CHAPTER XII
INTO THE UNKNOWN
"Bless my overshoes! I hope we're not sinking!" cried Mr. Damon, as he struggled into some of his clothes, an example followed by Ned and Tom.
"This boat has water-tight compartments, and if it does sink it won't do it in a hurry," commented Tom.
"I don't care to have it do it at all," declared Ned, who found that he had started to get into his trousers hindside before and he had to change them. "Think of all our baggage and supplies and the balloon on board." For the travelers had shipped their things by the same steamer as that on which they sailed.
"Well, let's get out and learn the worst," cried from
He was the first to leave the stateroom, and as he rushed along the passages which were now brilliant with light he saw other half—clad passengers bent on the same errand as himself, to get on deck and learn what had happened.
