“You’re a good guesser, sir,” said Fenn with a laugh.
“Right this way then,” the captain went on quickly, opening a small door which led from the engine room. “I’ll have something sent in here. There’s a table and some chairs. It’s warm and you can dress in there when your clothes are dry.”
The boys went into the apartment he indicated. It was lighted by a small hanging lamp. They sat down to the table, presenting a queer sight in the overalls and jumpers several sizes too large for them. In a little while a man came in with a big tray on which were plates of beef-stew, cups of coffee and plenty of bread and butter.
“Sort of a pick-up meal,” Captain Needham said, as he looked in on them a little later, when they were in the midst of it. “Best we could do in a hurry. We don’t often have people drop in on us out of a balloon for supper,” and he laughed.
“Say, captain,” began Ned. “Is that boy—”
“I’ll be back in a little while,” called the captain, as he closed the door, leaving the chums alone.
“I was going to ask him about Sandy,” added Ned.
“It’ll keep,” remarked Bart.
The boys finished their meal and felt better.