“Sh-h-h!” he cautioned. “Footsteps!”
Frank listened a moment; then with a quick spring jumped into his own bunk just as Captain Harwood again appeared. The captain approached him. To all appearances Frank was sleeping soundly. The captain grunted and then approached the man in the bunk.
“So!” he exclaimed. “I’ve got you again, eh! Well, this time you won’t get away. You don’t think I’ve forgotten I spent two years behind the bars on your account, do you? I haven’t. You hear me!”
He struck the helpless man a blow with his fist.
“Why don’t you answer me?” he demanded; then smiled to himself. “Oh, I forgot. Guess I’ll remove that gag and let you say something.”
He climbed up and leaned over the occupant of the upper bunk, then started back with a cry.
“How did you remove that gag?” he demanded; then continued, “O-ho I see. Little Willie boy, eh! Well——”
He turned toward Frank and at the same moment the man in the bunk let out a cry of warning.
But Frank was not to be caught napping. As the captain turned toward him he sprang to his feet and placed himself in an attitude of defense. He knew that he was no match for the giant captain, but he determined to give a good account of himself.
“Well, well,” cried the captain advancing, “little Willie is going to fight! What d’ye think o’ that?”