"Well," resumed "Stump," "the crazy captain put the doctor and the crew in the cages and began to feed them hardtack and berth-deck scouse and salt-horse and—"
THE SEARCHLIGHT "SWEEPING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE BLACK OF THE HORIZON" (page 175).
"Must have been a Government naval contractor in his time," murmured "Morrie."
"I bet I know the rest," exclaimed the "Kid," coming up in time to grasp the situation. "The captain set his prisoners to carrying coal from the after hold forward and then back again, didn't he?"
"If you fellows think you can tell the story better than I can, go ahead," retorted "Stump," in disgust. "You are like a lot of old maids at a sewing circle. I give—"
"What was that?" suddenly cried "Hay," springing to his feet. "If it wasn't a flash of light I'll eat my—"
A figure hastily emerged from the gloom aft.
"Go to your stations at once, you men," called out a voice. "General quarters!"