The engine room was crowded as they flocked in, but it was gloriously warm, and before long their clothes had been dried out and the boys themselves were glowing.
The ensign, who had left them to give orders to the cook, returned soon, but not too soon, for they were all as ravenous as wolves.
“What vessel is this?” asked Bob, as they followed the officer to the dining room, where a smoking and abundant meal had been placed on the table.
“The United States Government vessel Meteor,” was the reply. “You’re guests of Uncle Sam.”
“Is that so?” replied Bob, in surprise, not unmingled with delight that was fully shared by his companions. “Well, there isn’t anybody on earth I’d rather be indebted to.”
“I’ve often wanted to be on a Government vessel,” said Joe. “But I never expected that my first introduction to one would take place under such circumstances.”
“I hope we’ll have plenty of time to look it over,” put in Herb.
The young ensign smiled significantly.
“I shouldn’t worry about that,” he remarked. “You’ll probably have more time to do that than perhaps you’ll want, for we’re bound on a rather long voyage.”
The boys looked at each other with amazement in their eyes.