When one can was emptied into the Krazy Kat’s tank, he heaved a sigh of relief. The second was half-emptied when he caught the sound of footsteps.
“The watch!” Consternation seized him. Flattening himself on the deck, he clung to the still gurgling can.
The sound of footsteps ceased. His heart pounded. Was he caught? Seconds seemed minutes. If the can popped he was lost. Ten seconds, twenty, thirty—again the footsteps. Then they grew indistinct in the distance.
“Ah,” the boy breathed.
Just then the all but empty can gave forth a loud bang!
Johnny jumped, then lay flat, listening with all his ears. For at least two full minutes he remained there motionless. The watch did not return.
With great care he lifted the empty cans from the deck of the Krazy Kat to toss them into the foaming sea. Then, stealthily as before, he made his way back to Rusty’s side.
“I—I did it,” he shrilled. “Now for a good break and we’re away.”
“Here—here’s hoping.” She drew her hand from beneath the blankets to grip his own.
“MacGregor, what do you think they’ll do to me?” Johnny asked an hour later. The storm had partially subsided. Rusty was feeling better. They were back in their staterooms. Johnny had told the old man of the night’s adventure.