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.
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