"Cheery lot of conversationalists," said Bert, in disgust, as they moved on.
At the forward end of the house was the galley. As they reached this a black, woolly head popped out of the open half-door. The negro grinned widely and quickly drew back his head.
"Good morning, Sambo," said the persistent Bert.
The negro bobbed his head, and grinned still more broadly, but did not speak a word.
"All lost their tongues," said Bert.
Just forward of the deck house a small hatch stood open. It led to a narrow iron ladder that ran almost perpendicularly down into the dark depths below. The boys peered into the blackness without being able to distinguish anything.
"I am going down," said Harry, after a moment's pause.
He stepped over the edge and placing his foot on the first rung of the ladder, began to descend with great caution. The others watched him anxiously until he disappeared in the darkness. They waited at the hatch for a long time before he reappeared. When he did he climbed out with a serious face and drew his companions away to the other side of the steamer's deck.
His expression indicated that he had discovered something of more than ordinary interest.
"What is it?" whispered Bert, when they were out of range of the galley and engine-room.