"And we started out on the sea by eight," remarked George. "Say, that's something worth while; and when we get to talking it over we'll have reason to be proud of the way these bully little boats have served us. Eight hours on the ocean; just think of that, will you?"
The others were close enough to hear what was said, for it was quite still, as the motors were running at a reduced speed.
"Perhaps it may be eighty before we're done!" called Josh, on the right.
"I do believe we're going to bring up on the coast of Ould Ireland before we're through with this job!" Jimmy was saying, from some unseen place on the port side of the Wireless, which happened to be occupying the middle berth at the time.
At that the rest broke out into a laugh, though truth to tell there was not any too much mirth about the same.
"Say, I haven't heard anything for nearly five minutes now, Jack!" called Herb, who, it seemed, was paying strict attention to business, and not bothering about whether he got anything to eat or not, or what would happen in case they headed out into the vast expanse of salt water that stretched across to Africa.
"Same here, Herb," echoed Jack.
"Do you think we've been heading out too far, and is that the reason, Jack?"
"I've got my compass right before me and, if anything, we've been edging in just a little bit more than at any other time," came Jack's answer.
"Then what?" asked the Comfort's skipper, eagerly.