There was mournful speculation upon the _Sirdar's_ chances of reaching Singapore before the next evening.
"We had two hundred and ninety-eight miles to do at noon," said Experience.

"If the wind and sea catch us on the port bow the ship will pitch awfully.

Half the time the screw will be racing.

I once made this trip in the _Sumatra_, and we were struck by a south-east typhoon in this locality.

How long do you think it was before we dropped anchor in Singapore harbor ?" No one hazarded a guess.
"Three days!" Experience was solemnly pompous.