He doubled his huge fists and took another step forward; but at that instant there came a fearful cry from on deck.
The captain paused, and Charlie’s voice came down the hatchway in a loud wail:
“Help!”
Captain Harwood sprang toward the door, and as he went through it he hurled back over his shoulder:
“I’ll 'tend to your case when I come back, son!”
A moment later there came cries from above and the sound of a furious struggle. Frank rushed up the hatchway to the deck, where a terrible sight met his eyes.
Surrounded by all six of the crew. Captain Harwood was battling desperately for his life. Time after time he struck out with his great fists, but his blows failed to land. The nimble Italians skipped back, then closed in again. By the wheel, Frank saw the unconscious form of Charlie.
Long, wicked-looking knives gleamed in the hands of the Italians. Bleeding from half a dozen wounds, the giant captain continued to fight off his enemies.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Frank. “I can’t stand here and see him killed!”
He sprang forward and, before his presence was noted, struck down one of the Italians with a blow of his fist.