"Good idea," commented Fenn. "We'll have the laugh on him, next time."
The day passed quickly, for there were many novel sights for the boys to see. Captain Wiggs was kept so busy, for there were some repairs needed to one of the engines, because of the sudden reversing, that the boys did not see him again that day. He did not appear at dinner or supper, and the steward said the commander was taking his meals in the engine room.
The _Modoc_ was going along at less than her usual speed, but was making fairly good time.
"Well, I s'pose we might as well turn in, boys," suggested Fenn, about nine o'clock. "I believe that is the proper term aboard a ship."
"Yes, messmates," spoke Ned, assuming a theatrical attitude, "we will now seek our downy hammocks, and court 'tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep,' to arise in the gladsome morning, and 'you must wake and call me early; call me early, mother dear, for I'm to be Queen of the May, mother; I'm to be Queen of the May!'"
"We'll call you 'loony,' instead of 'early,' if you get off any more of that nonsense," murmured Frank.
"That's what," agreed Fenn. "You're not studying English Lit. and French history now, Ned."
"Very well, most noble gentlemen," went on Ned. "I shall obey you, right gladly, I ween!" and he made a dive for his stateroom before Bart, who made a sudden grab could lay hands on him.
The others soon turned in, and, in spite of their new and strange surroundings and beds, were soon sound asleep.
It must have been about midnight that Fenn was awakened by hearing a great tramping on deck. It was followed by confused shouts, and then came the jangling of the engine room bells. The _Modoc_ seemed to increase her speed.
"I wonder if there's another collision coming?" he said as he sat up. He heard Bart moving in the next room, and presently Frank's voice was heard calling:
The noise on deck increased, and it sounded as though several men were running to and fro, dragging ropes about.
"I'm going up!" decided Fenn, jumping out of his berth and hastily pulling on his clothes. From the open doors of his chums' rooms he could see that they, too, were attiring themselves with little regard for how they looked.
Up on deck they hurried. As they emerged from the companionway their eyes were met with a bright glare.