As far as I know now he is with us, and ranks second officer.

My only orders are--see that he remains on deck while we are below." "Ay, ay, sir; he'll stay thar." With the door closed, we were plunged into a darkness which rendered the interior invisible.

I wondered dimly why the man on guard had not lighted the swinging lantern but before I could call out to the fellow, Watkins whispered.
"What's up?
Anything wrong in here ?" "Not that I know of, but the young lady reported Sanchez moving about in his stateroom and I think it safer to see to him at once." "It's blacker than hell down thar." "Yes; I don't understand it--wait here a minute until I strike a light." I stumbled over something on the deck, as I groped forward, but with mind centered on the one object, did not pause until I had located the lantern.

It blazed up brightly enough, its yellow flame illuminating the cabin, and the first thing I saw was the outstretched figure of the sailor almost between my feet.

I sprang back, giving utterance to a cry, which brought Watkins to me, and the two of us stared at the grewsome object and then about into the wavering shadows.