“Well, I mean like I’ve read of their sounding.”
“Oh, that’s different. But this is no such thing. Besides, how could the smugglers get one aboard? They haven’t been near the ship.”
This was, of course, unanswerable, and Fenn followed Frank into the corridor, and to the door of the stateroom, whence sounded the peculiar buzzing noise. As they stood outside the portal it could be heard more plainly.
“Here goes!” whispered Frank, turning the knob.
Both he and Fenn started back in surprise, at the sight which greeted them. There, sitting in a steamer chair, in a big red bath robe, was the invalid, Mr. Ackerman. On the bunk in front of him was a small box, from which extended cords, terminating in shining metal tubes, which he held in his hand. The buzzing was coming from the small box.
“Oh, boys, I’m glad to see you!” exclaimed the man who thought he was sick.
“What’s the matter?” asked Frank, in some alarm.
“I’m taking a current of electricity, from my medical battery,” was the answer.
“Electricity?” repeated the two chums, in questioning accents.
“Yes, from the battery. You see I couldn’t sleep, and I often find a current of electricity is beneficial. I did not want to awaken Captain Wiggs with the buzz of my machine, for it makes quite a noise, so I brought it into this empty stateroom. I hope I didn’t disturb you.”