Johnny was lolling on the bunk. He stared at Ken blankly, then sat up.
“Who are you?” he said sharply.
Ken closed the door and leaned against it. He was in such a state of nerves he had difficulty in controlling his breathing.
“I happened to be near this boat and heard them planning to murder
you,” he said, his voice shaking. “They’re going to put you in a barrel and drop you in the river.”
Johnny stiffened.
“Is this one of O’Brien’s tricks?” he snarled. “You can’t scare me, you fool! Get out I”
“We haven’t a second to lose! Tux’s getting the barrel ready now,” Ken said. “The two of us can tackle him, but we’ve got to take him by surprise.”
It suddenly dawned on Johnny that this tall, haggard, frightened man, facing him, wasn’t trying to kid him. He remembered O’Brien’s murderous expression when he had left the cabin. He remembered, too, how persistent O’Brien had been that he should write to Gilda. It would suit O’Brien to be rid of him for good.
He slid off the bunk, feeling cold sweat on his face.