Between the pair, some two minutes later, Jack Benson turned off a side
street into an alleyway. The houses down in this alley were dark. Most
of the little buildings here were occupied only in the daytime, as junk
shops and old rag stores.

"Don't mind the dark," spoke one of the sailors, as he pushed open a
door. "There's light enough on the second floor. That's where you'll
find your friend, Winter."

"Somers," remonstrated the second sailor.

On the dark stairway Jack Benson found himself suddenly attacked, not
only by the sailor pair, but by at least two other men, as well.




CHAPTER IX

BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED NEXT


"Oh, you--" Jack shot out, hoarsely, he felt himself borne under by
crushing weight.

"Go easy, messmate, and you'll sleep more peaceful to-night!" chuckled
one of the sailors, holding a big hand over the submarine boy's mouth,
while another unseen assailant pinned Jack's hands at the wrists.