None of the boys were surprised at this; so they all prepared to lend a hand at the work. This was, as Solomon said, to hoist up some barrels of biscuit. These they rolled out from the store-room, and hoisted up to the quarter-deck. They then lashed them round the mizzenmast securely. Two stout seamen’s chests were then brought up, being first emptied of their contents, and into these the boys packed an assortment of such articles of food as might be desirable in the event of a prolonged stay on the quarter-deck, such as two hams, which Solomon, with wise forethought, had boiled, cheese, potted meats, knives, forks, mustard, butter, salt, &c. They now felt prepared to some extent for the worst; but the question still remained, how they were to procure shelter in the event of rain. A diligent search resulted in the discovery of several tarpaulins. These they hung over the boom, securing the ends on each side to the deck in such a way that a tent was formed, which was spacious enough to shelter them all in case of need, and quite impervious to water. In the middle of this tent rose the skylight, which might serve for a table, or even a sleeping-place, in case of need. Upon the top of this they spread some mattresses and blankets. “Dar,” said Solomon, “dat ar’s de best dat we can do; an if dis yer wind’s boun to rise, an dis yer vessel’s decks get a swimmin wid water, we’ll be able to hab a dry place to lib in.” “Well, I don’t believe we’ll have to use it,” said Tom; “but there’s nothing like having things ready.” “O, we’ll sleep all the sounder for this,” said Bart. “There’s nothing like knowing that we’ve got a place to run to, if the worst comes to the worst.” “And then, even if the sea does wash over the decks,” said Phil, “all we’ve got to do is, to take off our shoes and stockings, roll up our trousers, and meander about barefoot.” “Sure, an there’s a good deal to be said in favor of goin barefoot,” remarked Pat. “O, well,” said Bruce, “it’ll only be for a little while; for I’ve no doubt that the Antelope’ll be along some time to-morrow.” “At any rate, we can get our sleep this night in our beds,” said Arthur. “I’m going to my old crib, and I mean to sleep there, too, till I’m washed out of it.” “And so will I,” said Bart. “And I,” said Tom. “And I,” said Phil. “And sure an meself will do that same too,” said Pat. “Of course,” said Bruce; “we’d be great fools not to sleep there as long as we can.” The wind had increased a little, but not much, and the motion of the ship was, after all, but slight. It was rather the prospect before them than the present reality that had led to these preparations.