The eyes of many of us were gladdened by the sight of friends and relatives, who were allowed aboard when mess gear was piped, and put off when "turn to" sounded.

We were pleased to see our friends, but our friends, on the contrary, seemed shocked to see us.

One dainty girl came aboard, and, as she came up the gangway, asked for a forecastle man.

The word was passed for him.

He had just finished his stint of coaling, and was as black as a negro.