would require less force to propel the ship, and the going would be
more comfortable, since in the upper regions the Mermaid rode on an
even keel, while in the water there was more or less rolling, due to
the action of the waves.

Once recovered from their fright caused by the whale, and having lost
sight of the enormous creature, for they were now far above the ocean,
the adventurers began to think of something to eat.

Washington lost little time in preparing a meal, and it was eaten with
a relish. The electric cooking stove worked to perfection, for the
colored man had learned how to use that aboard the Porpoise and
Monarch, and could be depended on to turn out appetizing dishes.

"What do you say to traveling through the air at night?" asked Mr.
Henderson, as he arose from the table.

"Suits me," replied Mark. "There's less danger than in the water, I
think,"

Bill, Tom and Washington arranged to stand the night watch, and, when
the professor had examined the engines and given orders about keeping
the ship on her course through the air, he retired to his bunk. Jack
and Mark soon followed.

It must have been about midnight when Mark was awakened by a movement
that seemed to come from the storeroom next to where his sleeping
place was located. At first he thought he had been dreaming, but, as
he found he was wide awake, he knew it was no imagination that had
affected him.