hed the steamer in time to intercept the Colonel so that he
could return at once and assume command of his business. Aboard our
ship, you must all dismiss every anxiety as to matters at home or on the
"Majestic." With your permission, Colonel Harris's family shall be mine
for the passage. Please command my services at all times."

"Thank you," said Alfonso, and the captain's cordial words, like
sunshine, dispelled the clouds.

"Captain," inquired Leo, "do you think we shall have a pleasant voyage?"

"Yes, I hope so, for the sake of those aboard who are making this their
first voyage, otherwise we may not have the pleasure of much of their
company."

"Captain Morgan, then you really promise a smooth passage?" said Lucille.

"Oh no, Miss Harris, we never promise in advance good weather on the
ocean. Smooth water for us old sailors is irksome indeed, yet I always
consider it very fortunate for our passengers, if Old Probabilities grant
us a day or two of fair skies as we leave and enter port. With gentle
breezes the passengers gradually get possession of their 'sea legs' as
sailors term it, and later brisk breezes are welcomed."

"Captain, have you a panacea for seasickness?" inquired Mrs. Harris.

"Oh, yes," he replied, "take as vigorous exercise on the ship as is taken
ashore, eat wisely, observe economy of nerve-force, and be resolved to
keep on good terms with Old Neptune. Don't fight the steamer's movements
or eccentricities, but yield gracefully to all the boat's motions. In a
word, forget entirely that you are aboard ship, and the victory is
yours."

"This is Wednesday, Captain, and do you really think you will land us in
the Mersey by Monday evening?" Lucille enquired earnestly.

"Monday or Tuesday if all goes well," the captain answered. Captain
Morgan drank his coffee, excused himself, and returned to his duty on the
bridge.

"What a gallant old sea-dog the captain is," said Mrs. Harris. "We shall
feel perfectly safe in his keeping. How cheery he is away from home."

"How do you know he has a home, mother?"

"Perhaps not, my dear, for he seems really married to his ship."

The Harrises and Leo joined the passengers who had now left the dining
saloon. The light winds had freshened and the skies were overcast and
gave promise of showers, if not of a storm. After walking a few times
around the promenade deck, most of the passengers went below, some to the
library, some to the smoking room, and some to