Dolphin was forward again with a huge can containing double allowance of rum.
"Saturday night, gentlemen, and the captain says it is his birthday, and you are to drink his health."
Kep served out the double dose. Dolphin was talking down in the galley, talking seriously, but somewhat excitedly, with Kruger, Slogger, and the Turk.
"There must be no blood. We'll do things better than that. I'll give the signal."
Good luck or the devil seemed to be playing into Dolphin's hands, for just as he entered the saloon again he noticed the door of the skipper's state-room being silently shut. Both he and the mate were in there. Like a tiger on its prey, he sprang silently aft, and next moment the door was locked--the conspirators were prisoners.
They had heard the click of the lock, however, and at once began shaking the door.
"What in thunder does this mean?" roared the mate. "Dolphin, you devil, I'll have your life's blood."
"Listen!" replied Dolphin calmly; "if you remain quiet you will be safe; if not, I cannot be accountable for your lives."
The men by this time were fully alive to the horror of the situation.
The ship was slowly sinking. By either mate or master or by both she had been scuttled, and now these men were prisoners. They must get out the boats and leave her and those devils to their doom. Why work the pumps a moment longer?