The light of the steward’s torch illumined their faces as they stood above the recumbent young wireless boy.
“I say, sir,” muttered the man, “I know you’ve paid me well and all, sir, but I didn’t bargain for no murdering business, sir. I——”
“Don’t be an idiot,” snapped Radwig impatiently. “We haven’t hurt him. See, he’s beginning to stir. Now then, Schultz——”
Radwig bent and took up the limp body by the head while Mr. Duncan Ewing, who answered with alacrity to the name of Schultz, laid hold of poor Jack by the feet.
“Now, steward,” said Radwig, as they carried their burden into an empty cabin, “keep a stiff upper lip till we dock, and then I don’t care what happens. You’ll be well taken care of. Don’t forget that.”
“Yes, sir, I know, sir,” said the man, whose hand was trembling as he held the torch; “but I don’t like the business, sir. If it wasn’t for my poor wife being sick and needing the money, and all—-”
“That will do. Go get us the lamp you promised. In the meantime we’ll revive this young fellow and show you that he’s not dead.”
From a carafe of stale water that stood on the washstand, Radwig dashed a liberal application in Jack’s face. He loosened the lad’s collar and chafed his wrists. Jack moaned, stirred, and opened his eyes. For a moment his swimming senses refused to rally to his call. Then, with a flash, he realized what had happened.
“Radwig, you scoundrel!” he exclaimed, “what is the meaning of this outrage?”
“Just a delicate little way of reminding you that it is not well to thwart the wishes of Herr Professor Radwig,” was the reply. “Schultz, my dear fellow, shut that door. No, wait a moment, here comes our man with the lamp. That’s better.”