After taking leave of our friends, we went down below to take possession of the fore part of the vessel, which was assigned as our exclusive quarters.

Immediately in front of the machine-room, which occupied the centre of the vessel, were two cabins, about sixteen feet square, reaching from side to side.

Beyond these, opening out of a passage running along one side, were two smaller cabins about eight feet long.

All these apartments were furnished and ornamented with the luxury and elegance of chambers in the best houses on shore.

In the foremost of the larger cabins were a couple of desks, and three or four writing or easy chairs.