"Of course they do, and they know who we are, and where we are bound probably better than we do. I wonder whether we are going through the straits?"
"The Straits of Gibraltar?"
"Yes."
"Of course we are. We are going to all the places down around here, I heard the Old Man and the executive officer talking about it when we were up off Boulogne. We're going all the way around Africa before we head back for America. It is going to be a long cruise."
"I know that, Sam. We are going to be away from home for a full year. Think of that. But when we get back, we are going to have a leave to go to Piedmont and see all the folks."
A bugle call piped all hands to clean ship. They were nearing port and everything must be in perfect condition. There was need of work, for the long storm had left the ship in bad condition.
The early view of the famous rock gave the impression of a barren cliff, but now little patches of emerald green began to grow out of the great gray pile.
"Look at the guns sticking out!" exclaimed Hickey, later in the day, as the ship drew nearer and nearer.
"Wonderful!" breathed Dan.
"I don't see anything so wonderful about it. It looks business-like, that's all," said Sam. "Say, do you know what I'll bet I could do?"