“Not the girl?”
“No, they’re alone. But we’re in a trap. What shall we do?”
“We could make a dash for it. If we have to fight our way out, Salt will be there to help.”
“Let’s stick and see what happens, Jerry. We’re after information. We must expect to take a chance in order to get it.”
Jerry had been thinking more of Penny’s safety than his own. But thus urged, he turned the key in the lock, bolting the door from the inside.
A low rumble of voices reached the couple as they stood with ears pressed against the panel. But they were unable to distinguish words. Then presently, one of the seamen moved close to the companionway.
“I’ll get it, Jake,” he called. “It’s down in the cabin.”
Jerry and Penny kept quiet as the man turned the door knob. He heaved angrily against the panel with his shoulder.
“Hey, Jake,” he shouted, “what’s the idea of locking the door?”
“I didn’t lock it.”