The daily routine of work seemed lighter.

There was no grumbling, no fault finding; even the interminable task of shifting coal was carried on with actual cheerfulness.

Grimy hands and blackened faces and tired bodies were forgotten.
"There's a mighty good dinner waiting for me in the dear old house," exclaimed "Stump," unctuously.

"I can sniff it afar.

And say, fellows, won't we forget--for a few hours at least--that such things as reveille and scrub and wash clothes and coal humping and salt-horse exist on earth ?" "Oh, good Mr.Captain, how long will it be before we hear the welcome call, 'Shift into clean blue, the liberty party!' and find ourselves piling over the side," groaned "Hay." "You will be glad enough to come back to your Uncle Samuel," grinned "Steve." "When your time is up you will be waiting for the boat." "No doubt," replied Flagg.