It began to grow monotonous.
Time lay rather heavy on our hands, but not too heavy, for we were put to work, two guns' crews at a time, coaling in a new and torrid fashion: the coal in the after hold had not all been taken out during the northern cruise, so it was decided to pack it in bags, two hundred pounds to a bag, carry it forward and stack it in an unused ballast tank.
Number Six and Number Eight guns' crews were among the first to engage in this pleasant occupation.
We found heat enough below to supply a good-sized house all winter, so clothing seemed unnecessary.

We stripped to the waist, "Cumming," a member of Number Six gun's crew, remarking that he thought a cool glance and a frozen smile would be sufficient in such a warm climate.
The work was hard and dirty and the heat terrific.

We saw no necessity for the transfer.

Jack never can see the need of work unless it happens that some other crew is doing it.
We cheered ourselves, however, by singing "There's a hot time in the old ship to-day." While we lay close inshore, the "Dixie" cruised outside, and toward evening the two vessels met, and together we went to Casilda, a port near Trinidad.

We stood by while the "Dixie" threw a few shells into the fort.