Under the Star-Spangled Banner

ing at its size and complexity, and which were the main a

," remarked a little man, who was dressed in naval

d himself face to face

before," he said. "But perhaps you will think I have no business here,

rous job. I've seen more than one man maimed for life, simply because he did not know where to look out for accidents, and therefore could not avoid them. On the other hand

st the machines we had at the foundry, and have learned to grease them, and also how to effect small repairs. Then

'll take you round. Whip off your coat, and get hold of a handful of that cotton waste. After this you'll never be wit

ly way, and patted Hal on the shoulder as if to show that he had already made up his min

, returning from the corner i

d think. We are due on the other side in abou

ers above the revolving parts of the machinery. Then he pointed to the pistons, which drove the propelle

e'll get into the stoke-hole. The dirty part first, and afterwards the job you'

f heat fanned Hal's face as he followed, and he w

he Red Sea. That's where it is hot. Now for the coal bunkers," he said. "We've one here, and anot

er then led the way back to the engine

tell you all I can, and then hand you over to our 'fourth.' His name is Masters, and he's b

l, and instructed him in his duties. Then, as someone came

l you about the life, and will let you know your hours of duty, a

o the "fourth," a young fellow of his own

al. He's not exactly green, and he's only a tem

the Yanks," laughed the youth known as Masters. "By the way,

ng about myself. But I must not forget that you are an offic

ke, but we're not going to talk about it. We are aboard a vessel plying to America, and the Yanks don't take too much not

fair prospect of some day becoming the owner of a flourishing foundry. But there was a smash, and the shock killed my poor father. I had to do something for a living, and it occurre

urth." "This is no drawing room, I can assure you, and at times the work is very har

ld him. After all, he found that the duties of a greaser were not onerous, for the parts of the machinery requiring constant oiling were n

idy teaching, and by the time we're over you'll have had your fill of machinery. Let's get something inside, for the old ship sheers off precious soon, and then there won't b

a cabin, ushered his companion in. It was a tiny place, and a fixed table in center of it seemed to fill it almost entirely. Round it sat some five or six m

rs sang out. "Look after h

," one of the men answered. "Sit right

g and extremely appetizing sausages before him, and within a minute the man who ha

nd tea aer the stuff we drink. It's a kind er rule on the line. Fall

he remained in the cabin chatting with the men, then rose from his seat, and was in the act of leavi

ow. "Keep your optic on that dial, and watch 'Old Yank' when he comes. Anoth

tood to look round at the engines and men, ere he went to inspect

e, but you've took to it like a duck. Cappin' the chief and all. W

adder, where he waited talking to the third officer, by name Mr. Broom. Suddenly t

y to the right. Then he moved a lever, and the big piston-rods shot downward, the crank plunged forward, swished round in a circle, and sent the propeller shaft rolling

up to allow the pilot to leave. Then the gong sounded again, and

ch is up, Marchant, and I'd advise you to turn in and make the most of the of

cabin, and, without troubling to undress, threw himself on the bunk. He

a course towards America. The weather had been fine, but for the past two days a fr

evening meal. And now he lay down on the hard bunk, and at last he fell into an uneasy doze, when there was a terrific crash, and the Mohican was thrown on to her side. Hal was hurled from his bunk, and was brought to

loud thumping proceede

her beam ends," thought Hal, in a half

and bulwarks away; then she swung into her proper position, throwing Hal violently to the other side of the cabin. Instantly he sprang to his feet, and darted towards

" he exclaimed.

e as if in a dream. Farther to the right lay two other figures, while in the center was the most ghastly sight of all. Up and down, thrusting with irresistible force, the pi

, tearing them like paper. Bang! The bearing gave way, and the shaft of s

that giant shaft swung like a flail, smashing the floor of the engine-room; and

to himself, taking in the si

under, when he let his fingers slip from the ladd

s foot, and, giving him a violent blow upon the shoulde

d recklessly. "It must be done, o

which was stamped the word "Off." A moment later Hal felt a stunning blow on the sid

in a corner of the engine-room, with Masters leaning over him, while a short length of

ere, sit up, and say how you feel. All right? Then

m a holding. Hal watched him dreamily at first, and then with awakening

hat shaft has given me a nasty bang, for my head's a

services might be of use soon, sat

e said doggedly, "and I am g