the wreck were well fed.

The hunger of the newcomers having been appeased, they showed much
curiosity over the strange craft that had so opportunely come to their
rescue. Most of the sailors were ignorant men, and the professor had
little fear of them learning anything concerning his secrets. He
explained briefly about the Mermaid, but said nothing of whither she
was bound.

The addition of fourteen men to the rather small accommodations of the
Mermaid was a serious matter to consider. The ship was able to hold
them all, and even to sail through the air with them, since Mr.
Henderson had provided an excess of power. But it was going to be a
problem to feed so many, and still save enough provisions, for the
long voyage which lay ahead.

However, Mr. Henderson felt his first duty to be toward his fellowmen,
even if his voyage must be delayed, or given up for a time, while he
got more provisions. There would be no sleeping quarters for the
sailors, but when this was explained to them they cheerfully said they
would sleep on deck if necessary. In fact some of them had to, but as
the weather was warm and clear this was no hardship. A few found
quarters in the engine room and other apartments of the Mermaid.

Finding, after an examination, that his ship was in good order save
for the broken gas apparatus, Mr. Henderson gave orders to proceed
along the surface of the ocean. The sailors wanted to see how it felt
to mount into the air, but Mr. Henderson, refused to attempt a flight
until he had made complete repairs, and this would take a day or more.