The "clug-clank" grew fainter and fainter.
"We're bound to be picked up soon," Merriwell cheerily declared.

"We must be right in the track of vessels.

We'd be picked up right away if it wasn't for this beastly fog." Hodge was silent.
"What do you suppose has become of the others?
They were right with us, you know, when we went over!" "I'm afraid to think about it," said Frank, with a shudder, which was not caused by the chill of the water.
"I can't help thinking about it!" "Nor I.But I'm hoping we were the only ones that went overboard.

We must try to believe that, Bart, until we cannot believe it any longer." Hodge was silent.
"And as for ourselves!" "Oh, I wasn't thinking of ourselves," said Bart.

"We can hang on here a good while, I think.