The detective and Patsy, who were already on the deck of the boat, halted.
“What was that?� asked Patsy, in a whisper.
“It is the first evidence that you are correct, Patsy,� was the reply. “There is somebody here, on this boat.�
“Well, it could only be the persons we are after; eh?�
“I think so.�
The three of them stole quietly along the deck toward a door which could be dimly seen in the half light.
Reaching it, Nick turned the knob softly, but only to find that the door was securely fastened on the inside.
Nick bent down to listen; his companions did the same; then they looked at each other in amazement. What did it mean?
They could hear the faint murmur of a masculine voice, and the sobs of a woman mingled with it. What could it all mean?
“We will smash in the door,� said Nick, in a whisper. “It is a double door and will give way at the center. When I say three, we will all throw ourselves against it at once. Now; are you ready? One, two, three!