"And see how the brasswork shines," went on Tom. "The captain certainly had things cleaned up.
"But he is a queer stick, if ever there was one." came from Dick, in a whisper. "I must say, I don't half like him."
"He acts as if he was asleep," was Tom's comment.
"Or else as if he had something on his mind."
"Anyway, he comes highly recommended," said Sam.
When they came out on the deck they found Captain Starr sitting on a bench smoking a corncob pipe.
"She is in fine shape and I congratulate you, captain," said Dick, pleasantly.
"Thank you," was the short answer.
"You will be ready to have us taken down the river as soon as we get our things on board?"
"Yes, sir."