The barrel’s empty.” Flummerfelt called out from the hold. “It says G-U-N-P-O-W-” “Yes. That’s it,” Colin said. “Hurry up!” Captain Barth’s voice shouted from above deck: “What are you two waiting for, an engraved invitation?” “Aye, aye, right away!” Colin replied. “Done!” Flummerfelt said. He scrambled out of the hold with two rifles, a sledgehammer, and a harpoon. Colin pulled open his bunk curtain sheet and helped Flummerfelt hide the arms under the horsehair. Grabbing the hammer and harpoon, they ran upstairs. Flummerfelt went over the gunwale first, carrying both implements in one hand. Colin leaped atop the kennels. Below, the men hacked away at the ice that now encroached on the Mystery from all sides. From behind the ship’s stern, he heard Nigel’s voice. Nigel was supposed to be at the bow. All the men were. Colin slipped back down onto the deck. Quietly he walked abaft and crouched low. It wasn’t just Nigel. “By all means, let’s be quick about this.
