Then came the engine-room, and aft of this the smoke-room, and ten double cabins, with an alleyway running athwartship. We passed down a companion-ladder to the lower deck. This was a short deck, part in front of the engine-room and part behind. It had just sufficient accommodation for the crew.
"How many hands does this bus carry?" I asked.
15-ton Porte Super Baby, 1800 horse-power.
"Eighteen in all, counting the five officers," the First Mate replied.
Then he took me down below and showed me the great oil-tanks, which were crowded as near to the centre of gravity as possible, under the engine-room. I took a look at the lattice-work steel keel which ran from the bow to the stern. It looked very light for the job it had to do.
From here I went forward to Pank's cabin, and when the First Mate had taken over in the control cockpit, Pank came down and asked, "Will you dine outside with the millionaires and suchlike, or shall we dine here?"
"Here," I replied, for I wanted him to talk.
After dinner, at his ease in an arm-chair, and prompted now and then by questions, he held forth.