ABOARD THE S.S. MAJESTIC
Mrs. Harris was naturally a brave woman, but the telegram, and the sudden
separation perhaps forever from her husband and Gertrude, unnerved her.
She sank back into an easy chair on the steamer, murmuring, "Why this
terrible disappointment? Why did I not turn back with my husband? This is
worse than death. Mr. Harris is in great trouble. Why did I not at once
sacrifice all and share his misfortunes? How noble in Gertrude to go
ashore with her father. It is just like the child, for she is never happy
except when she forgets self, and does for others."
Mrs. Harris sobbed as if her loved ones had been left in the tomb.
Lucille tenderly held her mother's hand, and spoke comforting words:
"Cheer up, mother, all will yet be well. Father can now take Mr. Searles
to Harrisville."
"To see what, child--men misled and on a strike and the mills all closed
down! It means much trouble, and perhaps disaster for the Harrises."
"Oh, no, mother, all will soon be well. Let us go on the deck."
Alfonso led his mother, and Leo took Lucille up among the passengers.
They were just in time to see the white cloud of fluttering handkerchiefs
on the pier. Leo said that he could distinguish with his field-glass
Colonel Harris and Gertrude, and tears again came into Mrs. Harris's
eyes.
European steamers always leave on time, waiting for neither prince nor
peasant. A carriage with foaming horses drove in upon the pier as the tug
pulled the steamer out upon the Hudson. Its single occupant was an
English government agent bearing a special message from the British
embassador at Washington to Downing Street, London.
"Now what's to be done?" the British agent sharply inquired.
"Two pounds, sir, and we will put you and your luggage aboard," shouted
an English sailor.
"Agreed," said the agent, and to the surprise of everybody on the pier,
two robust sailors pulled as for their lives, and each won a sovereign,
as they put the belated agent on board the "Majestic."
This race for a passage caught the eye of Mrs. Harris. At first she
thought that the little boat might contain her husband, but as the
English agent came up the ship's ladder, she grasped Alfonso's arm, and
said, "Here, my son, take my hand and help me quickly to the boat; I will
go back to Mr. Harris."
"No! No!" said Alfonso, "Look, mother, the little boat is already
returning to the dock." Later the purser brought to Mrs. Harris an
envelope containing the steamer tickets and a purse of gold, which the
colonel thoughtfully had sent by the English agent.
Mrs. Harris re-examined the envelope, and found the colonel's personal
card which contained on the back a few words, hastily scribbled: "Cheer
up everybody; glad four of our party are on board. Enjoy yourselves.
Gertrude sends love. Later we will join you in London perhaps. God bless
you all. R.H."
Sunshine soon came back to Mrs. Harris's face, and she began to notice
the people about her, and to realize that she was actually on shipboard.
Foreign travel had been the dream of her life; and she felt comforted to
have Alfonso and Lucille beside her.
"Mrs. Harris," said Leo, "see the stately blocks that outline Broadway,
the Western Union Telegraph Building, the Equitable Building, the granite
offices of the Standard Oil Company, the Post Office, and the imposing
Produce Exchange with its projecting galley-prows. Above its long series
of beautiful arches of terra cotta rise a tall campanile and liberty pole
from which floats the stars and stripes."
Leo's eyes kindled in brilliancy, and his voice quickened with
patriotism, as he made reference to his adopted flag. "Lucille, behold
our glorious flag that floats over America's greatest financial and
commercial city. I love the stars and stripes quite as much as Italy's
flag.
"Annually over thirty thousand vessels arrive and depart from this
harbor. New York is America's great gateway for immigrants. In a single
year nearly a half million land at Castle Garden. Sections of New York
are known as Germany, Italy, China, Africa, and Judea. The Hebrews alone
in the city number upwards of one hundred thousand, and have nearly fifty
synagogues and as many millionaires. The trees, lawns, and promenades
along the sea-wall, form the Battery Park. The settees are crowded with
people enjoying the magnificent marine views before them."
