They looked at the vacant place opposite, but as far as Chester could determine, his absence was not discussed.
That afternoon services were held in three parts of the vessel at the same time.

On the steerage deck a large company of Irish Catholics surrounded the two Fathers.

One of the priests stood in the center of the group while the people kneeled on the deck.

The priest read something in Latin, the others repeating after him.

Then a glass of "holy water" was passed among them, the worshipers dipping their fingers in and devoutly crossing themselves.