It was after supper of the first day out, and our friends were seated in the main cabin laying out a program for the next day, when sudden yells came from a part of the motor cabin devoted to storage. Koku, who had been sent to get out a barrel of oil, was heard to shout.
"What's up?" asked Tom, starting to his feet. He was answered almost at once by more yells.
"Oh, Master! Come quickly!" cried the giant. "There are many men here. There are stowaways aboard!"
CHAPTER XXI
PRISONERS
For a moment, after hearing Koku's reply, neither Tom nor his friends spoke. Then Ned, in a dazed sort of way, repeated:
"Stowaways!"
"Bless my—" began Mr. Damon, but that was as far as he got.
From the engine compartment, back of the amidship cabin, came a sound of cries and heavy blows. The yells of Koku could be heard above those of the others.