"The quicker you can get to that second rope," I added seriously, "the
better your chances."
"Then I 'll get out of these oilskins," and she struggled out of them,
with every semblance of relief, tucking the bundle out of sight. "I
don't care if I get wet. But--but, what are you going to do?"
"Jump for it, as soon as you are fairly afloat. I 'll be aboard before
you know it. Are you ready?"
She was looking forward, and her hand gripped mine. Her failure to
answer, and the sudden pressure of fingers, was a warning of danger. I
glanced back across my shoulder. In front of the cabin stood a man
staring aft. His huge bulk, even in that darkness, told me it was
Herman.
CHAPTER XXXI
THE OPEN BOAT
Following the first impulse of this alarming discovery I pressed her
back into the boat, and crouched low myself behind the protection of
the flag locker. The fellow might not have seen us. How still it was;
only the swish of water astern, and the continuous patter of rain. The
pounding of my heart was like that of a trip hammer, as I listened
intently for any movement. For a long moment of suspense there was
none; then I heard his heavy step on the deck, as he came slowly
forward around the bulge of the cabin. The very manner of his advance
told me his uncertainty; something had occurred to arouse suspicion--he
had heard a noise, or seen a shadow--and was investigating curiously.
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