Jack Jeens said no more, but the next instant he gave vent to a snore that ought to have awakened the boy but did not; and he lay sleeping hard till there was something louder than his own snore upon the stairs.
First there was the whispering of voices below; then a rough laugh; then the shuffling and stamping of feet, which ceased upon the landing outside the door, which was roughly tried, and being fastened, kicked in, while a fierce voice cried aloud in tones which made Jack Jeens spring to his feet under the belief that he was at home aboard the schooner and in his bunk.
“Ahoy there! Tumble up! Tumble up! In the King’s name!”
Chapter Two.
Jack Jeens and his young companion started up, sitting upon the floor, and both confused and wondering.
“Hillo!” ejaculated Jack.
“What’s that?” said the boy, who could not tell where he was, while at that moment the window was pushed up a little and the voice of a man said softly:
“There’s a ladder here. Quick, run for it! The pressgang!”