Their relief was manifest. The discovery of the parrot, which had evidently been shut in by accident, explained a great deal, and it drove away all uncanny suspicions.
After a brief consultation it was decided that Clif should act as captain and steersman, Trolley as engineer, and Joy and Nanny as firemen.
“If Judson turns up,” said Clif, glancing at the distant speck which represented the launch, “we’ll make him shovel coal all night.”
Trolley hurried below into the after engine-room to overhaul the machinery, while the three others prepared to start fires.
Blouses were stripped off and the trio fell to work with a will. The oily waste lighted before had died out, but another fire was soon ignited, and within half an hour the furnace was roaring.
Presently Trolley, greasy and black, joined them. There was a satisfied smile on his face.
“I find everything shipshape,” he said. “The engine in fine condition.”
He glanced at the steam gauge and added:
“Hurray! we soon be ready to start. You better look up charts and things, Clif.”
Faraday thought the advice good, so he hurried to the conning tower. He found the compass in its usual place; and stowed away in a little locker were two sextants and a chronometer.