THE PRISONER IN THE CABIN.
Mr. Pillgrim's wound, as such injuries are regarded in the army and
navy, was a mere scratch; but it might have been very sore, and might
have ached severely. The traitor did not even mention it in his
interview with Somers, for the sore in his mind was much more serious.
His victim had now become his tyrant; not implacable or vindictive, but
firm and unyielding in the discharge of his duty.
Somers went on deck, satisfied himself in regard to the course of the
steamer, then visited the engine-room, and other parts of the vessel,
until he had assured himself that everything was right. It was a fine,
clear night, and when the port watch came on deck, he went below, and
lay down on the broad sofa, which extended across the after part of the
cabin. He was tired enough to sleep, and he did sleep till the starboard
watch was called in the morning.
He was a prudent and zealous commander, and he hastened on deck at once
to make sure that his charge was still safe. The weather continued fine,
and every man was at his post. He scrutinized the log slate, and
questioned the officer of the deck. Everything had been correctly done;
nothing had happened, and nothing was likely to happen. There was
nothing for him to do but sleep, and he returned to his couch in the
cabin, to complete his nap.
The sentinel at the door of the prisoner's state-room was still in
position. The guard was relieved every two hours, and the door was
secured on the outside by a padlock, which had been put on by the
armorer after the vessel was captured. Of course there could be no doubt
in regard to the safety of the prisoner.
Somers went to sleep again, satisfied that he had neglected no
precautions to insure the safety of the vessel and the prisoner. The
movements of the steward in the cabin awoke him at six o'clock. He had
slept away all his fatigue, and when he looked out through the stern
lights upon a smooth sea, brightened by the morning sun, all his anxiety
left him. It was hardly possible that any accident could interfere with
the safe arrival of the prize at her destined port.
As he rose from the sofa, the corporal of marines relieved the sentry at
the prisoner's door.
"Marine," said Somers, as the man passed him on his way out of the
cabin.
The sentinel stopped and touched his cap.
"How is the prisoner?"
"I haven't heard anything of him, sir, during my beat," replied the
marine.
"Isn't he up yet?"
"I didn't hear him, sir. He's a heavy sleeper, I should say, for I don't
think he moved while I was on guard."
As Somers had the key of the padlock in his pocket, he was satisfied it
was all right with the prisoner, and he went on deck. At seven bells,
when his breakfast was brought down, he directed the steward to give Mr.
Pillgrim his morning meal, handing the key of the state-room to the
corporal.
The door was opened, and the marine entered the little room. Somers sat
down at the table to eat his breakfast. He was blessed with a good
appetite, and some "'am and heggs," which the steward particularly
recommended, looked very inviting. But he had hardly satisfied himself
that the steward had not overrated the quality of his viands, before his
attention was attracted by an exclamation from the corporal of marines.
"What's the matter?" demanded Somers, rising from the table, and rushing
to the state-room.
"Mr. Pillgrim is not here, sir," replied the man.
"Not here!"
"No, sir."
"He can't be far off."
Somers entered the state-room. Certainly the prisoner was not there; nor
was there any indication of the means by which he had departed. The
partitions between this and the adjoining state-rooms were undisturbed.
The door had been securely locked, and the key was in the pocket of the
commanding officer. The traitor could not have crawled through the
bull's eye which lighted the room, for it was not more than nine inches
in diameter.
The marines who had been on guard during the night were summoned. They
all told the same story; not a sound had been heard in the room. Both
the master's mates who had kept the watches on deck were examined, but
they had no information to communicate.
"This is very remarkable," said Somers to his first officer.
"Very remarkable," replied Mr. Hudson, who seemed to be even more
bewildered than his commander.
"Where is Captain Walmsley?" asked Somers of the steward.
"I don't know, sir. I 'aven't seen him since 'e hate his supper last
night."
"See if he is in his state-room, steward."
He was not in his state-room. His bed had not been occupied; no one had
seen him since the Ben Nevis parted company with the Chatauqua.
"Are there any boats missing, Mr. Hudson?" continued Somers.
"No, sir; the steamer had two quarter-boats, and a life-boat forward.
They are all in their places."
"Wasn't there a dingy, or a jolly-boat, at the stern?"
"No, sir; I am sure that no boat is missing."
"Then of course the prisoner must be on board."
"No doubt of that, Mr. Somers. In my opinion he has concealed himself in
the hold, and intends to escape after we go into port."
"But how could he get into the hold?"
"That is more than I know, sir. He isn't in his state-room; he wouldn't
have jumped overboard forty miles from land."
"He must be found before we make the capes," said Somers, who could not
help thinking how "cheap" he should feel if compelled to report the
escape of his prisoner to the department.
He returned to the table and finished his breakfast, as a matter of
necessity now,--for man must eat,--rather than of inclination. The
Scotch ham seemed to have lost its fine flavor, and it was really a pity
that he had not completed his repast before the escape of Pillgrim was
discovered. But Somers was satisfied that the traitor was still on
board, and he was determined to find him, even if he had to throw the
valuable cargo of the Ben Nevis overboard, in order to effect his
purpose.
