At Sandy’s sensational announcement there was a stampede from the bridge. Soon after Dick and Larry raced through the cluttered and deserted dining saloon, it was invaded by the captain, the millionaire, Miss Serena and others, with Sandy in the lead.
“What did you discover, Dick?”
At Sandy’s cry his chum, as well as the oldest Sky Patrol, turned.
“Nothing!” said Dick.
He made a disgusted gesture toward the open front of the refrigerating box, to the four ice cube trays lying empty on the galley floor.
“They were as empty as our heads!” Larry was dispirited.
“Sure they were!” the chef, who had observed their invasion of his cookery compartment with amazement, spoke up. “I had to use all of ’em to freeze the cubes for your dinner. No use to fill ’em again till I wash ’em up, so I left ’em out while I ‘defrost’ the box—cut off the current and let the box get warm enough to melt the frost that collects when you freeze a lot of cubes.”
He indicated the refrigerating unit which had heavy ice clinging wherever the chill had congealed the moisture from the evaporation of the water.
“Any other trays?” Mr. Everdail snapped.
“Only them, sir.” The chef threw all the compartments wide.