There was not time to say more, for we caught an indistinct glimpse of the figure in oilskins, as, balancing itself as well as it could, it made for the ladder on the starboard side; but just then the ship gave a tremendous lurch, and our enemy missed the ladder, nearly fell, but saved himself, and consequent upon the impetus with which he was moving, darted right in through the companion-way.
The next moment he was down on the deck, making a half-stifled sound, and held fast while a revolver and knife were taken from a belt beneath his oilskin. Then his hands were bandaged behind his back, his legs treated to bonds, and he was dragged into the cabin, while we stood panting over him.
“Look here,” said Mr Frewen then, in a hoarse voice; “we are going to lock you in this cabin, but mind, we’re all armed—feel that!—it is the point of a revolver—and I swear to you by all that is holy, if you make a sound I’ll shoot you as I would a dog.”
He made a curious, half-choking sound, and we drew back out of the cabin and the door was shut and fastened.
“Have you got his knife and pistol, Brymer?”
“Yes. All safe. Now then, forward silently till we are close upon them, and then give your signal—a whistle, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Give it sharply; it will do for your friends as well as for us. Then fire if there is the least resistance, close with them, and let’s get them under hatches. But I beg pardon, sir; you are in command.”
“Nonsense! You could not have given better advice.”
“But they will not show much fight. Without their leader they will be like sheep.”