He slipped in a fresh cartridge and, becoming conscious of a partial darkening of the skylight, aimed hastily at a face which appeared there.

The face, which bore a strong resemblance to that of Mr.Stobell, disappeared with great suddenness.
[Illustration: "He aimed hastily at a face which appeared there."] "He's gone clean off his head," said Captain Brisket, as Mr.Stobell staggered back.
"Mad as a March hare," said Mr.Tredgold, shivering; "it's a wonder he didn't have one of us just now.

Call down to him that it's all right, Stobell." "Call yourself," said that gentleman, shortly.
"Get a stick and raise the skylight," said Tredgold.
A loud report sounded from below.

Mr.Chalk had fired a second and successful shot at the lock.

"What's he doing ?" inquired Stobell, blankly.
A sharp exclamation from Captain Brisket was the only reply, and he turned just as Mr.Chalk, with a rifle in one hand and a revolver in the other, appeared on deck.