Just then the quartermaster turned to unlock the door of a stateroom on the starboard side near the stern of the ship. The lock failed to work.
“There is somebody in there,” he said, “and the dock is locked from the inside.”
“Break it in!” ordered Capt. Bateman.
The next instant the door flew off its hinges as the big quartermaster shoved a burly shoulder against it. The room was dark. I rushed in, to find Bera lying on the couch, sobbing as if her heart would break.
As quickly as possible, I got the girls out and turned them over to the custody of Capt. Bateman.
“These are my daughters, and I will not allow them to be taken from me.”
“Take ’em ashore!” ordered Capt. Bateman to the quartermaster.
“COME TO THE STATION WITH US,” SAID THE OFFICER, DRAGGING FORTH THE SHAPELESS MASS, AND HELPING SWIFTWATER ADJUST HIS SILK TILE.