Hal thought for a moment before answering. Then he turned to the passengers and said:
"It is likely to be a long job, and therefore I propose that you divide into two parties—the first to commence work at once, and the others to come down in two hours' time. The first party had better bring all the blankets and bedding they can. We shall want something with which to stop the rent."
He rose from his seat, and staggered out.
"Well," said Mr. Broom, as our hero swung himself on to the floor below, "what luck?"
"They have volunteered to a man."
"I thought they would," was the satisfied answer. "But how are we to employ them? Tell you what, Marchant, some of the passengers will have to set to trimming. We've been taking coal from the starboard bunker, and this side is full, so that it will all have to be put over to the other. Will you boss the gang? I'm the only officer left down here, and most of the greasers have been hurt. I'll look to the engines, and will shear them up, if you'll take the other job."
"I'll do my best," said Hal. "Ah, here they come."
At that moment fifteen passengers began to descend the long ladder, each carrying a roll of blankets under his arm.
"Hallo, what's this?" the engineer exclaimed. "Bedding! What's that for?"
"I thought you'd want something to plug the rent," said Hal. "Don't you think it might do?"