He spoke cheerfully, for he did not want the boys and other members of the crew to know how worried he was. This was a danger he had never counted on when he planned to go to the south pole.
"There is no great hurry," Mr. Henderson went on in a few minutes. "We can stay here for several days if need be, and by that time a storm may tear the grass loose."
"If we had our old hay sythes here," spoke Bill, "me an' Tom could put on divin' suits an' go out an' cut the sea weed."
"I'm afraid that wouldn't work," answered Mr. Henderson. "I'll think up some plan, soon."
He started toward the engine room to look over the machinery. He was met by Washington, who seemed much alarmed.
"What's the matter?" asked the inventor.
"De air tank hab busted an' all de air is escapin' out!" cried the colored man. "We'll all smothercate!"