"Did you learn what it was?"

"I don't know that I have, but I've discovered one thing. I've learned
the kind of cargo we carry."

"What is it?"

"Petroleum and powder!"




CHAPTER VII.

PREMONITIONS OF PERIL.


"Well, that's hot stuff when it's burning," said Merriwell, grimly.

"Rather!" grunted Browning.

"If I'd known what the old boat carried, I think I'd hesitated some
about shipping on her," declared Jack. "What if she did get on fire?"

"We'd all go up in smoke," said Merriwell, with absolute coolness. "That
is about the size of it."

"Well," said Jack, "I heard two of the sailors talking in a very
mysterious manner. They say the 'Eagle' is hoodooed and the captain
knows it. They say he has not slept any to speak of since we left New