The daily routine of duty aboard the Colodia at times seemed tedious; but the Navy Boys managed to stir up excitement in some form if routine became too dull. In fact, the two younger chums, Ikey Rosenmeyer and Frenchy Donahue, were inclined to be venturesome and at times they got into trouble with the authorities.
This fact occasioned Whistler at this early hour to wonder what Ikey was doing at the head of the berth deck ladder. This was not the younger lad’s watch. He caught Ikey by the arm and led him to the rail. They were careful not to lean on the rail or on the lifelines, for that was against orders.
“What are you watching here for, anyway?” the older lad demanded.
“For the sun,” grinned Ikey.
“What you giving me? You don’t suppose the sun has forgotten to rise, do you?”
“Dunno. Haven’t seen him yet.”
“It isn’t time.”
“Well, I’m keeping my eyes open,” said Ikey with twinkling eyes but serious face.
“Shucks! What’s the game, anyway?” demanded Whistler.
“Why,” said Ikey, “the sun went down so blamed sudden last night that I wasn’t sure whether it really set same as usual, or just that the old fellow went out of business entirely. Didn’t you notice it?”