“I’m sorry, but I can’t do it, boys. The best I can do is to send word to your folks that you are safe, but unavoidably detained,” and this time the boys were sure the man was laughing.
“We’ll break this door down if you don’t let us out!” shouted Ned, and he banged a chair against the portal.
“I guess you’ll have your own troubles doing that,” the captain replied. “Go ahead and try. Now I’m going to treat you good. There’s another room opening off from the one where you are. It has bunks in it, a wash basin, running water and a few other conveniences. Just imagine you’re on a steamer, taking a trip for a few days, and it will soon be over.”
There was a clicking sound, and a part of the wall, the boys would never have taken for a door, slid back and showed a small room adjoining the one they were in. It had four bunks and a little washroom, but there was no opening from it save the same kind of a ventilator that was in the first apartment.
“Breakfast will be served to you here in the morning,” the captain called and then the boys could hear him going away.
For a little while the chums were too surprised at the sudden turn of affairs to be able to make any remarks. Then Bart exclaimed:
“Well, of all the high-handed, piratical proceedings this is the limit. It’s just like a dime novel, or a five-cent library plot.”
“Only not half so funny,” spoke Ned. “The folks will be very much worried about us.”
“Maybe the captain will keep his word and send them a message,” ventured Bart.
“If he says we’re unavoidably detained that will make them almost as much worried as if they didn’t hear from us,” added Frank. “Boys, we’ve got to get out of here.”