As Percival had predicted, there was a door at the end of the bulkhead,
dividing the hold from the cabin, but this was fast.

"It is not very thick," said Percival. "I believe I can break it in with a
blow of the axe."

"Wait a moment, Dick," said Jack cautiously. "Listen! It strikes me I hear
the sound of water. We don't want to let a flood in on us. It is likely
that the after hold and cabin are full of water, and we don't want to be
swamped."

Percival put his ear to the door, and then flashed his light through the
keyhole.

"There's nothing there, Jack," he said. "If there were water it would come
through here. We have gone so far, and I'd like to go the rest of the way
and get to the cabin. I believe we can. There is probably a passage on one
side of the companion leading to the after cabin."

"Yes, and the companion is open, and the place full of water."

"There is none here, at any rate, and it will be time enough to look for
trouble when it comes," returned Percival impatiently. "Stand aside, old
man, and throw the light on the door so that I can give a good blow."

Jack did as requested, and Percival raised the axe and dealt the door a
sturdy blow, which took it off its hinges and sent it crashing into a
narrow passage beyond.