Clif advanced to the forward conning tower and tried the door. It resisted his efforts. He examined the edge carefully, and ran his finger along the crack.
“I don’t believe it is locked inside,” he concluded. “Perhaps it has been slammed violently and jammed. I’ll just——”
He sprang back in alarm. A hollow moaning cry came from forward. It ended abruptly in a gurgle like that of a man in his last moments.
Little Nanny gave a gasp and moved toward the sailing launch, which was still fastened alongside.
“Wh-wh-what was that?” he chattered.
“Somebody is down there,” exclaimed Joy, “and he needs help.”
“We go see,” said Trolley, quietly. “We break open door.”
“We’ll make a few inquiries first,” said Clif.
Stamping upon the steel deck, he bawled lustily: