"We just came down," said Joe, "but it is hot," for they were approaching nearer to the Equator each hour.
While the boys were following the young Spaniard up on deck, Joe found a chance to whisper to Blake:
"I notice he was not at all anxious to show us how his brass-box alarm clock worked."
"No," agreed Blake in a low voice, "and yet his invention might be in such a shape that he didn't want to exhibit it yet."
"So you think that's the reason, eh?"
"Surely. Don't you?"
"I do not!"
"What then?"
"Well, I think he's trying to—"
"Hush, here he comes!" cautioned Blake, for their friend at that moment came back from a stroll along the forward deck.