These were only a few of the questions that were flying about, and the officers answered them as best they could.
"We hit a derelict, or some bit of wreckage," explained the first mate, when he could command silence. "There is a slight hole below the water-line, but the bulkheads have been closed, and there is not the slightest danger."
"Are we going to turn back for New York?" asked one woman.
"No, certainly not. We're going right on as soon as a slight break to one of the engines can be repaired. We are in no danger. Only a little water came in before the automatic bulkheads were shut. We haven't even a list to one side. Now please clear the decks and go back to bed."
It took more urging, but finally the passengers began to disperse. Tom found Ned and Mr. Damon, who were looking for him.
"Bless my life preserver!" cried the odd man. "I thought surely this was my last voyage, Tom!"
"So did I," added Ned. "What's the matter, Tom, you look as though you'd seen a ghost."
"I have--pretty near. The Fogers are on board."
"No! You don't mean it!"
"It's a fact. I just saw them. They are the mysterious passengers." And Tom related his experience.