the captain was already asleep, the heavy and dreamless sleep of the inebriated, for they could hear an occasional snort and snore breaking upon the deep breathing.

"You know what to do, Dennis?"

"Yes; stand over the skipper with my knife at his throat. If he wakes, I'll slit it promptly, never fear," replied Dennis softly.

"Don't do it unless he does wake, though."

"I'll take good care of that."

"Then not a word while we are inside."

With a light hand the doctor unhooked the door, Dennis having already drawn and unclasped his large pocket-knife, and together they slipped noiselessly