But of all this Raynor, for the time being, had only a hazy impression. Vague lights swam and danced before his eyes in a mad merry-go-round and a sound like the roar of a thousand waterfalls drilled in his ears. Then everything went out in a great wave of darkness.
CHAPTER VII: JACK SAVES THE CAPTAIN.
“Well, young man, I guess you won’t be sorry to get those ropes off.�
Jack looked up from the uneasy slumber into which he had fallen to find Chief Officer Mulliner looking down rather quizzically at him. His ankles and wrists felt as if they had been seared by hot irons. With the tide of his returning memory he recalled dropping off to sleep soon after the mysterious shot had been fired. And now here was Mulliner, knife in hand, and looking quite amiable, ready to set him free.
“You can cut the ropes as soon as you like Mr. Mulliner,� he said with alacrity, “but what has happened?�
“The captain has come to his senses again,� was the rejoinder in a rather uneasy tone, as Mr. Mulliner cut at the ropes, keeping at the work till Jack was free.
“I thought—that is I am sure I heard a shot in the night,â€� pursued Jack.
The officer’s reticence increased.
“That was nothing,� he said. “I wouldn’t be too curious. Just be glad that the captain has ordered you set at liberty.�
“He had no right to ever order me confined,� cried Jack hotly.