They had reentered the room, and he glanced at his friend in wonder.
"Likely that--thing will begin to walk again pretty soon," said Frank, after they had remained another minute or so in a listening attitude.
"You sit here and watch by this window, while I slip into the corridor." Hodge obediently dropped into the chair, and Merriwell let himself into the corridor.

He closed the door after him, so that if any one approached or entered the corridor that person could not see him, and began his vigil.
The silence was so great that he could hear his watch ticking away in his pocket.

It seemed strange that it should run after its salt-water ducking, but he reasoned that probably the works were not touched by the salt water.

His clothing had dried long ago, but he felt the need of a change.

However, he had taken a bath since reaching the hotel, and so was in a measure comfortable.
There was a great deal to think of as he stood there in the gloom, but the minutes dragged along like weeks.