"Chief engineer is a pretty good berth, especially now. Those running in the war zone get good pay and a big bonus besides, you know."
"Are we in the war zone?" he asked with some surprise.
"Yes—don't you see those lifeboats swung out? One of the firemen told me last night that this line had lost two ships—both torpedoed."
"And I suppose the firemen get the worst of it on account of being so far below?" he queried, glancing nervously at the dim shore line.
"Yes. Then, you know, there are supposed to be mines all along the coast."
Without comment he gnawed the last piece of meat from the bone and tossed the refuse overboard. Two young girls among the passengers above giggled at that. Strong flushed, but gave no other outward sign of annoyance.
"Then we are liable to be plugged any time?" he asked.
"Yes; there is a possibility."
"Well, if I get another dose like I got last night I believe I would welcome it," he laughed, looking at his blistered hands.
"You will soon learn how to favor yourself, and the work won't be so hard."