gus. "This way." A very narrow passage ran
between the thick gunwale and the deck-house. It sloped down and then
gradually up toward the stern. At its lowest point it seemed to Bobby
fearfully near the river; and as he descended to that point he
discovered that indeed the displacement of rapid running appeared to
force the water even above the level of the deck. Bits of chip, sawdust
and the like shot swiftly by in the smooth, oily curve of the liquid.
The wet smell of it came to Bobby's eager nostrils, the subtle cool
aroma of the river.

But, from a little door level with the deck, smoking a pipe, leaned a
negro who greeted them jovially. He dwelt in a narrow place down in the
hull, filled with machinery and the glow of a furnace. The boys hung in
the opening fascinated by the regular rise and fall of the polished
rods; savouring the feel of heavy heated air and the clean smell of oil.
In a moment the negro flung open an iron door whence immediately sprang
glowing light and a blast of heat. Into this door he thrust two or three
long slabs which he took from the deck on the other side of the tug; and
shut it to with a clang.

After gazing their fill, the boys continued their way back. The
deck-house ended. They found themselves on the broad, flat, spoon-shaped
after-deck occupied by the strong towing-bitts and coils of cable.

"Isn't this great?" asked Angus.

They joined the Fuller boys hanging eagerly over the stern. Here the
wake boiled white and full of bubbles from the action of the powerful
propeller necessary to a towing-tug. Along the edges it was light green
shot with blue; and the central line of its down-section waved from side
to side like a snake. On either side long, slanting waves pushed aside
by the bow surged smoothly away; behind followed other round waves in
regular and diminishing succession. Over them the chips and bark rode
with a jolly, dancing motion.

Shortly, however, the younger people discovered the possibilities of the
after-deck. Miss Proctor leaned her back against the low gunwale astern.
The men disposed themselves about her. They talked with a great deal of
laughter; but Bobby did not find their conversation amusing. Finally
they began to entreat Mr. Bradford to play his banjo. That young
gentleman became suddenly afflicted with shyness.

"I don't play much," he objected. "Honestly I don't--just picked up a
few chords by ear."

"Oh, Mr. _Bradford_," cried Miss Proctor, "I've hea