d the boatswain. "You'll 'ave them
down on us with that noise. Give me the can--an' the keys. Ah--'ere's
a Yale, saw edge. Just drive it through--so. An' use it like a
bloomin' can-opener--so. 'Ere you are, lad, drink 'earty. I know 'o'w
a chokin' like you got makes a man crazy with thirst. I'm some dry
myself."

Martin seized the can. The boatswain had cut a small, jagged opening
in the top and Martin clapped his mouth over it, cutting his lips in
his eagerness. He drank, drank. It was an exquisite delight to feel
the cool stream pouring down his throat; his whole body was instantly
refreshed, invigorated.

He paused for breath, and drank again. The contents of the can were
three-quarters drinkable, and he gulped the major portion down. Then
he stopped with a sudden shame of his greediness, recalling the
boatswain's expressed need.

"Oh, bosun, I forgot!" he exclaimed, noting as he spoke that his tongue
was limber and tractable again, and that he could form words.

"That's all right, laddie," said the boatswain, taking the proffered
can. "I know 'ow you felt. Enough for me 'ere. Ah, that's better
than the best drink ever mixed be'ind a bar. Plenty, lad, plenty--I
feel fit now. 'Ere, 'ave some more."

Martin finished the tin. Then he heaved a surfeited sigh.

"Oh, I didn't think I'd ever get enough," he said. "Why, I was so dry
I couldn't talk. And my throat----"

"I know," interrupted the boatswain, sitting down beside him. "You're
bleedin' lucky to be talkin' now, even in a whisper. I've seen other
men choked like you was, an' they couldn't say a word for days. Slick
beggars with their fingers, them jitsu blokes! And now, Martin, let's
figure it out. Ow, swiggle me, what'll we do? The lass----"

The boatswain swore deeply and energetically.

Martin groaned in unison with the other's oaths, his love-born panic
for the girl's safety overwhelming him again. Grim, horrible fears
surged through his mind and pricked him unendurably. God! Ruth, his
Ruth, was alone, helpless, at the mercy of those devils' lusts! And he
was sitting here inactive! It was unendurable!

He scrambled to his feet, with the wild idea of mounting the ladder to
the cabin and battering his way through the trap-door. He must succor
Ruth!

The boatswain reached up a huge hand and pulled him down again. Martin
struggled for a moment, his reason clouded by his hot fear.

"But, bosun--Ruth!" he cried. "Ruth