THE FIGHT Beyond the door Howland heard Jean pause.

There followed a few moments silence, as though the other were listening for sound within.

Then there came a fumbling at the bar and the door swung inward.
"_Bon jour_, M'seur," called Jean's cheerful voice as he stepped inside.
"Is it possible you are not up, with all this dog-barking and--" His eyes had gone to the empty bunk.

Despite his cheerful greeting Howland saw that the Frenchman's face was haggard and pale as he turned quickly toward him.

He observed no further than that, but flung his whole weight on the unprepared Croisset, and together they crashed to the floor.