The "Eagle" was plowing along over a deserted sea. The waves were
running heavily, and night was shutting down grimly over the ocean.
"What's the matter with you, Diamond?" asked Browning. "Why have you
dragged us out here? It's cold, and I'd rather go into our stateroom and
take a loaf after eating so heartily. By Jove! if this keeps up, they
won't have provisions enough on this boat to feed me before we get
across."
"I wanted to have a little talk without," said Jack; "and I didn't care
about talking in the stateroom, where I might be overheard."
"What's up, anyway?" demanded Frank, warned by the manner of the
Virginian that Jack fancied he had something of importance to tell
them.
"I've been investigating," said Jack.
"What?"
"Well, I found out that there is something the matter on this boat."
"Did you learn what it was?"
"I don't know that I have, but I've discovered one thing. I've learned
the kind of cargo we carry."
"What is it?"
"Petroleum and powder!"
CHAPTER VII.
PREMONITIONS OF PERIL.
"Well, that's hot stuff when it's burning," said Merriwell, grimly.
"Rather!" grunted Browning.
"If I'd known what the old boat carried, I think I'd hesitated some
about shipping on her," declared Jack. "What if she did get on fire?"
"We'd all go up in smoke," said Merriwell, with absolute coolness.
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