CHAPTER VIII.

IN THE STOKE-HOLE.


Frank found the chief engineer taking some air. Merry fell into
conversation with the man, who was smoking and seemed quite willing to
talk.

Having a pleasant and agreeable way, Frank easily led the engineer on,
and it was not long before the man was quite taken with the chatty
passenger.

Frank was careful not to seem inquisitive or prying, for he knew it
would be easy to arouse the engineer's suspicions if there should be
anything wrong on the steamer.

However, Merry was working for a privilege, and he obtained it. When he
expressed a desire to go below and have a look at the engines and
furnaces, the engineer invited him to come along.

They passed through a door, and then began a descent by means of iron
ladders. The clanking roar of the machinery came up to them. Frank could
hear and feel the throbbing heart beats of the great boat.

The engine room was quickly reached, and there the engineer showed him
the massive machinery that moved with the regularity of clockwork and
the grace and ease that came from great power and perfect adjustment.