Sir Modava
Rao, a gentleman high in the favor of the Indian government, and I may add
of all the native princes."

"I am very happy to make your acquaintance, Sir Modava," replied the
commander, taking his dusky hand.

The captain then invited the two titled gentlemen and the doctor of the
party to the cabin, while the two engineers were turned over to Mr.
Sentrick, the chief engineer.

CHAPTER VI

THE GENERAL INTRODUCTION IN THE CABIN

It was still early in the morning, and the cabin party were not disposed to
remain any longer on the promenade deck; for it was almost impossible for
some of them to stand up, even with the aid of the life-lines and the
rails, and all of them retreated to the boudoir and music-room. None of
them had been introduced to the strangers; for they had asked to be
excused, as they were not in a presentable condition.

The trio of distinguished individuals who had been conducted to the main
cabin by the commander were of course soaked with water, and chilled after
remaining so long in their involuntary bath; and for this reason no
questions were asked of them to bring out an explanation of the cause of
the disaster of which they had been the victims. There were three vacant
state-rooms, to which they were assigned, and each of them had a bathroom
connected with it. The two cabin stewards had already been ordered to
prepare these rooms for the occupancy of the newcomers. Warm baths were
ready for them when they took possession of the apartments.

"All this is more luxurious than we have been accustomed to lately," said
Lord Tremlyn, when the commander ushered him into No. 11, which was
provided with everything belonging to a suite of rooms in the best hotels
of the United States.

"I hope you will be able to make yourself comfortable, sir; but your
greatest need at the present moment appears to be dry clothing, when you
have restored your limbs to their normal condition in the bath, and I will
endeavor to supply this want," replied the commander.

"You are very kind, Captain Ringgold, and I shall never cease to be
grateful to you for the service you have rendered to me and my companions;
for all of us would have perished when the wreck of our steamer went down,
without the prompt assistance you rendered to us," said the principal
personage of the party, who was still shivering under the influence of the
chill he had received