"The man outside is armed, and in the excitement might hurt you." There was a click of the lock, and the heavy door swung open.

I stood motionless, tempted to spring, yet not daring the venture.

Peter backed majestically out, and I caught a glimpse of the graybeard, and the black outline of a pistol.

Then the door closed, leaving me alone.

The little scrap of candle left sputtered feebly, and, after walking across the floor a half-dozen times, striving to gain control of my temper, I blew it out, and crawled into the bunk.