Alfonso pointed to the Suspension or Brooklyn Bridge beneath which
vessels were sailing on the East River. Its enormous cables looked like
small ropes sustaining a vast traffic of cars, vehicles, and pedestrians.
To the right of the steamer's track on Bedloe's Island stands Bartholdi's
"Liberty, Enlightening the World," the largest bronze statue on the
globe. From a small guide book of New York, Lucille read aloud that the
Bartholdi statue and its pedestal cost one million dollars; that the
statue was presented by the French people to the people of the United
States. The head of Liberty is higher than the tall steeple of Trinity
Church, which is 300 feet high, or twice that of the Colossus of Rhodes,
one of the seven ancient wonders.
"Look," said Lucille, "at the uplifted right hand holding an electric
torch. How magnificently the statue stands facing the Narrows, the
entrance from Europe, and how cordial the welcome to America which
Liberty extends."
"Yes," said Leo, "if you wish to see Bartholdi's noble mother, observe
the face of the statue. Bartholdi owed much to his mother's constant
encouragement."
"How true it is," said Mrs. Harris, "that most great men have had
splendid mothers."
Many on the deck thought of loved ones at home, of their country, and
wondered if they would return again to America. This was true of many
aboard who were now starting on their first ocean voyage, and their
thoughts no doubt were akin to those that filled the minds of Columbus
and his crew when they left Palos.
Craft of every kind kept clear of the giant "Majestic" as she plowed down
the Narrows. Historic but worthless old forts are on either side, and far
down into the lower bay the pilot guides the wonderful steamer. Sandy
Hook lighthouse, the low shores, and purple mountains of New Jersey are
left behind, as the "Majestic" is set on her course at full speed.
The gong for the one o'clock lunch was sounded, and Alfonso, glad of the
change, as his mother seemed unhappy, led the way below. Colonel Harris,
when he bought the tickets, had arranged that his family should sit at
the captain's table. As Alfonso entered the saloon, the steward conducted
him and his friends to their seats. The captain's seat was unoccupied as
he was busy on deck. The grand dining-room of the "Majestic" is amidships
on the main deck. At the three long tables and sixteen short side tables,
three hundred persons can be accommodated.
The sea was smooth, so every chair was taken. The scene was an animating
one and interesting to study. A single voyage will not suffice to reveal
the heart histories and ambitions of three hundred cosmopolitan
passengers. Everybody was talking at the same time; all had much to say
about the experiences in reaching and boarding the steamer. Everybody was
looking at everybody, and each wondered who the others might be.
So many new faces which are to be studies for the voyage, arrested the
attention of Mrs. Harris. Her appetite was not good, so she ate little,
but closely watched the exhilarating scenes about her. Many wives had
their husbands by their sides, and this pained her, but she resolved to
keep brave and to make the most of her opportunities. Lucille and the
young men were so interested in the pretty faces all about them, that
they had little time for an English luncheon, and most of their eating
was a make-believe.
Amidship the movement of the boat is reduced to a minimum, and in
fair weather it is difficult to realize that you are out upon the
ocean. Each passenger at the table is furnished with a revolving chair.
Choice flowers, the gifts of loving friends left behind, were on every
table, and their fragrance converted the dining-saloon into a large
conservatory. The Corinthian columns were fluted and embossed, the walls
and ceiling were in tints of ivory and gold; the artistic panels abounded
in groups of Tritons and nymphs; the ports were fitted with stained glass
shutters, emblazoned with the arms of cities and states in Europe and
America. Behind the glass were electric lights, so that the designs were
visible both night and day.
Surmounting this richly appointed saloon was a dome of artistic creation,
its stained glass of soft tints, which sparkled in the warm sunlight and
shed a kaleidoscope of color and design over the merry company of
passengers. Mirrors and the gentle rolling of the steamer multiplied
and enlarged the gorgeous colorings and perplexing designs.
