Shortly before daylight, Bob fancying that he heard some one entering the pilot-house, glanced at the open door on the lee side. At first he saw nothing. Then all of a sudden a huge, shadowy form seemed to rise from the floor at that point.
Bob gazed in amazement.
"What's that, Mr. Major?" he asked sharply.
"Where?" demanded the mate, leaning out and looking forward.
"There, there, at the door?"
"I don't see anything."
"Neither do I, now, but I did a moment ago. I——"
Bob received a blow from a huge paw that tipped him over sideways, tumbling him over.
"Help!" yelled the boy, bolting for the door.
About this time the first mate, who had run around to the rear of the steering wheel, got a blow on the side of the head that laid him low. He, too, scrambled to his feet and dashed for the door, slamming it shut after him.