"I have a higher straight flush of clubs here.
Mine runs up to the eight spot, and so I win the pot."
He showed his cards and raked in the pot.
With a savage cry, M. Montfort flung his hand aside, leaped to his feet,
sprang at Frank, and struck for Merry's face.
The blow was parried, and he was knocked down instantly.
A sailor, pale and shaking, came dashing into the room and whispered a
word in the captain's ear.
An oath broke from the captain's lips, and he whirled about and rushed
from the room.
Slowly Montfort picked himself up. There was a livid mark on his cheek.
He glared at Frank with deadly hatred.
"Cursed meddlaire!" he grated. "You shall pay for this."
There was consternation outside. On the deck was heard the sound of
running feet.
"Something has happened!" said Diamond, hurrying to the door. "I wonder
what it is."
The "Eagle" was plunging along through a heavy sea. On the deck some men
were running to and fro. Everyone seemed in the greatest consternation.
Jack sprang out and stopped a man.
"What is the matter?" he demanded.
"The ship is on fire!" was the shaking answer. "There is a fire in the
hold!"
Diamond staggered. He whirled about and sprang into the smoking-room. In
a moment he was at Frank's side.
"Merry," he said, "what I feared has come! The steamer is on fire!"
"Where?"
"In the hold.
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