"No," said Jack, putting his ear to the door and listening intently. "I can hear the swash of water just the same, Dick. We had better be a bit careful."
"We would hear it here, anyhow, Jack. There is water outside, and I don't suppose there is much depth here. You would be very likely to hear it the same as you hear water dashing against the side of a vessel when you are in the hold. It doesn't follow that the water is beyond there."
"No, I guess not. Well, give it a smash, and be ready to run in case there is water there."
Percival took as much room as he could in the narrow passage, swung the axe, and sent the door crashing into the space beyond.
Instead of a flood of water breaking in upon the boys, as Jack more than half expected, there was considerably more light while the sound of water was more distinguishable than before.
"Well! I declare!" exclaimed Percival, pressing forward.
The boys found themselves in the after cabin of a vessel, which was as dry as if she had been in her dock, a soft light from overhead showing them the details of the place perfectly, even without the light of the torch.
"We are under water, Jack!" cried Percival.
"So it seems."
"That light comes from the bull's-eye overhead. The water over it softens the light. Otherwise, the sun would pour right into the place."