reen Wilton; the hanging lamp quite ornate,
while a magnificent upright piano was firmly anchored against the butt
of the aftermast. It was a yacht-like interior, even to the sheet
music on the rack, and a gray striped cat dozing on one of the softly
cushioned chairs. Gazing about, I could scarcely realize this was an
abode of criminals, or that I was there a captive. It was the sudden
grip of my guard which brought the truth relentlessly home.

"This is no movin' picture show," he muttered. "Hustle along thar, in
back o' that music box. See--the way I 'm pointin'."

There was but one door, evidence that a single cabin occupied the
entire space astern, and I stopped before it, my companion applying his
knuckles to the wood, but without removing his watchful eyes from me.
A muffled voice asked who was there, and at the response replied:

"Open the door and show him in, Peters, and remain where you are within
call."

I entered, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy, pausing
involuntarily as I heard the door close, and glancing hastily about. I
had expected a scene of luxury, a counterpart of the outer cabin.
Instead, I stood upon a plain, uncarpeted deck, the white walls and
ceiling undecorated. On one side was a double tier of berths, lockers
were between the ports, and heavy curtains draped the two windows aft.
Opposite the berths was an arm rack, containing a variety of weapons,
and the only floor covering was a small rug beneath a desk near the
center of the apartment. This latter was littered with papers, among
them a map or two, on which courses had been pricked. Beyond these all
the room contained was a small bookcase, crowded with volumes, and a
few chairs, only one upholstered. The only person present occupied
this, and was seated at the desk, watching me, a cigarette smoking
between his fingers. It was the olive-hued man of the cellar, the one
I had picked as leader, and his teeth gleamed white in an effort to
smile. In spite of his skin and dark eyes, I could not guess at his
nationality, but felt an instinctive dislike to him, more deeply rooted
than before, now that I comprehended how completely I was in his power.

"Take a seat, Craig," he said, speaking with a faint accent barely
perceptible. "The second chair will be found the more comfortable.
Now we can talk easily. May I offer you a cigarette?"

I accepted it more to exhibit my own coolness than from any desire to
smoke, but wi