I went down the companion ladder to have that understanding.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE FATHER—AND HIS CHILD.
The cabin door was fastened. I rapped. Luke inquired from within—
“Who’s there?”
“I! Open the door.” So far as I could judge no attempt was made to do as I requested. There were whispers instead. The voices were audible though the words were not. I rapped again. “Do you hear? open this door!”
Luke replied.
“Beggin’ your pardon, captain, but Mr. Batters isn’t feeling very well. He hopes that you’ll excuse him.”
A louder rapping.
“Open this door.”
There were sounds which suggested that something was being done in a hurry; an exchange of what were apparently expostulatory murmurs. Then the Great Joss spoke.