Introductions followed hastily.
As the "Quickstep" sailed away on her course again, the crew of the
Fortuna gathered on top of the cabin and waved a farewell, cheering
until they were hoarse. At length Jack called them below.
"How about some eats?" queried Tom. "I'm so empty I'd make a first rate
drum. I declare I haven't had anything to eat in weeks."
"Rubber," shouted Harry. "Stretch it. You mustn't fib."
"Well, I mean it seems that long," declared Tom. "Who'll be the cook?
Shall we run slowly until breakfast is ready?"
"That's a good idea," Jack answered. "Let's run under a check until
breakfast is over, then we'll make good time straight for Biloxi."
"Hurray, we're homeward bound," shouted Tom. "Hurray again!"
"Shower bath first," cried Arnold, dragging out the hose.
What a glorious morning that was. Doright laughed until he could laugh
no more to see the antics of the boys who took turns holding the hose on
each other. The sun was just up clear of the horizon ushering in a day
that promised to be beautiful. Only a slight swell was running on the
Gulf giving the boys an excellent opportunity for a shower bath on deck.
They availed themselves of the opportunity and frolicked about to their
heart's content.
At length the boys produced the brushes and proceeded to scrub the
Fortuna until she shone--as Tom put it--"like a new bottle."
Jack volunteered to act as cook, drafting Arnold to assist because of
the extra number of mouths to be fed.
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