"Pollard" was launched and they were aboard.

A boat-load of men soon put out.

"They're special workmen, coming to finish up on the air-compressors,"
explained Grant Andrews. "We have nothing to do with their work. All
we've got to do is to take things easily for the present."

"I'm going to get busy, if they'll let me help at anything," declared
Eph. "When the two bosses come aboard I'm mighty anxious to have them
think I look natural here."

"Are you going to try to join the crew, Eph?" asked Jack, in an undertone.

"Well, I'm not going to be put ashore, except by force," declared young
Somers, wistfully. "I've been dreaming about this old boat for three
months back. Say, I'd give anything I had, even if it was a lot, to
stay aboard this craft for good and all."

"I know how you feel," nodded Jack Benson. "And I don't blame you.
It's going to be a grand old life, and, Eph, I hope you're to be in it."

As soon as the special workmen were aboard Eph followed them below. He
hung about until he saw a chance to help, then joined in the work. He
was as industrious as the proverbial beaver when Messrs. Farnum and
Pollard at last came aboard and went below.

"Hm! Does that new boy figure that he belongs aboard with us?" asked
David Pollard, of Jack, when the pair came on deck again.