Morning came, and found them afloat on a still calm sea, a sea that extended all around them, unbroken by any haze or mist that might mean land, or any speck or cloud that might indicate a sailing or steaming vessel. The sun beat down in a blaze of heat.
It was at noon, when Tom went to serve out the frugal meal, that he made a discovery that alarmed him.
“Look here!” he cried to Abe. “One of the water kegs has sprung a leak, and it’s empty.”
“Empty!” gasped the sailor, making his way to where Tom stood by the water supply.
“Yes, not a drop in it.”
Abe shook the keg. There was no welcome sound of water splashing around inside it. He drew the bung, and a few drops trickled out. Then, tying a length of rope to it, the sailor lowered it overboard.
“What’s that for?” asked Tom.
“I want to see where the leak is,” was the quiet answer. “I don’t see how a sound keg could spring a leak in the night.”
“Then you think——” began Tom.