His quick eye enabled him to take in all he saw without much study, and only one thing bothered him.

In the waist, secured on blocks, was something like the ordinary whaleboat used in the navy; but it was somewhat larger than those with which he was familiar in the discharge of his duties, and differed in other respects from them.

The first watch would begin at eight o'clock, and all hands were still on duty.
"What do you call this boat, Mr.Carlin ?" asked Christy, as the third lieutenant was passing him.
"I call it a nondescript craft," replied the officer, laughing.

"It is something like a whaleboat, but it isn't one." "What is it for ?" inquired the passenger.
"That is more than I know, sir.

It was put on deck while we were still at the Navy Yard.