"Something has happened!" added Tom, as he reached out and switched on the electric lights.
"We hit something!" declared Ned.
The ship was now almost stopped and she was rolling from side to side.
Up on deck could be heard confused shouts and the running to and fro of many feet. The jangling of bells sounded--hoarse orders were shouted--and there arose a subdued hubbub in the interior of the ship.
"Something sure is wrong!" cried Tom. "We'd better get our clothes on and get on deck! Come on, Ned and Mr. Damon! Grab life preservers!"
Chapter XII Into The Unknown
"Bless my overshoes! I hope we're not sinking!" cried Mr. Damon, as he struggled into some of his clothes, an example followed by Ned and Tom.
"This boat has water-tight compartments, and if it does sink it won't do it in a hurry," commented Tom.
"I don't care to have it do it at all," declared Ned, who found that he had started to get into his trousers hindside before and he had to change them. "Think of all our baggage and supplies and the balloon on board." For the travelers had shipped their things by the same steamer as that on which they sailed.