In a fourth bunk, above the one in which the captain slept, was the figure of another man. Approaching closer, Frank saw that the man was bound and gagged, and apparently unconscious.
“Hmmm,” he muttered. “Wonder what this means?”
And at his words the occupant of the bunk moved slightly and moaned.
CHAPTER II.
MUTINY.
Frank went over to the bunk and peered in. At that moment Captain Harwood’s voice broke upon his ear.
“Looking at my little long lost chum, are you, son?” he said in a low, gentle voice. “Well,” and his voice grew suddenly harsh, “don’t do it! You keep away from there! You hear me? You keep away or I’ll feed you to the little fishes!”
He aimed a vicious blow at Frank, which the lad avoided only by a quick backward leap. The captain took a step forward as though to continue his attack; then changed his mind and said:
“I don’t want to hurt you, son, but you’ll have to keep away from my property.”
The captain turned on his heel and went on deck.
In spite of the captain’s warning, Frank once more approached the man in the bunk; but he kept a wary eye on the door. Putting his foot on the edge of the captain’s bunk, he pulled himself up.