e.

"The last question is the most important!" stated Jack. "I'm in favor of
the eats part and that without further delay."

"Come on, boys," suggested Ned. "Let's eat first and talk things over
afterward. I'm nearly famished myself, and Jimmie is hungry, too!"

In a short time the lads were seated in a quaint restaurant ordering
strange dishes. They were hungry, as only healthy, active boys can be.
The food was well cooked and appetizing. They ate heartily.

"Now, I'm in favor of getting to the docks as quick as possible,"
announced Jimmie, pushing his plate away. "Let's get our passage
settled."

All were in favor of this arrangement. After paying for their breakfast
the lads set out in search of a ship upon which they might secure passage
to the United States. But they were not to secure this easily.

Extended inquiry during the forenoon elicited the information that there
was no vessel clearing from the port of Amsterdam for any place in
America. Although they made every effort to find a steamer which would
afford them the accommodations they sought none was found.

Inquiry at the railway station disclosed the fact that their airship, the
Grey Eagle, now dismantled and packed in boxes, was at the freight sheds
waiting a claimant. Until they could find a vessel to carry it home the
boys preferred to let it remain in its present location.

After dinner they continued their inquiries for a vessel. At length they
learned of a full-rigged three-masted ship that was to clear in a few
days for New York. Regretting even this short delay the lads decided to
attempt to secure passage, although the journey would be a long one.

Ned secured the services of a boatman, who offered to row them out to the
ship, which lay at anchor in the harbor. The man charged them what the
boys considered an extraordinary price for the service, but explained
that the weather was unfavorable and that at any moment a storm might
break. To this the boys could but agree. A glance at the sky convinced
them that a storm of rather unusual violence was gathering.

"Take him up, anyhow, Ned!" urged Harry. "We want to get home!"

"All right, then, here goes!" declared Ned, stepping aboard the
waterman's craft. "Pull away, my friend, we're all aboard."

In a short time the man was threading his way amongst the shipping in the
harbor. From their position so low upon the water the masts and spars of
the vessels looked to be of extraordinary height