In the midst of this new life aboard ship, so novel and so beautiful,
Mrs. Harris's heart would have been happy had her over-worked husband and
Gertrude sat beside her at the table. Very little of this life is enjoyed
without the unwelcomed flies that spoil the precious ointment.
After the lunch Alfonso and his friends had time to examine a little
further the great steamer that was to float them to the Old World. When
his party hurriedly entered the dining-saloon, the grand staircase was
entirely overlooked. How wide and roomy it was, and how beautifully
carved and finished, especially the balustrade and newel posts, the whole
being built of selected white oak, which mellows with age, and will
assume a richer hue like the wainscoting in the famous old English abbeys
and manor houses.
Again the Harris party was on deck, final words hastily written were in
the steamer's mail bag, and a sailor stood ready to pass it over the
ship's side to the pilot's little boat, waiting for orders to cut loose
from the "Majestic."
The engines slacked their speed, the pilot bade the officers good-bye,
and accompanied the mail bag to his trusted schooner. No. 66 was painted
in black full length on the pilot's big white sail. All the passenger
steamers which enter or leave New York must take these brave and alert
pilots as guides in and out the ever-changing harbor channels.
The gong in the engine-rooms again signaled "full speed" and the live,
escaping steam was turned through the triple-expansion engines, and
the "Majestic" gathered her full strength for a powerful effort, a
record-breaking passage to Queenstown.
The life on board the transatlantic ferry is decidedly English, and Mrs.
Harris closely studied the courtesies and requirements. She soon came to
like the ship's discipline and matter-of-fact customs. The young people,
some newly married, and some new acquaintances like Leo and Lucille, had
moved their steamer chairs on the deck, that they might watch the return
of the pilot's boat.
Loving letters were read, the leaves of latest magazines were cut, and
many words were exchanged before the big "66" disappeared entirely with
the sun that set in gold and purple over the low New England shores.
Quite apart from the young people sat Mrs. Harris and Alfonso. They
talked earnestly about the ill-timed strike of the millmen at home. "Why
did the men strike at the very time when father wanted his mills to glow
with activity?" queried Mrs. Harris.
"Oh, mother," said Alfonso, "that is part of labor's stock in trade. Some
labor organizations argue that the 'end justifies the means.' Our men
were probably kept advised of father's plans, and strikes often are timed
so as to put capital at the greatest disadvantage, and force, if
possible, a speedy surrender to labor's demands. 'Like begets like,'
mother, so the college professor told us when he lectured on Darwin. It
was Darwin, I think, who emphasized this fundamental principle in nature.
"See, mother, how this labor agitation works. Labor organizations
multiply and become aggressive, and so capital organizes in self-defense.
One day our professor told the class that he much preferred citizenship
in a government controlled by intelligent capital, to the insecurity and
uncertainty of ignorant labor in power. The professor inclined to think
that the British form of government rested on a more lasting basis than
that of republics.
"Usually the more of values a person possesses, the more anxious he is
for stable government. Labor has little capital, and so often becomes
venturesome, and is willing to stake all on the throw of a die. But labor
in the presence of open hungry mouths can ill afford to take such
chances. Labor with its little or no surplus should act reasonably, and
on the side of conservatism, or wives and little ones suffer."
Mrs. Harris listened to her son's comments on capital and labor, but the
independence of her race asserted itself and she said with emphasis,
"Alfonso, I hope Mr. Harris will insist on his rights at Harrisville."
"Very likely he will, mother, as he is that kind of a man, and the New
England independence that is born in him is sure to assert itself."
For a few moments neither mother nor son spoke. Suddenly both were
awakened from their reveries by the call for dinner. The waters were
still smooth, and the ocean breezes had sharpened appetites, so the grand
staircase was crowded with a happy throng, most of whom were eager for
their first dinner aboard ship. The Harrises were delighted to find
Captain Morgan already at the table.
