CHAPTER IX
WHAT HAPPENED TO JACK
Although the cabin had seemed but poorly lighted, the contrast to the darkness of the promenade deck was very pronounced. Clouds covered the sky, and so what light might have come from that source was shut off to a great extent. Then, too, the shadow cast by the overhanging hurricane-deck above added to the general gloom.
At random, Tom started forward. It seemed as though the chances of coming upon his comrade would be stronger if he took that direction. People were more apt to saunter toward the stern of the boat; and besides, the crew of the quick-firing three-inch gun usually gathered there, close to their "pet," which was covered at times with a tarpaulin, though ever ready for instant use in emergency.
The agitated girl kept at his side. Tom never once doubted the genuine nature of Bessie Gleason's emotion. She had hugged her fears to her heart until they could no longer be endured in solitude, and had then
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