"Come on!" hissed Denbigh to his chum.
O'Hara needed no second bidding. Clearing the bulwarks, he quickly cut adrift the ladder and raced after Denbigh, who was making with all possible dispatch for the companion.
For a brief instant Denbigh fumbled with the key; then inserting it in the lock he threw open the door.
"Back again, Armstrong," he announced coolly, for now all immediate danger was over. "Have you any clean water handy? We could both do with a good wash."
CHAPTER XV
Armstrong's Part
Restraining his curiosity, the mate of the Myra poured out some water into a tin bowl, and handed Denbigh a small piece of yellow soap.
"There'll be just time to scrub your figureheads," he remarked. "You'll have to turn in pretty sharp, or you'll be bowled out. They're getting a little bit excited on deck."
Realizing that it would be as well to act on Armstrong's advice, the subs, by dint of hard scrubbing and plenty of soap, succeeded in removing the burnt cork from their faces, necks, and hands. This done they donned their pyjamas and scrambled into their bunks, while the mate obligingly unpacked their bundles and laid out the garments with methodical precision.