There were vague sounds below.
"Open up," I called again.
Then I heard a muffled voice say:
"Open the flood valves."
"What's that?" I yelled. "What's the matter? Open the hatch!"
The hatch opened. I saw troubled faces. I could hear water rushing into the ship.
"By Joe," I shouted, "are you trying to sink my boat?"
I could hear men running below to all parts of the ship. I climbed down roaring. One of the men spoke up.
"They are cutting the fuses and closing the flood valves."
"Fuses, flood valves, by Joe. How's that happen, by Joe?"