"Mr. Somers, may I beg the favor of half an hour's conversation with you, when I have done my breakfast?" added Pillgrim.
"It is hardly necessary."
"Excuse me; it is absolutely necessary for your comfort and safety as well as mine."
"Under such a threat, I shall certainly decline," replied Somers, coldly.
"I intended no threat. Send these people away, and I will speak."
"You may speak or be silent, as you please."
Somers stationed a marine at the door, and sent the others away, retiring himself to the farther end of the cabin. He was sorely puzzled to know how the prisoner had got out of his state-room, and why he had returned. He concluded that the opening of the hold had induced the latter step, but the former was still enveloped in mystery. He determined to give the prisoner another room, and make a more careful search in the one he now occupied.
When Pillgrim had done his breakfast, Somers called a couple of marines, and ordered them to put the prisoner in the aftermost room. The hasp and padlock were then transferred to the occupied room.
"Mr. Somers," said Pillgrim, as he was about to lock the door, "I should like to speak with you."
The tone was gentlemanly, and even supplicating, and Somers entered the room, closing the door behind him; but he was careful to cock his revolver as he did so, for the prisoner was a desperate man.