Then he caught sight of Bob. At the same time the youth snatched up the piece of joist.
“Make a sound, Grogan, and I will strike!” cried Bob, determinedly.
“How did you git loose?” demanded the Irishman.
“That is my affair. Stand where you are.”
Instead of complying, Grogan made a dash forward. As he did so, Bob struck out at him.
The joist struck the lantern, shivering it to pieces and leaving the pair in darkness.
Bob struck out again, and this time Grogan was knocked over.
Finding his enemy did not offer to move, Bob spoke to him. Grogan made no reply. Growing alarmed, Bob struck a match and lit the wick of the lantern which lay close at hand.
“Knocked out that trip,” muttered Bob to himself. “Well, it serves him right. I reckon I had better go below.”
He was about to carry out this idea, when he heard the door at the foot of the stairs open.