When the _Elsinore_ lay in Erie Basin, just arrived from California with a cargo of barley, I had crossed over from New York to inspect what was to be my home for many months.

I had been delighted with the ship and the cabin accommodation.

Even the stateroom selected for me was satisfactory and far more spacious than I had expected.

But when I peeped into the captain's room I was amazed at its comfort.

When I say that it opened directly into a bath-room, and that, among other things, it was furnished with a big brass bed such as one would never suspect to find at sea, I have said enough.
Naturally, I had resolved that the bath-room and the big brass bed should be mine.