GRANDMAMS' STORY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2852, 23 October 1890, Page 4

GRANDMAMS' STORY.

A TRUE TALK OF THE EARLY DAYS. (By a Waikato Lady). C H AFTER I [.—(Continued). "As we approached New Zealand the weather became warnn r every day, and some plan was devised by the officers unci gentlemen passengers to amuse us, and relievo the monotony of the voyage. It was beautiful to sit upon deck during what is called tho " dry watches " all the work of the day over, the passengers and crew scattered about in little groups, as the sunlight gradually disappeared the blue vault above would become studded with stars. The wind dying away about sunset, would be scarcely sufficient to till the sails, which towered above us, white and glistening in the dim h»ht, like the wings of a great seabird. The vessel almost motionless in the water, rolling lazily on the gentle swell, with the slender tops of her masts, describing a half-circle against the sky. Then the Captain or officers would join our group, and either explain the different starsi or more frequently, toll us one of their romantic sea stories, always containing a strong touch of the supernatural. For sailors particularly deep water ones (as those who take long voyages are called), are always more or less superstitious. Indeed there seems to be many unexplained mysteries of the sea. We would be so deeply interested as not to notice, that with tho advancing night, the wind had risen again, and was singing through the taut rigging, with that peculiar sound only heard at sea. The great sails were full and hard, the ship would become quite steady, and we could insensibly feel her rushing through the water. Then tho sudden clanging of " eight bells," warning all on board that the night watch had begun, would call forth a gentle hint from the Captain that it was time for tho ladies to go below. "After an hour or so of social chat we would retire; somo tu dream of home and friends left behind, others about tho new and almost unknown land to which we were rapidly approaching'.