The student of bell-pulls signalized the completion of his examination by giving one pull at the gong; but it produced no effect at all upon the engine or the engineer, and the Leopard, having fallen off into the trough of the sea, had begun to roll more violently than at first.
"What is the matter with that engineer?" pouted Percy, who did not feel flattered that his first experience with the bell-pulls produced no effect, though he had distinctly heard the sound of the gong.
"They haven't sent any word up to the pilot house that the engine is disabled, and we shall have to apply to Major Pierson for further information."
"That engineer must have gone to sleep!" exclaimed Percy, whose vexation was in proportion to his zeal.
He rang the gong again; but Christy understood why the screw did not turn, though he deemed it wise to keep his own counsel for the present. Percy was rousing himself to a passion at the neglect of the engineer to heed his bell.
"Keep cool, Percy," interposed Christy. "Don't say a word to your brother that you have learned to steer a steamer; and you may have a chance to surprise him, and show that you are a good deal more of a fellow than he takes you to be."
"I don't believe he will get such a chance if he don't have it now. I wonder what he is up to," added Percy, restraining his impatience.
"We can only wait till his plans come out," added Christy. "But I will go to the side of the hurricane deck, and tell him that the engine does not respond to the bells."
"I should think he might see that for himself," said Percy.
"Don't you say a word, and don't you show yourself to any one. Sit down on that stool, and keep quiet."