CHAPTER XVI
Hot Work in No. 1 Hold
The S.S. West Barbican was within a couple of days of Cape Town. The weather, although still warm, had lost much of the sweltering heat, thanks to the influence of the Trades.
The ship was rolling badly. For the last ten days she had been on her best behaviour in that respect; but now she was making up for lost time. There was a high sea running, and the ship's alley-ways to the saloon were ankle-deep in water.
With the glass falling rapidly the seas increased in violence. It was evident that the West Barbican would receive a heavy dusting within the next few hours.
"Hanged if I like the look of things, Preston," admitted Captain Bullock, sniffing the approaching storm from afar. "We're in for something."
"We are, sir," agreed the Acting Chief. "And I'm not altogether satisfied with that steelwork. Bad enough cargo at any time, but I've an idea something's working adrift in No. 1 hold. I'll get Anstey to have a look at it."
The Old Man concurred.
"Tell the serang to warn the lascars," he added. "We don't want broken limbs and all that sort of thing."