Before he could finish the sentence a loud cry came from above and Nanny reappeared in the opening. He was greatly excited.
“Come on deck!” he gasped, swinging his arms. “Quick! there’s a ship in sight, and Judson has stolen the launch to go to it!”
The three cadets dashed through the conning tower, and on reaching the upper deck saw instantly that Nanny had spoken the truth.
Just barely visible above the rim of the sea off the port beam were the upper topsails of a ship. And standing away toward it was the sailing launch with Judson in the stern.
“Oh, the miserable villain!” cried Clif, shaking his fist after the recreant lad.
“Hi! come back you——” Trolley ended with a string of Japanese expletives.
The launch was not too far distant for Judson to hear, but he paid no heed.
“If I have gun I make him come back,” said Trolley, savagely. “Some day I beat him head off.”
Clif remained silent. Leaning against the conning tower he watched the launch skim over the dancing waves. But there was an expression upon his handsome face that bodied ill for the traitor.
In the excitement of the moment the mysterious slamming of the door below had been forgotten, but it soon recurred to Clif.