instruments in Scotland for generations. I heard him say once that they
were minstrels in the old days. It is certainly hard to believe that he
is not alive and having his fun somewhere in the world."

At least he helped to make the deaths of many less cruel.

CHAPTER XXI. SEARCHING FOR THE DEAD

SENDING OUT THE MACKAY-BENNETT AND MINIA--BREMEN PASSENGERS SEE
BODIES--IDENTIFYING BODIES--CONFUSION IN NAMES--RECOVERIES

A FEW days after the disaster the cable steamer Mackay-Bennett was sent
out by the White Star Line to cruise in the vicinity of the disaster and
search for missing bodies.

Two wireless messages addressed to J. Bruce Ismay, president of the
International Mercantile Marine Company, were received on April 21st at
the offices of the White Star Line from the cable ship Mackay-Bennett,
via Cape Race, one of which reported that the steamship Rhein had
sighted bodies near the scene of the Titanic wreck. The first message,
which was dated April 20th, read:

"Steamer Rhein reports passing wreckage and bodies 42.1 north, 49.13
west, eight miles west of three big icebergs. Now making for that
position. Expect to arrive 8 o'clock to-night.

(Signed) "MACKAY-BENNETT."

The second message read:

"Received further information from Bremen (presumably steamship Bremen)
and arrived on ground at 8 o'clock P. M. Start on operation to-morrow.
Have been considerably delayed on passage by dense fog.

(Signed) "MACKAY-BENNETT."

After receiving these messages Mr. Ismay issued the following statement:

"The cable ship Mackay-Bennett has been chartered by the White Star Line
and ordered to proceed to the scene of the disaster and do all she could
to recover the bodies and glean all information possible.

"Every effort will be made to identify bodies recovered, and any news
will be sent through immediately by wireless. In addition to any
such message as these, the Mackay-Bennett will make a report of its
activities each morning by wireless, and such reports will be made
public at the offices of the White Star Line.

"The cable ship has orders to remain on the scene of the wreck for at
least a week, but should a large number of bodies be recovered before
that time she will return to Halifax with them. The search for bodies
will not be abandoned until not a vestige of hope remains for any more
recoveries.

"The Mackay-Bennett will not make any soundings,