suspended from a nail above his head. With one swoop Jack caught the weapon and belt to him. The movement disturbed Murphy, who was lying fully clothed on his berth, the bandaged arm across his chest. He looked at them, then with a roar raised up, but Frank pushed him back on his pillow. Jack drew the weapon and presented it at him.
“Quiet now,” he said, in a low voice. “We don’t want to hurt you. But our lives are in danger from the crew and we mean to protect ourselves.”
Murphy lay back, and a gleam came into his eyes. He looked from one to the other.
“Are they attackin’ ye or do you just guess they’re goin’ to?”
“They haven’t attacked us yet,” replied Frank. “But we’re not waiting for what we know would come. Look here, Mr. Murphy, you know what the sentiment of the Chinese is toward us. Well, my friend Jack here overheard something this morning which indicated the Chinese planned immediate action. Now——”
“Come right in,” invited Murphy sarcastically, looking over Frank’s shoulder. “This is my hour for receivin’ callers.”
Frank whirled.
Mr. Temple and Bob were in the doorway.
“What luck?” he asked eagerly, while Jack, not
to be diverted, continued to keep eye and revolver trained on Murphy.