When I come forth to freedom, I'll find you if you are alive,
and I'll have your life!"
Then he was marched away between two stout men, his irons clanking and
rattling.
CHAPTER X.
THE GAME IN THE NEXT ROOM.
When Merry appeared in his stateroom he was greeted with a storm of
questions.
"Well, what does this mean?"
"Trying to dodge us?"
"Running away?"
"Muts the whatter with you--I mean what's the matter?"
"Where have you been?"
"Stand and give an account of yourself!"
Then he told them a little story that astounded them beyond measure. He
explained how he had taken a fancy to look the steamer over and had
fallen in with the engineer. Then he related how he had visited the
engine room and been thrown into the stoke-hole.
But when he told the name of his assailant the climax was capped.
"Harris?" gasped Rattleton, incredulously.
"Harris?" palpitated Diamond, astounded.
"Harris?" roared Browning, aroused from his lazy languidness.
"On this steamer?" they shouted in unison.
"On this steamer," nodded Frank, really enjoying the sensation he had
created.
"He--he attacked you?" gurgled Rattleton, seeming to forget his recent
sickness.
"He did."
"And you escaped after being thrown into the stoke-hole?" fluttered
Diamond.
"I am here."
"And you didn't kill the cur on sight?" roared Browning.
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