"I'll do that all right, or break his back in the trying. The stoke hole isn't any place for weaklings, as you and I know."
"Keep me posted. I want to know about them. If they make good maybe I'll change them, giving them a berth on deck."
"We'd better give them a good try-out first," advised the chief.
"Certainly."
In the meantime the subjects of this discussion were toiling with might and main far down below the water level. The ship seemed much steadier down there, and there was scarcely any roll perceptible. Had it not been for the terrific heat the youngsters would not have minded the work so much. However, as the day drew on they began to feel the strain.
The gong, announcing the change of watch, sounded loud and startling. They did not give it any heed, but kept right on shoveling.
"Well, are you fellows going to work right through the next trick?" asked the foreman.
"Have we finished?" questioned Bob innocently.
"Until nine o'clock to-night."