Steve crept down the stairs.
"Everyone stay back," he warned.
None needed the advice. None of the ship's company felt the least inclination to climb into that dark hole where the angry bear was floundering about.
"Throw on a light," called Rush.
A solitary light gleamed in the darkness of the lazaret. About that time the bear smelled the fresh meat in the cage. With a grunt and a growl he went in search of it, nosing here and there. At last he found it.
Steve, crouching on the stairway was watching the beast with keen eyes. The bear entered the cage. With a bound Rush dropped to the floor of the lazaret.
Bang! The door of the cage swung to, the padlock securing it, quickly slipped through the staple and locked.
Mr. Bear was a prisoner.
"There, you may all come down now, children," called the Iron Boy.