He sprang to his feet, and made towards the door; this done, he shouted for assistance.
A measured tread told him that one of the prison officials was going his rounds. Knoulton hammered at the door with both his fists. It was instantly opened, and a tall man with a large bushy beard thrust his head in.
“Well, what do you want?” inquired he, perfectly unmoved.
“Help! come in!—he is dead.”
“Who? the pirate?”
“Yes; for mercy’s sake come in.”
The warder entered and made straight for the bed on which the remains of Murdock were stretched.
One glance sufficed to tell that it was all over with the wretched Murdock.
“Gone, eh?” he ejaculated. “It’s rather sudden, but the doctor said there was no chance for him. Well, poor fellow, all his troubles are now over in this world. When did he breathe his last?”
“Not half an hour ago. Oh, less than that.”