"This is Mr. Major, the first mate. He is next in rank to the master. He will take you to the chief engineer for your assignment."
"Where do we sleep?" asked Jarvis.
"I had nearly forgotten that. You will show the boys their cabin, Mr. Major."
The first mate nodded. His was a surly face, and the lads did not approve of him at first. However, upon gaining the deck the first mate spoke to them in a tone that was kind and helpful.
"This is your first time out, isn't it, boys?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," replied Steve.
"Well, you'll get along all right. Do your work well and you will find that Captain Simms will take to you all right. You will have enough time off to rest and sleep, though the work is pretty steady on the lakes. You will find this is the case when we are in port, even more than when on the move. The loading and unloading keeps all hands at their stations. You have been in the mines, have you not?"
"Yes, sir."
"We were foremen," interjected Bob.
The mate glanced at them in surprise.