We have found, for the first time in the history of ship-building,
that the inward pull of the deck-beams and the outward thrust of
the frames locks us, as it were, more closely in our places, and
enables us to endure a strain which is entirely without parallel
in the records of marine architecture."

The Steam turned a laugh quickly into a roar up the fog-horn.
"What massive intellects you great stringers have," he said
softly, when he had finished.

"We also," began the deck-beams, "are discoverers and geniuses.
We are of opinion that the support of the hold-pillars materially
helps us. We find that we lock up on them when we are subjected
to a heavy and singular weight of sea above."

Here the Dimbula shot down a hollow, lying almost on her side;
righting at the bottom with a wrench and a spasm.

"In these cases - are you aware of this, Steam? - the plating at
the bows, and particularly at the stern - we would also mention
the floors beneath us - help us to resist any tendency to spring.
"The frames spoke, in the solemn awed voice which people use when
they have just come across something entirely new for the very
first time.

"I'm only a poor puffy little flutterer," said the Steam, "but I
have to stand a good deal of pressure in my business. It's all
tremendously interesting. Tell us some more. You fellows are so
strong."