He took the deck. Ten minutes later Lieutenant Hetherton reported to him,
saluting at the same time.

"Engineer says he'll have steam up in two hours, sir."

"Very well," replied Frank, returning the salute. "Will you kindly take
the deck, Lieutenant Hetherton? I'm going below."

Lieutenant Hetherton took the deck, and thus relieved, Frank went below
and sought out Jack's cabin.

"Now," he said, "I'll find out what all this rush is about."

Without the formality of a knock, he went in.




CHAPTER IV

THE START


Inside Jack's cabin, Frank found his commander and chum engaged in
conversation with the engineer officer, who had sought his new commander
immediately after giving instructions below. He saluted Frank as the lad
entered.

"My first officer, Lieutenant Chadwick, Mr. Winslow," Jack introduced