the saloons, and to lie in one's berth made it easier to stand the rolling of the vessel.
Tom and Ned, together with Mr. Damon, had fallen into slumber in spite of the storm, when, just as eight bells announced midnight there was a sudden jar throughout the whole ship.
The Maderia quivered from stem to stem. seemed to hesitate a moment as though she had been brought to a sudden stop, and then plowed on, only to bring up against some obstruction again, with that same sickening jar throughout her length.
"Bless my soul! What's that?" cried Mr. Damon, springing from his berth.
"Something has happened!" added Tom, as he reached out and switched on the electric lights.
"We hit something!" declared Ned.
The ship was now almost stopped and she was rolling from side to side.
Up on deck could be heard confused shouts and the running to and fro of many feet. The jangling of bells sounded—hoarse orders were shouted—and there arose a subdued hubbub in the interior of the ship.
"Something sure is wrong!" cried Tom. "We'd better get our clothes on and get on deck! Come on, Ned and Mr. Damon! Grab life preservers!"
