I'm wearing a sheet of writing paper across my chest now." When supper was over Jack motioned for his friends to follow him.

The three went on deck and walked aft till they were quite alone.
The "Eagle" was plowing along over a deserted sea.

The waves were running heavily, and night was shutting down grimly over the ocean.
"What's the matter with you, Diamond ?" asked Browning.

"Why have you dragged us out here?
It's cold, and I'd rather go into our stateroom and take a loaf after eating so heartily.

By Jove! if this keeps up, they won't have provisions enough on this boat to feed me before we get across." "I wanted to have a little talk without," said Jack; "and I didn't care about talking in the stateroom, where I might be overheard." "What's up, anyway ?" demanded Frank, warned by the manner of the Virginian that Jack fancied he had something of importance to tell them.
"I've been investigating," said Jack.
"What ?" "Well, I found out that there is something the matter on this boat." "Did you learn what it was ?" "I don't know that I have, but I've discovered one thing.