’I don’t know how you managed to learn so much, Tom,’ he answered quietly; ’but something of the kind did occur, I believe. Still, there is no occasion for you to take it so seriously. The danger is past; and they tell me it’s not likely to happen again during the rest of our journey.’ But Tom Clinch was not so easily comforted. He shook his head with a dissatisfied grunt. ’’Ow does they know?’ he asked dubiously. ’They doan’t keep a proper lookout, Mr Gerald, that’s what’s the matter, else they ’d ’a sighted this reckless galoot afore she got so near. They’d ’a seen as she wurn’t under proper control, an’ they should ’a sounded the siren. Why doan’t they ’ave somebody perched on the top, outside, in a little sort o’ crow’s-nest? They could ’ave a speakin’-tube to shout through if ye like.’ ’I ’m afraid it wouldn’t answer; it would be rather uncomfortable—and, um—well, a little cold for the man outside,’ replied Gerald gravely, though his eyes were twinkling. ’But is that all you wish to say?’ ’Why, no, sir. Me an’ Bob Reid, we’ve talked it over, an’ we’s agreed t’ offer t’ run the look-out for ’em, turn an’ turn about, if ye likes. We’s old sailors, an’ we knows the ropes, an’ we ’d keep a proper watch. Seems t’ me as the people aboord ’ere be mostly landlubbers, what ain’t got no nautical knollidge like.’ Gerald listened with a sympathetic air, for though he was naturally vastly amused, Tom looked so very much in earnest that he had not the heart to seem to ridicule his well-meant suggestion. Promising, therefore, that he would make the generous offer known in the proper quarter, he dismissed the old sailor, just as his chum Jack came upon the scene. Gerald did not notice at the moment that Jack looked serious too, and proceeded to tell him, with a laugh, what Clinch had been saying. ’Fancy the two honest old worthies talking this over, and coming sedately to me with such an offer!’ said he. ’What an idea—that they should have a lookout placed outside, where the temperature runs far below that of liquid air! Jupiter!’ Then he noticed, for the first time, that his chum was also looking troubled. ’Why, what’s amiss?’ he asked. ’You and Tom Clinch seem alike to-day—you both remind me of the Knight of the Troubled Countenance. You look as if you wanted cheering up. You should read this book I ’ve got hold of; it would make you laugh.’ ’What is it about?’