she called Stumps had continued to smile happily. Now his
expression changed to one of discomfort and utter gloom, and then
broke out into a radiant smile.

"I say!" he cried. "That's awfully good: 'If your war-ships aren't
any better at lifting things--' Oh, I say, really," he protested,
"that's awfully good." He seemed to be afraid I would not
appreciate the rare excellence of my speech. "You know, really,"
he pleaded, "it is AWFULLY good!"

We were interrupted by the sudden appearance, in opposite
directions, of Kinney and the young man with the real hat-band.
Both were excited and disturbed. At the sight of the young man,
Stumps turned appealingly to the golden-rod girl. He groaned
aloud, and his expression was that of a boy who had been caught
playing truant.

"Oh, Lord!" he exclaimed, "what's he huffy about now? He TOLD me I
could come on deck as soon as we started."

The girl turned upon me a sweet and lovely smile and nodded. Then,
with Stumps at her side, she moved to meet the young man. When he
saw them coming he halted, and, when they joined him, began talking
earnestly, almost angrily. As he did so, much to my bewilderment,
he glared at me. At the same moment Kinney grabbed me by the arm.

"Come below!" he commanded. His tone was hoarse and thrilling with
excitement.

"Our adventures," he whispered, "have begun!"