It was not necessary to do this many seconds before succeeding in his purpose, and he heard the captain’s voice from the outside:
“If you don’t keep quiet I’ll break every bone in your body!” came in low, but angry tones.
“But the door has got locked somehow.”
“I did that myself. You’ll stay where you are till I make up my mind what shall be done with you.”
“But why am I kept here?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. Behave yourself, and there’ll be no harm done; but if I hear so much as a single yip, you’ll know what the cat tastes like.”
Then all was silent once more, and Ned literally staggered back to the bunk, trying in vain to understand the meaning of this very strange performance.
He could think of nothing he had done or neglected to do which would warrant such treatment, and after studying over the perplexing matter until his head swam, he lay down again.
An hour later the door of his room was opened, and the captain entered, bringing a supply of food.
“Here’s enough to eat and drink till morning,” he said gruffly as he placed the tray on a locker. “Take hold and enjoy yourself as much as you can, for this terrible thing isn’t any fault of yours.”