d.

As soon as he and Eph had received the reloaded weapons, Jack motioned
Eph Somers not to fire.

For a few moments they listened. Then Jack turned, selecting the two
most stalwart-looking of the husky sailors back by the companionway. A
nod of Jack's head brought them stealthily to his side.

"Put your shoulders to the stateroom door, and force it," commanded
Lieutenant Benson.

At the same time Jack and Eph moved up with the sailors, holding their
revolvers ready to fire at the first sign of renewed hostilities from
within.

Bump! Two pairs of sturdy shoulders went up against the door. From
within there came no sign of defiance. Bump! At the second determined
assault the door flew open.

"Step back, men! We'll go in first," commanded Lieutenant Benson.

Revolvers in hand, and ready, the two young officers of the "Sudbury"
pressed forward into the battered-looking room.

"Where is the rascal?" growled Eph Somers.

"Here, hiding like a cornered rat," replied Jack, aiming both revolvers
at a huddled figure well in under the lower berth. "Come out, Gray!
You won't be hurt unless you try tricks on us."

The answer was a groan.

"Are your hurt?" inquired Lieutenant Benson.

"Yes."

"How badly?"

"You hit me twice."

"Where?"

"Once in the left arm; once in the right thigh. O-o-o-h!"

Jack Benson felt a swift twinge--almost a guilty jerk of his conscience.

To be sure, Gray had been defying properly appointed officers of the
government engaged in performing their sworn task. Gray had attempted
to kill or injure the young officers.

Still, Gray was a human being. Benson, despite his fighting spirit, at
need, was not fond of gazing upon misery.

"I guess you can get out, with a little aid," coaxed Lieutenant Jack.

Gray's answer was another groan.

"We'll help you out, then," Jack continued. "But don't you dare to open
fire upon any of our party!"

"I would, if I could," snarled the wounded man.

"Why can't you?"

"Fired my last cartridge!" snapped the wretch, defiantly. "Else you
wouldn't have got in here without losing a few men!"

Jack signed to the two men who had forced the door to lend a hand in
moving Gray out from under the berth. As they got the wounded man out
on the carpet he presented a sad picture in his bloodstained clothing.

"Will the Lieutenant pardon a suggestion?" spoke up one of the sailors,
saluting.

"Yes."

"I have a first aid package, sir. With so