There was no evidence, nothing to convict the men really guilty.
Here was the scheme of a master-mind in crime.

West weaved his way across the rolling deck of the cabin to the stateroom door Masters had pointed out as the one sheltering the girl.

There was no sound from within, nor would the knob yield to his grasp.

It was locked, the key gone.

There was no time to wait and hunt for that missing piece of metal doubtless safely hidden in Hogan's pocket, or else thrown overboard; he must break a way in; but first he must explain to her, so as to spare her the sudden fright of such an assault.