noise in there."

"You're certain he's there?" asked the first voice with another
chuckle.

"Sure, Dicky. I saw him go in, and Porter and I have taken turns on
watch ever since."

"Well, it's time he came out," said Dicky. "He can't be asleep after
that racket. Say!" he called, "Harry! What's the matter with you? If
you're dead let us know."

They appeared friendly, but I hesitated in framing an answer.

"We'll have to break down the door, I guess," said Dicky. "Something
must have happened." And a resounding kick shook the panel.

"Hold on!" I cried. "What's wanted?"

"Oh," said Dicky sarcastically. "You've come to life again, have you."

"Well, I'm not dead yet."

"Then strike a light and let us in. And take a look at that reminder
you'll find wrapped around the rock I heaved through the transom. I
thought it was open." And Dicky went off into another series of
chuckles in appreciation of his mistake.

"All right," I said. I was not entirely trustful, and after I had
lighted the gas-jet I picked up the stone that lay among the fragments