He was aroused at length from
his apathy by the sound of the companion being noisily closed, while
loud frightened cries and hurrying footsteps on deck announced that
something extraordinary was happening. As he rose to his feet he was
confronted by Kate Rumbolt, who, panting and excited, waved a big key
before him.
"I've done it," she cried, her eyes sparkling.
"Done what?" shouted the mystified skipper.
"Let the bear loose," said the girl. "Ha, ha! you should have seen them
run. You should have seen the fat sailor!"
"Let the--phew--let the-- Good heavens! here's a pretty kettle of
fish!" he choked.
"Listen to them shouting," cried the exultant Kate, clapping her hands.
"Just listen."
"Those shouts are from aloft," said Hezekiah sternly, "where you and I
ought to be."
"I've closed the companion," said the girl reassuringly.
"Closed the companion!" repeated Hezekiah, as he drew his knife. "He can
smash it like cardboard, if the fit takes him. Go in here."
He opened the door of his state-room.
"Shan't!" said Miss Rumbolt politely.
"Go in at once!" cried the skipper. "Quick with you."
"Sha--" began Miss Rumbolt again. Then she caught his eye, and went in
like a lamb. "You come too," she said prettily.
"I've got to look after my ship and my men," said the skipper.
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