Then the captain took up the dredger from beneath the table and held it up with a smile.
"Conjuring, Jem—magic! By this simple contrivance we get the dust of years in one moment. Put it in your pocket and light the lantern."
Jem stared in silence profound and amazed for a minute.
"But," he said, with a troubled face, "you ain't going into that beastly room, captain?"
"I am, and so are you," said the captain. "No words; remember your blow and your revenge. You work for it to-night while you obey me."
Jem caught up the lantern with desperate bravado and lit it.
Meanwhile the captain exchanged his coat for a pea-jacket, and drew a thick pair of stockings over his boots.
Jem, following his instructions, did likewise, and then waited for further orders.
"You could pick locks," said the captain, "one time, Jem; have you forgotten the art?"
Jem grinned.