Percival was positive, however, that some one ran along the lower deck, but whether toward or away from the spot where the men went over he had no means of knowing.
He offered the suggestion that there were three persons actually involved, and that one of them, more than likely the victim of a coin-flipping decision, had remained on board to complete the work the trio had been chosen to perform, even though death was to be his lot.
The Second Officer had been regarding Percival with ever-growing suspicion.
"Is there anything to prove, young man, that you are not the one who stayed behind to complete the job ?" he demanded at last.
"Nothing," said Percival promptly, and somewhat scathingly, "nothing at all, except the trifling fact that I am here talking it over with you gentlemen instead of attending to my business, as any honest conspirator should be doing.

You may be quite sure of one thing: if there is a man on board this ship whose business it is to finish the job, he isn't idle.

He's getting on with the job at this minute, gentlemen.

If you'll take my advice you will institute two investigations.

First, search the ship from stem to stern, from keel to bridge, for bombs or infernal machines.