It was the day after we crossed the Line, and the first-class passengers were having deck sports.

A tug-of-war had been arranged between the three classes, and a half-dozen of the heaviest fellows in the steerage, myself included, were invited to join.

It was a blazing hot afternoon, but on the saloon deck there were awnings and a cool wind blowing from the bows.

The first-class beat the second easily, and after a tremendous struggle beat the steerage also.

Then they regaled us with iced-drinks and cigars to celebrate the victory.
I was standing at the edge of the crowd of spectators, when my eye caught a figure which seemed to have little interest in our games.