If he came in to see what had happened, I would serve him as I had served the "doctor." I hoped he would with all my heart.
He got the hatch open after some fumbling and peered in.
"Doctor!" he called, and paused. "Doctor!" A little louder this time. "What have you done? You haven't killed him, have you? Doctor!"
He put his head in a little way, but not far enough for me to make sure of disabling him, and then withdrew it again.
"What the devil does it mean?" He was evidently very frightened.
After a few seconds' pause he ran to the after-part of the launch and stopped her. He waited until the way was off her, and then came forward once more and called to his companion.
"The place is as dark as hell," he muttered and went off, as I guessed to get a light.
I used the time to make another search for a revolver in the stunned man's pockets, and failing to find one, I threw some of the litter over the head and shoulders, and went back to my corner and lay down as if still unconscious, but in such a position that I could spring on Marlen the instant he entered.
This time he brought not only a lantern but a revolver. He had little of the courage of the other fellow I soon saw, and he brought the weapon more because he feared the "doctor" than from any suspicion that I was the cause of the mysterious trouble.
"What fool's game are you playing, doc?" he said. "Don't try any pranks with me. What have you done to the man?"