For a moment Frank was astounded. Then he essayed to lift the hatch.
He pressed his weight against it time and again. But each time it refused to yield.
CHAPTER IX.
THE GALLEON’S GOLD.
What did it mean?
He tried to clear his befogged mind and think clearly on the subject, but the result was that he was always more perplexed.
He pounded on the hatch, and would have shouted to Barney and Clifford had he been sure that they would hear him.
If they were still outside, they certainly must be aware that the hatch was closed.
Why, then, did they not lift it? Why should they for so long allow it to remain closed?
Then a chilling thought came to Frank.
He gasped and sank down upon the cabin stairs.