Then the scientist proved that he could fight as well as solve geographical problems. With a leap like a panther he had clutched Poole’s windpipe.
Frank came to his aid, and together they bore the villain to the cabin floor. He could make no outcry, and, furious though he was, could not act.
Could he have made an outcry, or a signal of alarm, in less time than it takes to tell it he would have had assistance which would have turned the tables.
But Frank and Wade were already determined upon their plan of action.
They knew well that if they allowed their prisoner to make an outcry their fate would be sealed. So while Wade held the helpless villain by the throat Frank forced a gag into his mouth.
Then he hastily tied his arms and legs with some cord which he found in the cabin. Thus placed hors-de-combat, the wretch was left.
Frank and Wade very coolly stepped out of the cabin and closed the door behind them. A moment later they were on deck.
Two armed men of the crew stood at the gangway, but neither Frank nor Wade affected to notice them, and descended to the boat.
“Row us back!” said Frank, authoritatively to the oarsmen.
“Ay, ay, sir!” was the reply, and they bent to their work. A few minutes later Frank and Wade were on board the Sea Diver.