“He’s jolly enough, anyhow,” remarked Joe.

“Yes, and perhaps we have wronged him,” said Blake.  “The best way is not to talk too much to him.  We might let something slip out without knowing it.  Let him jabber as much as he likes.  We’ll just saw wood.”

“I suppose he’d call that some more of our delightful slang, and translate it ’render into small pieces portions of the forest trees for the morning fire,’” laughed Joe.  “Well, Blake, I guess you’re right.  We’ve got to keep things under our hats!”

“And watch our cameras and films,” added Charlie.  “No more accidental-purpose collisions for mine!”

In the novelty and excitement of getting fairly under way the moving picture boys forgot, for the time being, the presence of one who might be not only an enemy of theirs but of their country also.  It was not the first time Blake and Joe had undertaken a long voyage, but this was under auspices different from any other.

The United States was at war with a powerful and unscrupulous nation.  There were daily attacks on merchantmen, as well as on war vessels, by the deadly submarine, and there was no telling, once they reached the danger zone, what their own fate might be.

So even the start of the voyage was different from one that might have been taken under more favorable skies.  Soon after they had passed into the lower bay word was passed that the passengers would be assigned to “watches,” or squads, for lifeboat drill, in anticipation of reaching the dangerous submarine zone.

And then followed anxious days, not that there was any particular danger as yet from hostile craft, but every one anticipated there would be, and there was a grim earnestness about the lifeboat drills.

“I have been through it all before—­when I came over,” said Lieutenant Secor to the boys; “but it has not lost its terrible charm.  It is a part of this great war!”

And as the ship plowed her way on toward her destination the anxious days became more anxious, and there were strained looks on the faces of all.

CHAPTER VI

A QUEER CONFERENCE

Halifax was safely reached, nothing more exciting having occurred between that port and New York than a severe thunder storm, and, after the usual inspection by the English authorities, the ship bearing the moving picture boys was once more on her way.

The lifeboat drills were rigorously kept up, and now, as the real voyage had begun, with each day bringing nearer the dreaded submarine peril, orders were given in regard to the display of lights after dark.  The passengers were ordered to be in readiness, to keep life preservers at hand, and were told that as soon as the actual danger zone was reached it would be advisable for all to keep their clothing on at night as well as during the day.

“But the destroyers will convoy us, won’t they?” asked Charlie Anderson.