Then the engineer was summoned from below, and the boys remained aft recalling to mind all they had studied relative to the Bahama banks.
The stores were on board; everything was in readiness for the start as soon as the owner should arrive, and when the steward summoned them to supper it seemed as if the voyage had really begun.
CHAPTER II.
UNDER WEIGH.
It was a long while before the boys could close their eyes in slumber on this first night aboard the Sea Dream, owing to the novelty of the surroundings. It seemed as if Teddy would never cease admiring the snug quarters with the guns and fishing rods hung where they could be seen to the best advantage, and Neal had very much to say regarding the plans he proposed to carry into execution during the cruise.
Despite such enchanting topics of conversation they were not able to remain awake all night, and when finally the journey into dreamland was made, neither returned to a full realization of the situation until quite late in the morning.
Teddy was the first to open his eyes, and in a very few seconds the throbbing of the screw, as well as the invigorating draught of cool air which came through the open port-hole, told him that the voyage had really begun.
"Neal, Neal," he cried, shaking his friend vigorously. "Wake up; I think we are at sea."
Neal was on his feet in an instant, and after one glance through the tiny window he replied with a laugh: