"Very well, as you wish it; only recollect what I have told you. Now, follow me, and we will look over your quarters. Of course, you are familiar with hammock-slinging, and all that appertains to it?"
Herc rubbed his head with a grin.
"I've got some bumps here yet that serve to remind me of my first efforts to climb into one."
"Answer me 'yes' or 'no,' please; do not try to say anything more."
"I was just explaining," muttered Herc, not heeding Ned's warning look.
They were soon assigned two places, side by side, in which they might sling their hammocks. The space devoted to the jackies' sleeping quarters was well forward under the superstructure and lighted by electric lights. It was well ventilated, and aisles of steel pillars ran in every direction. From these the hammocks were slung.
"I will now show you something of the ship, so that you may be familiar with your floating home," said the boatswain's mate; "follow me."
"I wish he'd show us some supper," whispered Herc. "I'm about as empty as a dry well."
"Never mind," rejoined Ned; "we shall soon be summoned to eat, I expect."