After tea he went on deck.
The sea was calm, and he did not experience any sensation of seasickness.
For a while he looked over the ship's side into the starlit night. All at once a steamer was discovered going west.
The captain was on the bridge with the second officer.
"We'll signal that steamer," he exclaimed. "Send below for the usual lights."
"Ay, ay, sir," replied the mate.
He left the bridge, and, seeing Tommy, said:
"Are you one of the ship's boys?"
"Yes, sir," replied Tommy, touching his cap.
"Go to the quartermaster, and ask him for the ordinary signals."