CHAPTER XLI.
OUTWARD BOUND.
The bustle of departure was at its culminating point when John Saltram went on board the _Oronoco_, captain and officers scudding hither and thither, giving orders and answering inquiries at every point, with a sharp, short, decisive air, as of commanding powers in the last half-hour before a great battle; steward and his underlings ubiquitous; passengers roaming vaguely to and fro, in quest of nothing particular, and in a state of semi-distraction.
In this scene of confusion there was no one to answer Mr.Saltram's eager inquires about those travellers whom he had pursued to this point.

He did contrive, just about ten minutes before the vessel sailed, to capture the ubiquitous steward by the button-hole, and to ask for tidings of Mr.
Nowell, before that excited functionary could wrench himself away.
"Mr.Nowell, sir; upon my word, sir, I can't say.

Yes, there is a gentleman of that name on board; state-rooms number 5 and 7; got a daughter with him--tall dark gentleman, with a moustache and beard.

Yes, sir, he was on deck just now, on the bridge; but I don't see him, I suppose he's gone below.

Better look for him in the saloon, sir." The ten minutes were over before John Saltram had seen half the faces on board the crowded vessel; but in his hurried wanderings to and fro, eager to see that one face which he so ardently desired to behold once wore, he had met nothing but strangers.