there," came in the sarcastic tones of Dan Baxter. To this they made no answer, and the hatch was closed as quickly as it had been opened.
"The brute," muttered Tom. "I'd give a good deal to be able to punch his nose!"
"He evidently thinks himself on top to stay," came from Sam, who had propped himself up against an empty cask. "Oh, if only we knew what had become of Dick!" he went on.
"Dick must have escaped. I don't see how it could be otherwise."
"But if he did, why didn't he notify the authorities?"
"The Peacock must have given the river police the slip; that's the only answer I can make, Sam."
"But they could have telegraphed to different points."
"Well, I can't make it out, and we'll have to take what comes."
"Where do you suppose we are bound?"
"I haven't the least idea."
Hour after hour went by, and still nobody came to them. It did, indeed, look as if they were to be starved to death. But just as Sam was almost fainting for the want of food, the door to the cabin passageway was flung open, and Captain Langless appeared with a lantern, followed by
