He stood now so near the outside planking that he could hear the laughter and talk of those within.

By this time the wind had risen to half a gale and the moan on the outer bar could be heard in the intervals of the pounding surf.

The captain crept under the eaves of the roof and listened.

He wanted to be sure of Bart's voice before he acted.
At this instant a sudden gust of wind burst in the big door, extinguishing the light of the lantern, and Bart's voice rang out: "Stay where you are, boys! Don't touch the cards.

I know the door, and can fix it; it's only the bolt that's slipped." As Bart passed out into the gloom the captain darted forward, seized him with a grip of steel, dragged him clear of the door, and up the sand-dunes out of hearing.