“I didn’t think of that,” murmured Ned. “But say, isn’t it bad luck to have to go back to port twice on the same voyage?”
“Not half as bad luck as it would be to go once to Davy Jones’s locker!” declared Jerry, with a trace of mirth—just a faint trace, for the situation was still too tense to admit of any great feeling of jollity.
“Well, of course there’s something in that,” admitted Ned.
“A whole lot in it!” came from Bob. “Say, have you fellows got anything to eat?” he demanded, still speaking in a whisper, for the word of “silence in the ranks” had gone forth.
“Eat!” exclaimed Jerry in tense tones. “What do you think we are, anyhow? Walking cupboards?”
“I didn’t know but what you might have stowed away a cake or two of chocolate apiece,” sighed Bob. “Lots of times they forget to provision the boats when they abandon ship in a hurry. Chocolate is nourishing. I’ve got three big cakes. That’s one each. Here,” and he extended one to Ned and another to Jerry.
“What’s the idea?” demanded the tall lad, with amused curiosity.
“We might get separated,” answered Bob. “Better take this when you can get it. That cake of chocolate will keep you alive several days.”
“He’s got it all figured out,” said Ned. “Well, you aren’t so bad at that, Chunky. It may come in handy!” and he put his cake away.
Jerry did likewise, and then they stood waiting for the next development. It was not long in coming.