The girls tried to take in everything at once as they followed their guide along the deck and down the cabin stairs, but they had at last to give it up as a bad job.
“I feel as if I must be home in Burleigh, dreaming all this,” said Jessie. “I’m getting dizzy trying to take in all the new impressions.”
“Stick close to me, then,” Phil invited. “I’ll be on deck when you faint.” 75
“Much good that will do Jessie when she is in the cabin,” remarked Evelyn, with scathing sarcasm.
“Oh-h!” groaned the boys in unison, and Jessie clapped her hands delightedly, crying, “That’s right, Evelyn; give it to them whenever you can.”
And then all nonsense stopped suddenly as the steward paused and, fitting the key in the lock, disclosed the stateroom engaged for Mr. and Mrs. Payton. They crowded into the room and the girls set about examining everything without more ado.
“Oh, isn’t it splendid?” cried Lucile. “You would never dream from the looks of this room that we were on board ship. Why, it’s just as complete and comfortable as our rooms at home!”
“Pretty nifty,” Phil agreed, as his glance traveled from the neat brass bed to the dresser and the large, inviting chair.
“I hate to hurry you,” said Mr. Payton, as he pulled out his watch, “but as time waits for no man, we will have to hustle considerably if we expect to see the other two rooms.”
So, reluctant to leave secrets still to be discovered, yet anxious to see their own room, the girls filed out, talking and laughing all at once, till they reached a door a little further down the corridor, which Mr. Payton designated as belonging to their stateroom.