Only some superficial crevice or crack somewhere—some loose panel or worn hinge responding to the onslaught of a giant wave without—— Nothing——
He turned his head and looked down the passage, clenching his fists in momentary fright, as if he feared the bending of his neck might be heard.
No one. Not a sound.
He tried to look through the transom but his eyes were not high enough. For another second he paused. Then he reached through the transom and moved his hand about in the silence and darkness. He heard the cracking again and waited, trembling, though he knew it was nothing.
Then he groped about with his hand again.
CHAPTER XI
HE MAKES A DISCOVERY AND IS GREATLY AGITATED
Suddenly his hand encountered something hard and cold, and he grabbed it like lightning. His heart was in his throat now. There was a scuffling sound within and the object was wrenched and twisted and pulled frantically.