Imagine fields of hollyhocks and violets in mid-ocean! How divine!" "But somewhat dangerous to navigation," boomed Richard, in the bass, like the bassoon to the flourish of his wife's violin.

"Why, weeds can be bad enough, can't they, Vinrace?
I remember crossing in the _Mauretania_ once, and saying to the Captain--Richards--did you know him?
--'Now tell me what perils you really dread most for your ship, Captain Richards ?' expecting him to say icebergs, or derelicts, or fog, or something of that sort.

Not a bit of it.

I've always remembered his answer.

'_Sedgius_ _aquatici_,' he said, which I take to be a kind of duck-weed." Mr.Pepper looked up sharply, and was about to put a question when Willoughby continued: "They've an awful time of it--those captains! Three thousand souls on board!" "Yes, indeed," said Clarissa.