"I don't know. That is what I am trying to find out."
"My grathiouth! Maybe the captain is going to run away with the 'Thilly Thue'."
"No. Come to think of it, I believe he must be getting the boat ready for our sail to-morrow."
"Not without a light. There ith thomething else going on. Oh, look!"
Following a period of silence, blue sparks began sputtering from the masthead of the "Sister Sue." The girls could hear the sparks crackle and snap spitefully.
"Oh, look at the fireworkth!" cried Tommy out loud. "The thhip ith on fire!"
Harriet laid a firm hand on her arm. "Keep still!"
A faint squealing sound was now distinguishable, while the sparking at the masthead continued with almost rhythmic regularity.
"I know! I know what it is!" gasped Harriet excitedly. "Listen, Tommy, listen. Don't you know?"