r to the colored
man.

"Keep still," said the boy. "It's gone now. What was it, anyhow?"

"Some ghost from de grabeyard," replied Washington.

"When did you see it first?" went on Jack.

"'Bout ten minutes ago," replied Washington.

"Well it's gone now," said Jack, though he had to admit to himself that
the affair was somewhat puzzling. Professor Henderson had been awakened
by the yells of the colored man and came on deck to see what the trouble
was. He appeared somewhat annoyed when Washington told him what had
happened.

"There are no ghosts!" declared the inventor in positive tones.

"You wouldn't say so, Perfessor, if you'd seen him," spoke Washington.
"He were all in white, tall an' slim, an' big red eyes, an' a green
nose, an' fire comin' from his mouth an'--"

"Nonsense," interrupted Jack. "It was nothing but a white object,
Professor Henderson. I saw it."

"And what do you think it was?" asked the inventor.

"I--I can hardly say," replied Jack. "Of course I don't believe in
ghosts, but this--"

"It was probably a mist from the ocean," interrupted the professor.
"Don't let me hear any more of it. Washington, go below. Your watch is
up and Jack will take charge. I don't believe there will be any more
ghosts."

Nor were there that night. The _Porpoise_ glided along, requiring little
attention, and when morning broke was several miles nearer the southern
pole.

The journey was continued beneath the waves and it was found much cooler
under them than upon the surface, for the ship was in the midst of the
equatorial heat.

About four o'clock in the afternoon, when all was quiet aboard, there
came a sudden yell from the engine room. Washington's voice could be
heard calling for help. Then it died away in a groan.

"Something has happened!" called Jack. "Washington is in trouble."

He hurried toward where the machinery could be heard buzzing. The
professor, with Andy and Mark followed. They expected to see the colored
man caught in some shaft or belt, but he was nowhere in sight.

"Perhaps he has fallen into the ocean," suggested Mark.

"The engine room does not open into the sea," answered the professor.

A deep groan came from some corner of the engine room.

"There he is!" cried Jack.

But a careful search failed to reveal Washington. Still he could be
heard to groan at intervals. Bill and Tom came and aided in the search,
while Mrs. Johnson, who was worried at the unusual activity, asked wh