“No one here,” he ejaculated.

He was right.  Davis and the others had gone; and though Jack did not know it, they were at that moment aft haranguing the crew, who had gathered about them eagerly.

Every man aboard the ship was now armed, for Lord Hastings had decided it would be inadvisable to relieve them of their weapons—­it would have aroused their suspicions—­and they were receiving Davis’ proposals with satisfaction.  It seemed that they had long harbored such thoughts and all that had been needed to egg them on had been a leader.  They seemed to have found one in Davis.

“Then you men are with me?” asked Davis, his face flushed with pleasure.

The answer was a cheer; and the cheer carried to Jack, who was still in Davis’ quarters.  It told the lad what had happened just as well as though he had been present and overheard the conversation.

“Quick men!  Back to the bridge!” the lad exclaimed.

He dashed forward, but he was not quick enough.

As he left Davis’ cabin the Germans appeared in the little passageway aft, Davis in advance.  He saw Jack the same moment the latter saw him and both raised their revolvers and fired.  But neither had paused to take careful aim and both bullets went wide of their mark.

Edwards and the two other British sailors now sprang into the little passageway and levelled their revolvers at the foe.  For a brief moment the Germans hesitated, and in that moment the British poured in a volley.  Two men fell, another groaned, and two cursed—­while at a shouted command from Davis, the fire was returned.

The sailor McDonald flung wide his arms and toppled to the floor.

“Back, sir!” cried Edwards.  “They are too many for us.”

The three retreated along the passageway until they reached the ladder leading to the bridge.

“You first, sir!” said Edwards, at the same time firing down the passage.

Jack hung back.

“After you,” he replied.

“Don’t be a fool now,” said Edwards.  “Hurry, while I hold them off.”

Again he fired at the crowd of German faces down the passage, as did O’Brien.

Jack hesitated no longer and climbed the ladder rapidly.

“You next, O’Brien,” said Edwards.

O’Brien sprang to the ladder, but a bullet from a German revolver halted him halfway.  He toppled over without a word.  Edwards glanced at him quickly once, saw that he was beyond help, and sprang to the ladder himself.

A bullet struck him in the side but it did not stop him.  Jack, at the top, lent the man a helping hand, and a moment later Edwards stood beside him on the deck.

“No time to waste, sir,” said the sailor.  “Over the side with you, quick!”

Jack flung himself into the river as Davis showed his face on deck.

CHAPTER XXI.

AT SEA AGAIN.