f
importance was auctioning off the pool on the ship's run for the next
day.

He stood on a table to see and be seen, a short, fat, bearded man who
sometimes had to pause for breath. "Here she is, gentlemen, the largest
ship of all time making marine history. What d'y' say, gentlemen? We all
know what we did up to noon to-day. We did even better, impossible
though it may seem, this afternoon. Now, what am I offered for the high
field? Come now, gentlemen. By Tuesday morning, at ten o'clock, are we
to be abreast of Sandy Hook or not? It will be a record run if we make
it, but whether we are a few minutes late or early, every indication
points to a grand day's run for to-morrow. Come, gentlemen, bid up!"

"What of the rumors of icebergs?" asked a voice.

"Pray do not joke, gentlemen. I beg of you, do not joke. Has any person
here observed any notice of icebergs posted on the ship's board? I fancy
not. To-day I myself put the question to the man whose word is law on
this ship. Do I have to name him, gentlemen? No need, is there? No. 'Are
we going to slow down?' was my question. 'On the contrary, we are going
to go faster,' was the reply."

There was a laugh. "Seventy pounds!" was called.

"That's the spirit, gentlemen. Seventy pounds for the high field. The
gentleman who shall be fortunate enough to win this pool will have
something to brag about in future days. Come, now, how much for the high
field? Seventy-five? Good! Gentlemen, I am offered----"

"What's the high field worth, Cadogan?" asked Vogel.

"All you want to bid, if nothing goes wrong. But with ship's officers
spending more time with distinguished passengers than on the bridge, I
wouldn't give a nickel for it."

"I won't bid, then."

The voice of the man on the table was increasing in volume. "Eighty-five
pounds I am offered for the high field. It is not enough, not enough by
far, gentlemen--eh! Eh, I say."

The ship heaved, not violently; gently rather, under them. There was an
easy, slight roll to port, a dull, almost noiseless bumping, a slow,
heavy resistance, as of a heavy object being forced over a stubbornly
yielding surface.

To either side of him and in the mirrors Cadogan could see a dozen men
peer inquiringly up over cards or books or glasses. Meade stared around
the room. "What the devil's that?" he asked, and held a card high, with
eyes directed to the nearest deck door.

There was a recoil of the ship, which slowly and gently, but s