Perhaps it was the novelty of the situation, perhaps it was something else, but the fact remained that I would not have left the ship or given up the idea of going on the cruise for a good deal.
We worked hard all day, and, when mess gear was piped for supper, we could hardly repress a sigh of heartfelt relief.

The food, bad as it was, was welcome, and when I reluctantly swung away from the mess table I felt much better.

At six bells, shortly before hammocks were piped down, the "striker," or helper, for our mess cook, said mysteriously: "Don't turn in early, Russ, there's going to be a little fun.

'Bill' and 'Stump' have young Potter on a string.

It will be great.".