ely. "Wait." Of a sudden a voice was raised in
a scream from the farther end of the corridor. "It is Mademoiselle,"
said she, with a little frown. "She is impatient of my return. I must
go back."

She glided off swiftly, and I stood by the door waiting for some
moments. As she did not return, I opened it softly, and the strong wind
off the morning sea took me in the face, refreshing me. I stepped out
upon the deck. The sky was as grey as the sea, and the silhouette of
the spars and funnel was ghost-like. The _Sea Queen_ thundered on her
course, heeling to the broad wash of the water. As I stood watching, my
ears alert for any sound that would give me information, I saw a figure
detach itself from the bulwarks and move uncertainly about, and as it
drew near I discovered it was Pye's. His face was of a colour with the
gray steel of his revolver, which he held loosely, as if he was not
aware he held it.

"Oh, my God!" he said in a hoarse whisper. "Oh, my God! I didn't know
it was like this. Oh, my God!"

"Pye!" I called softly; and he started and dropped his pistol.

"Pick it up, man, and keep silence," I whispered. "Come this way." I
took his arm and stealthily withdrew him into the corridor. "What has
happened?"

He gazed at me wildly. "They've got the ship," he said with a whisper.
"Oh, I didn't know it would be like this."

I gave him a dose of the brandy which the Princess had brought for me,
and it seemed to pull him together. He blinked at me through his
glasses, and eyed me with some terror and distrust.

"Do you know how things stand?" I asked.

He shook his head. "The captain's killed," he said falteringly. "I
don't know about the others."

"We've got to find out," I said, and thought. Then, for I saw he would
be of little use to me in his present state, I said, "Look here, Pye,
I'm going to explore, while you keep this door. Mind you let no one in.
We'll bolt it, see."

I did so as I spoke, and turning found the Princess coming down the
corridor. I explained to her the situation, and added that Pye would
be placed on guard. She cast a glance at him, and looked at me
inquiringly.

"I'm going down to the saloon below," I said. "This set of cabins is
isolated, except for the doors at each end to the deck and the door
that gives on the staircase to the saloon. Can I depend on you to hold
out for five minutes? A shout will bring me up at a moment's notice."

"Yes," she said breathlessly.

I opened t