Part 7 (1/2)

”Then you will most certainly want us,” said Mr. Brindle. ”Come in here, lad, and talk the matter over. No; you must not refuse. We are all equals and comrades on this s.h.i.+p, and no one could object to your taking a meal in the saloon, particularly at this time. Now, come along in, and take your breakfast comfortably.”

It was useless to attempt to refuse compliance with Mr. Brindle's request simply on the ground that he was only a greaser in the engine-room. In ordinary circ.u.mstances, the presence of such a person in the saloon would have led to a scene, and the fact would have been reported to the captain. But things were changed now. The _Mohican_ was little better than a wreck, her crew diminished, and those who were left were incapable of carrying on the work. The call for volunteers had at once placed regular hands and pa.s.sengers on a common footing. Many of them had heard Mr. Brindle speaking to Hal, and they at once supported his request.

”You must come in, young sir,” one of them cried. ”Come along, or you will be offending everyone in the saloon.”

Hal blushed, grasped the bowl of tea firmly, and tucking the roll of tongue and bread beneath one arm, made his way to a seat.

The pa.s.sengers gathered round him and plied him with eager questions.

”Now, what is wanted?” asked one of them, with a laugh.

”The lives of all on board depend upon our exertions,” Hal answered.

”With good weather we need not fear, but if the gale blows up again, the _Mohican_ may very easily go to the bottom. That rent has opened again, and must be closed. Will anyone help me do it?”

He looked round at the group of pa.s.sengers, and was rewarded with an emphatic nod from each.

”We shall all be there,” said Mr. Brindle. ”And when the rent is patched, what follows?”

”The cylinder covers should be taken off and the piston-rods and cranks removed. I fancy I know enough about engines to instruct you, and if not, we must wait till to-morrow.”

”Perhaps I could help you there,” remarked Mr. Brindle. ”On the plantations in Cuba a trained engineer is a rarity. As a consequence, one becomes something of an expert one's self. Many a time I have had to effect some minor repair, so that I have picked up some knowledge of machinery. Now, when shall we come?”

”As soon after breakfast as possible, and I would suggest that you bring more blankets.”

”Very well, Marchant. We'll divide into two parties as before, and you can expect the first in a quarter of an hour.”

Hal thanked him, and left the saloon. Then he went for'ard, and looked up the carpenter.

”We want some planks, a few hammers, and a saw down in the engine-room,”

he said. ”Can you let us have them, Chipps?”

”You can take what you can find,” was the answer. ”There, the store is under the p.o.o.p. Take a look round and help yourself.”

Hal went into the s.p.a.ce set apart for carpenter's stores, and dragged out two long planks. These he carried to the engine-room. Then he made other trips, bringing hammers, nails, a roll of canvas, a saw, and many useful things.

”Now for Mr. Broom,” he said. ”I'll get down and free the poor fellow, for he looked worn out with hard work and want of sleep.”

Glad of the relief, Mr. Broom climbed the ladder, swaying from side to side, and looking as if he were incapable of controlling his limbs. But he was not the one to give in easily. He reached the top with an effort, went to the cabin, and, tumbling upon a bunk, fell into a deep slumber.

A few minutes later the first batch of pa.s.sengers appeared, and a consultation was held.

”How are you going to do it, lad?” asked Mr. Brindle, looking at the rent in the vessel's side, and at the ma.s.s of blankets displaced by the sea. ”It seems to me that something stronger is wanted--something behind the bedding, to force it into the opening and keep it in position.”

”I thought of that,” said Hal, ”and I've got planks from the carpenter.

I suggest that we cut lengths, which will go from end to end of the rent. Then back them with cross-pieces. If nailed together in that position, we shall have a fairly solid board, which can be pressed against the bedding and wedged in place.”

”That's about as good a way as any,” exclaimed Mr. Brindle. ”But I've one idea. Get your canvas soaked with tar, and stretch it over the blankets. When the edges are squeezed into the rent they will keep the water out. Undoubtedly our first job is to get the plugging done. Now, young sir, put us at it.”