alley it was twenty degrees higher, and in the engine-room it
frequently rose to 130 degrees.

Neal and Teddy could do little more than lie under the awning aft,
working hard but unsuccessfully to keep cool by the aid of fans and such
iced drinks as the steward prepared.

The novelty of yachting had passed away in a measure, and they were
already counting the days which must elapse before the Sea Dream would
be in a less torrid climate.

Jake had assured them that when the yacht came to an anchor and the
fires were drawn it would be much cooler on board, therefore both the
boys were delighted when Bridge Point at the entrance to the N. E.
Providence Channel was sighted.

There was a light breeze blowing off the banks, and the yacht was
running slowly as she passed within a quarter of a mile of the low lying
land, when suddenly a most disagreeable odor from the shore caused Neal
to say impatiently:

"If such perfumes as that are common to the Bahamas I had rather endure
the heat than stay a very long while, no matter how cool it may be when
we cease steaming."

"What is it?" and Teddy covered his nose with his handkerchief.

"I don't know; but I wish Jake would put her ahead faster, for it is
absolutely sickening."

His desire for more speed was not gratified. To the surprise of both the
boys the engine-room gong sounded for the machinery to be stopped, and
as the headway was checked Mr. Walters, the sailing master, came from
the wheel-house to where Mr. Emery was sitting.

The boys could not hear the short conversation which followed; but their
surprise increased as the order was given to lower away one of the port
boats.

"What are we stopping here for?" Neal inquired of his father.

"Doesn't the odor give you any idea?" Mr. Emery asked with a smile.

"None except that the sooner we get away the more comfortable I shall
feel."

"When I tell you that we are likely to find as the cause of your
discomfort something nearly as precious as gold, it may be a trifle more
bearable."

Both Neal and Teddy looked perplexed, and the latter said laughingly:

"It is strong enough to be worth a good deal; but do you really mean
what you say, sir?"

"Every word. Mr. Walters thinks he can find ambergris which has been
washed up on the rocks, and that is quoted at ten dollars per ounce. Now
you boys have been at school long enough to know exactly why it is so
valuable."

"I have heard of it as being the base of the