“But what has happened, sir?” asked Jerry of a captain with whom he was on friendly terms.
“I don’t know, exactly. Something seemed to go wrong with the machinery. But there is no danger. We are only a short distance from shore. It is the duty of every one to remain calm.”
The boys did their best, but the questioning still persisted and at length Jerry said:
“Fellows, I’m going to find out what the matter is.”
“I am, too!” exclaimed Ned.
“So’m I!” added Bob. “Maybe the galley is on fire, and——”
“That would be a terrible calamity!” laughed Jerry, and his laugh seemed to ease the tension somewhat. Then he added: “You two boys had better stay here. If three of us chase around we’ll be ordered to keep to one spot. But if I go alone I may be able to manage it.”
“And as soon as you find out what it is come back and tell us,” begged Ned.
“Sure thing!” promised his tall chum, as he moved away.
While Jerry is thus endeavoring to learn the cause of the sudden turning back of the troopship, readers who are meeting Ned, Bob, and Jerry for the first time will be told something more about the lads, so they may seem more like old acquaintances.