Through the opening thus
Providentially made, the fresh air rushed. The deadly fumes began to
escape. Once more the cask rolled against the window, breaking another
glass, and more fresh air came in.
Jerry stirred uneasily. It seemed as if some one had a hammer, hitting
him on the head. That was the blood beginning to circulate again. His
veins throbbed with life. Slowly he opened his eyes. He became aware
of a sweet, sickish smell, that mingled with the sharp tang of the
salt air. By a great effort he roused himself. He could not, for a
moment, think where he was, but he had a dim feeling as if some one
had tried to chloroform him. Then, with a sudden shock his senses came
back to him. He became aware of the need of fresh air, and, hardly
knowing what he was doing, he opened the cabin door.
The inrush of a fresh atmosphere completed the work the water cask had
begun. The poisonous fumes were dispersed, and, with their
disappearance, the others regained their senses. Mr. De Vere was the
next to arouse.
"What-- what happened?" he asked.
"I don't know," replied Jerry, "unless Blowitz came aboard and
chloroformed us."
"He couldn't do that-- yet-- the safe is not tampered with-- but this
drowsy feeling--"
Mr. De Vere stopped suddenly. His eyes were fixed on the closet or
locker, whence the safe had been wheeled, and where the little boxes
were. From the locker a thin, bluish smoke arose.
"Quick!" he cried. "I understand it all now! We must get them
overboard or we'll all be killed!"
Ned and Bob had been aroused by this time, and were sitting staring
stupidly around them.
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