"They are both in the cabin. I was going to ask you to join us, in a general talk," said Sack Todd, catching his cue from Gasper Pold as to how best to proceed.
"We want to find out where you are taking us," put in the mate of the Dogstar.
"You are acting very queerly," said Dick. He had backed up close to one of the small cabin windows, which was open. "Sam! Hans!" he yelled suddenly, and at the top of his lungs.
Of course there was no reply, and satisfied that something was indeed wrong he retreated still further.
"Stop him!" yelled Gasper Pold. "Don't let him get below to where his brother is!"
He meant Tom, and Dick instantly made up his mind that the best thing he could do would be to get to the engine room and warn his fun-loving brother of their peril. He made a turn, sent Sack Todd and Dan Baxter sprawling, and an instant later was diving out of sight down the ladder leading to the machinery.
"Dick! I thought something was wrong and I was coming up!" came from
Tom. "What of Sam and Hans?"
"I don't know. They are after me! Have you your pistol?"
"Yes, and I'll use it too, if they bother me," answered Tom, determinedly.
"Stop where you are!" cried Dick, looking up the iron ladder. "My brother and I have pistols and we shall use them if you attempt to follow down here!"