His eager eyes searched the narrow confines of the stateroom for some possible weapon with which to assail the door.

The stout stool alone seemed available.

Swinging this over his shoulder, hampered by the narrowness of space, he struck again and again, with all his strength, the upper panel splintering beneath the third crashing blow.

He could see nothing, but felt with his fingers along the jagged ends of the shattered wood, and redoubled his efforts, striking wildly, but with effect, until suddenly the lock gave, and the door burst open.

He was in the main cabin, which was unlit and deserted.