"Hustle along thar, in back o' that music box.

See--the way I 'm pointin'." There was but one door, evidence that a single cabin occupied the entire space astern, and I stopped before it, my companion applying his knuckles to the wood, but without removing his watchful eyes from me.
A muffled voice asked who was there, and at the response replied: "Open the door and show him in, Peters, and remain where you are within call." I entered, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy, pausing involuntarily as I heard the door close, and glancing hastily about.

I had expected a scene of luxury, a counterpart of the outer cabin.
Instead, I stood upon a plain, uncarpeted deck, the white walls and ceiling undecorated.

On one side was a double tier of berths, lockers were between the ports, and heavy curtains draped the two windows aft.
Opposite the berths was an arm rack, containing a variety of weapons, and the only floor covering was a small rug beneath a desk near the center of the apartment.

This latter was littered with papers, among them a map or two, on which courses had been pricked.