Flight Questions

I've flown several times on Midwest Airlines' Boeing 717 aircraft, and
recently two things happened that I never experienced and hope a pilot might
explain.

First, about an hour into the flight I smelled what seemed like jet engine
exhaust. That lasted for about 10 minutes.

The other was really strange (at least to me). About 30 minutes later, the
First Officer exited the cockpit and walked the length of the cabin with his
arms outstretched, hands running along the overhead compartments. Then he
walked back and re-entered the cockpit; when the door opened I saw that a
flight attendant was waiting inside. He went in; she came out.

Thanks.