When Somers had worried down his breakfast, he went on deck to detail
parties to engage in the search. The hatches were taken off, and Mr.
Hudson was directed to examine the hold, while Somers himself, with the
marines and a couple of seamen, went to the cabin for the purpose of
tracing the fugitive from his starting-point. This appeared to be no
easy matter, for as yet there was not the slightest clew to his means of
egress.
Somers opened the door of the state-room, which had been occupied by the
prisoner, and there, to his utter astonishment and confusion, he saw
Pillgrim, sitting on a stool, and looking as composed as though nothing
had happened. Somers could hardly believe the evidence of his own eyes.
"Good morning, Mr. Somers," said the traitor. "I am happy to see you. I
was just thinking it was about breakfast time."
"Haven't you had your breakfast yet?" asked Somers, who deemed it best
to talk at random.
"How should I? You lock the door, and confine me to a very limited
sphere of observation. I hope you don't intend to starve me."
"O, no, by no means. I thought it likely you had breakfasted while on
your travels."
"On my travels?" said the prisoner, inquiringly.
"You have been out of your room."
"I?"
Pillgrim opened his eyes, and seemed to be astonished.
"Certainly you have. When we opened the door half an hour since, you
were not here. Perhaps you will not object to telling me where you have
been."
"I have not been out of my state-room, as you must be aware."
"But you have," replied Somers, stoutly.
"Am I to infer that you accuse me of lying, Mr. Somers?" demanded the
traitor, with an exhibition of dignity.
"I accuse you of nothing; I only say you have been out of your
state-room."
"But I say I have not. I am your prisoner: it is hardly magnanimous to
insult me in my present situation."
"Are you ready for your breakfast?" asked Somers, unwilling to pursue
the conversation on that tack.
"A hungry man is always ready for his breakfast. My misfortunes have not
impaired my appetite. I am ready for my breakfast."
Somers directed the steward to bring the prisoner his morning meal.
"Mr. Somers, may I beg the favor of half an hour's conversation with
you, when I have done my breakfast?" added Pillgrim.
"It is hardly necessary."
"Excuse me; it is absolutely necessary for your comfort and safety as
well as mine."
"Under such a threat, I shall certainly decline," replied Somers,
coldly.
"I intended no threat. Send these people away, and I will speak."
"You may speak or be silent, as you please."
Somers stationed a marine at the door, and sent the others away,
retiring himself to the farther end of the cabin. He was sorely puzzled
to know how the prisoner had got out of his state-room, and why he had
returned. He concluded that the opening of the hold had induced the
latter step, but the former was still enveloped in mystery. He
determined to give the prisoner another room, and make a more careful
search in the one he now occupied.
When Pillgrim had done his breakfast, Somers called a couple of marines,
and ordered them to put the prisoner in the aftermost room. The hasp and
padlock were then transferred to the occupied room.
"Mr. Somers," said Pillgrim, as he was about to lock the door, "I should
like to speak with you."
The tone was gentlemanly, and even supplicating, and Somers entered the
room, closing the door behind him; but he was careful to cock his
revolver as he did so, for the prisoner was a desperate man.
"I am ready to hear you."
"It is well you are."
"If you have any threats to make, I will not remain."
"Let me speak only the truth," said Pillgrim, as he looked at his watch.
"In twenty minutes from now, we shall all be in kingdom come."
There was a malignant smile on the face of the traitor as he spoke, and
it was plain to Somers that the villain did not speak without a cause.
"Somers, you have beaten me in the last game we played. I shall beat in
the next one."
"I told you I did not come here to listen to threats."
"You will be a dead man in seventeen minutes, Somers," continued
Pillgrim, glancing at his watch again. "I could not deny myself the
satisfaction of informing you of the fact. But, Somers, you will have
the pleasure of knowing that I shall share your fate."
"What do you mean, you villain?" demanded Somers, horrified by the
thought suggested by the traitor's words.
"Gently, my dear fellow. Don't use hard words. But I am glad to see you
are moved. Ah, Somers, I have you now," said the wretch, in mocking
tones.
"Speak!" roared Somers, drawing his pistol.
"Shoot me, Somers. I will thank you if you will. It is better to be shot
dead, than to be blown up, mangled, and then, after enduring a moment or
an hour of agony, to be drowned. Fire, Somers!"
He restored the revolver to his belt, appalled by the terrible picture
which the villain painted.
"Somers, I did leave my state-room. I was not willing to acknowledge it
before your crew."
"How?"
"I have not time to explain. There are but ten minutes of life left to
you and me. We will not waste them in what is of so little consequence
to either of us. You know of what the cargo of the Ben Nevis is
composed?"
"I do--of arms, ammunition, and provisions."
"Correct; the ammunition is stowed in the after part of the ship--under
us, in fact. Captain Walmsley and myself have laid a train by which the
vessel will be blown up when four bells strike. It wants five minutes of
the time. Captain Walmsley is in a position where he can hear the bell,"
continued Pillgrim with perfect coolness.
"Marine," said Somers, opening the door.
"Here, sir," responded the man.
"Pass the word for the quartermaster to strike four bells, instantly,"
added the young commander. "I am ready, Mr. Pillgrim."
The traitor looked aghast.