t the children
were obliged to proceed with great caution in descending them, in order
to get down in safety. They, however, at length succeeded; and then,
passing along where they saw that the gentlemen went who preceded them,
they entered into a long and narrow passage way, with doors leading to
state rooms on either hand. Following this passage way, they came at
length to a sort of entry or hall, which was lighted by a skylight
above. In the middle of this hall, and under the skylight, was a pretty
broad staircase, leading down to some lower portion of the ship. As the
men whom they were following went down these stairs, the children went
down too. When they got down, they found themselves in a perfect maze of
cabins, state rooms, and passage ways, the openings into which were
infinitely multiplied by the large and splendid mirrors with which the
walls were every where adorned.

"Put Tiger down there," said Rollo, pointing to a place near the end of
the sofa, "and we will bring her something to eat when we come from
lunch."

Jane was very anxious to take the kitten with her; but she knew that,
under the circumstances in which she was placed, it was proper that she
should follow implicitly all of Rollo's directions. So she put the cage
down, and then she and Rollo went on together through a door where the
gentlemen who had preceded them had gone.

They found themselves in another long and narrow passage way, which led
toward the forward part of the ship. The passage way was so narrow that
they could not walk together. So Rollo went first, and Jane came behind.
The vessel was rocking gently from the motion of the waves, and Jane had
to put her hands out once or twice, first to one side and then to the
other of the passage way, in order to steady herself as she passed
along. Presently they came to a place where they had to go up five or
six steps, and then to go immediately down again. It was the place where
the main shaft passed out from the engine to the paddle wheel. After
getting over this obstruction, they went on a a little farther, and then
came into a large dining saloon, where several long tables were spread,
and a great many passengers were seated, eating their luncheons.

There were a number of waiters in different parts of the room, standing
behind the guests at the tables; and one of these waiters, as soon as he
saw Rollo and Jane come in, went to them, and said that he would show
them where to sit. So