inger tightened on the trigger. But even as he would
have fired, Frank turned the scalding water on him. With a howl of pain
he dropped the revolver.

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE PIRATES REAPPEAR.

"You got him, Frank!" cried Lord Hastings excitedly, hopping up and down
like a boy. "Keep it on him!"

"You bet I've got him," Frank shouted back. "Slip inside, sir, and get
him from behind when I turn the water off."

Lord Hastings did as Frank suggested, and keeping to one side of the
stream of hot water, entered the room and drew his revolver.

"All right," he called. "Turn it off. I've got him covered."

Frank shut off the hose and also sprang into the room.

But there was no need for force. Davis had had all the fight taken out
of him, for the time being, at least. He lay upon the floor and was
writhing about apparently in great pain and moaning feebly. It was plain
that the hot water had done its work well.

"I give up," he muttered as Lord Hastings and Frank approached him.

The two leaned down and picked the man up. Lord Hastings looked him over
carefully.

"Why, you're not hurt," he said contemptuously. He turned to Frank.
"That water can't have been very hot," he said.

"Just hot enough, I should say," the lad returned. "I didn't want it too
hot, sir. It would have spoiled his looks, and I want him looking fit
when he faces a court martial."

"Very thoughtful of you," said Lord Hastings dryly. "I don't believe he
is hurt a bit. But I guess we had better tie him up before he does any
more mischief."

"Right you are, sir," replied Jack. "Got any rope?"

"Yes; you'll find a good strong piece in the drawer of my desk there.
Get it."

Frank opened the drawer and produced a long, strong rope; and as he
would have turned to Lord Hastings he was startled by a sudden
commotion, followed by the sound of a fall.

Davis had sprung suddenly to his feet, upsetting Lord Hastings as he did
so, and dashed out the door. Frank, dashing forward to intercept him,
collided with Lord Hastings, who arose at that moment, and the latter
went to the floor again, with Frank on top of him.

By the time they had untangled themselves Davis had disappeared aft.

"After him!" shouted Frank, and dashed down the passage. Lord Hastings
followed closely.

Davis made straight for the engine room, why, he could not have told.
The man was greatly excited and hardly knew what he was doing. As he
crossed the threshold, he collided