CHAPTER II.-THE VOYAGE OUT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2850, 18 October 1890, Page 4

CHAPTER 11.-THE VOYAGE OUT.

"The next day I felt a little better. The bustle of starting and watching our fellow passengers come on board, made me forget my own troubles. There were eight of us in our cabin, Mr and Mrs O. S., Mr 8., who was the son of a baronet, a single lady, Miss H., afterwards called "Ducksy," also three brothers It., who were going out to learn farming. I had my piano in the cuddy, and was privileged to go and come (here as we liked, but having a young baby preferred not doing so.

"We were very wnll off in our cabin. The gentlemen, for they were really so, took weeks about to attend to our commissariat, and Miss H. kindly took charge of the ladies' department. She was a regular " Ducksy" as she was called, and if she ever sees this I hope she will not be offended at my mentioning her good qualities. "The first few days, everyone kept to their cabins ill, My first appearance on deck, was when we were going through the Bay of Biscay. I did not stay long, however, the first sight of the wild sea, nad big wavos was enough, and I Boon caino down again. " The weather then became warmer, we passed the Cape Dβ Verde, and into the tropics. Everything wont on pleasantly. Wo had divino sorvlco on board, tho Rev. Mr J?, kindly road tho Church of England sovvico, though ho was a ProsLytorian liimaolf. Mr and Mrs W. were in tho chiof cabin, and a retired army Captain.* Mrs W. playod for tho servico, and it was a pleasant sight to all, the men all gathorod round, listening to the servico, and singing with us whilst the ship was sailing along. "The time carue when we expected

•Tho late Major Wilson, of Tβ Kowhai,

to cross the line. One evening we had notices sent to us, telling us to put on dresses that would not spoil, as there might be a water frolic. We ladies of both the first and second cabins were on the poop, and sitting with us was the rev. gentleman, clad in cool white linen garments. The mate came and requested him to leave the ladies, but thinking his calling would protect him he declined. " About 11 o'clock in the forenoon, we heard a great noise, horns blowing, and a loud voice proclaiming, ' the dominion of King Neptune, and the penalties attached to those who invaded his kingdom. .

"All at once, over the side of the vessel, came the figure of an old man, with a beard down to his feet, and a crown of seaweed on his head. After him a crowd of men, dressed in all sorts of fantastic costumes. I felt rather frightened, until your grandpapa came just below where I sat, and saind ' the sailors. . Then the fun commenced. The boys were called before the King, and after a mock trial, were lathered with soap, then shaved with a piece of iron hoop. ' Oh, grandmama, how cruel,' said Harold. Then they threw buckets of water over the boys, and each other. All the men joined in it, except the Minister who still sheltered himself behind the ladies." There were determined to have him, so threw it over him where he was. We all ran away from him to the other side of the vessel, but not before we had a good share of water.

" Then the rev. gentleman, finding his clothes wet, threw all his scruples to the winds, and rushing down below, grasped the first thing he could find to hold water. Unfortunately it happened to be a Japaned water can of ours. He filled and emptied it, and filled again. He soon made up for lost time, and we could see his tall form, and the Japaned water can raised, in the thickest of the melee. After everyone got tired of the water frolic, and the passengers paid their footing , , changed clothes, etc.t the men came and sang to us, and the day passed off splendidly. " I must tell you one or two incidents that will amuse you. Like most people who are going a long voyage; we had tried to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, and had a shelf over our bed, stored with nice things. Amongst them was some good bottled porter, securely packed in clothing.

"Wo were asleep one morning, when we were suddenly awakened by a sharp sound, pop, and in n minute or two pop again, and pop. Down came a stream of porter over our devoted heads. Oh, what a mess we were in. How quickly we dressed and went out into tho large cabin, whilst your grandpa fetched the steward to help him get rid of it. How the people laughed at us, all but Miss H. who come to the rescue, and took baby and I into her cabin- Grandpapa gave all the beer away aftor that, then we were told that it could have been saved by being turned upside down in water. People generally tell you these useful things when too late. " My baby, your papa, was very cross, and I could not go on deck much in the evenings like the others did. But one evening the gentlemen volunteered to mind him if he woke. We had quite a concert. Miss H. sang very nicely. I stayed on deck a long time that night, and not being called to tho baby was quite contented. When I went down what do you think, Capt W. had the baby on his knee, feeding him with brandy and water* Both Mise H. and I were very angry, it did him no harm, however, though I felt rather frightened. After crossing tlie line the wind died away, and we were becalmed for some days, we enjoyed it very much, sitting on deck under the awnings. I pitied tho poor women in the steerage, cooped up in the heat. The mid-deck being tho only place for them to go out on. I asked the captain one day, if he would not let those with children come on the poop sometimes. I was rather a favourite with tho captain who was a uewly married man, and after thinking a little while, he said, • Well, Mrs S. I ""will try it, but I have never found it answer.' Yet how pleased I was to tell them that they could bring their children on the upper deck, in the afternoon.

I " One family was Scotch and the others Irish. All went well that day, but on the next, the Captain came to me, and touching my arm «aid, ' Look Mrs S., at your protegees,' and looking across I saw the Scotch dame with her children around her, busy combing their hair. Horrified at what I sow, and feeling responsible, I ran across and exclaimed, ' Mrs P., put away that comb, the Captain won't allow it.' She seemed quite indignant, and railed at me in broad Scotch, and we saw no more of our friends on deck.

One day Miss H. told me they were going to have some fun with young R. The army Captain had picked a quarrel with him and called him out. Poor young fellow ! He quite resigned himself to be shot, wrote most affecting letters to his parents, bid us all good-bye, and made us presents. To me he gave his church service, to Miss H. hiu ring. I could scarcely resist telling

him how it would end, but was bound to secrecy.

The morning of the duel came. They wen; at tho appointed place on deck at daylight. Just before tho captain's watch, all were ready for the handkerchief to be wared by my husband. When up rushed the captain in a state of dishabille. With a stern look he exclaimed, " What is this ? Here, mate, bring

irons that I may put them in. I will have no such unlawful work on board my ship." After he had threatened and admonished them, they shook hands, apologisiug to

each other. We had a grand breakfast in honour of Mr R's bravery, nnd returned all his presents.

(Tα he eontimied.J