There was nothing unusual in this, of itself, but with it I heard the sound of loud voices.

One of these voices was so loud that I caught the words: "Now, boys, start her up! Three cheers for the Star Spangled Banner and make 'em loud.

Let her go!" The cheers followed, uproarious ones.
"Try it again," commanded the voice.

"And keep her up all the way along.
We'll shake up the 'nerves' I guess.

Hooray!" This was enough.