Long ago Captain Morgan had learned that wealth is power. His own ship
had cost a million or more, and England's millions enabled his government
to control the globe. Not only was he keenly alive to the fact that
capital and brains guided most human events, but naturally he possessed
the instincts of a gentleman, and besides he was a true Briton. His
ancestors for generations had followed the sea for a livelihood and fame.
Some had served conspicuously in the navy, and others like himself had
spent long lives in the commercial marine.
In Lucille's eyes Captain Morgan was an ideal hero of the sea. He was
over six feet in height, and robust of form, weighing not less than 250
pounds. His face was round and bronzed by the exposure of over three
hundred ocean passages. His closely cropped beard and hair were iron
gray, and his mild blue eyes and shapely hands told of inbred qualities.
That he was possessed of rare traits of character, it was easy to
discover. Loyalty to the great trusts confided to him, was noticeable in
his every movement. "Safety of ship, passengers, and cargo," were words
often repeated, whether the skies above him were blue or black.
Captain Morgan addressing Mrs. Harris said, "We shall miss very much your
husband's presence aboard ship. Nowadays managers of great enterprises
ashore, involving the use of large amounts of capital, encounter quite as
many stormy seas as we of the Atlantic."
"Yes," replied Mrs. Harris, "and the causes of financial disturbances are
fully as difficult to divine or control."
"It was fortunate, however, Mrs. Harris," said the captain, "that
word reached the steamer in time to intercept the Colonel so that he
could return at once and assume command of his business. Aboard our
ship, you must all dismiss every anxiety as to matters at home or on the
"Majestic." With your permission, Colonel Harris's family shall be mine
for the passage. Please command my services at all times."
"Thank you," said Alfonso, and the captain's cordial words, like
sunshine, dispelled the clouds.
"Captain," inquired Leo, "do you think we shall have a pleasant voyage?"
"Yes, I hope so, for the sake of those aboard who are making this their
first voyage, otherwise we may not have the pleasure of much of their
company."
"Captain Morgan, then you really promise a smooth passage?" said Lucille.
"Oh no, Miss Harris, we never promise in advance good weather on the
ocean. Smooth water for us old sailors is irksome indeed, yet I always
consider it very fortunate for our passengers, if Old Probabilities grant
us a day or two of fair skies as we leave and enter port. With gentle
breezes the passengers gradually get possession of their 'sea legs' as
sailors term it, and later brisk breezes are welcomed."
"Captain, have you a panacea for seasickness?" inquired Mrs. Harris.
"Oh, yes," he replied, "take as vigorous exercise on the ship as is taken
ashore, eat wisely, observe economy of nerve-force, and be resolved to
keep on good terms with Old Neptune. Don't fight the steamer's movements
or eccentricities, but yield gracefully to all the boat's motions. In a
word, forget entirely that you are aboard ship, and the victory is
yours."
"This is Wednesday, Captain, and do you really think you will land us in
the Mersey by Monday evening?" Lucille enquired earnestly.
"Monday or Tuesday if all goes well," the captain answered. Captain
Morgan drank his coffee, excused himself, and returned to his duty on the
bridge.
"What a gallant old sea-dog the captain is," said Mrs. Harris. "We shall
feel perfectly safe in his keeping. How cheery he is away from home."
"How do you know he has a home, mother?"
"Perhaps not, my dear, for he seems really married to his ship."
The Harrises and Leo joined the passengers who had now left the dining
saloon. The light winds had freshened and the skies were overcast and
gave promise of showers, if not of a storm. After walking a few times
around the promenade deck, most of the passengers went below, some to the
library, some to the smoking room, and some to their staterooms, perhaps
thinking discretion the better part of valor. The steamer's chairs were
taken from the deck and only a few persons remained outside. Some of them
were clad in warm ulsters. They walked the usual half-hour. Most of these
promenaders were men of business who were required to make frequent ocean
passages. They were as familiar with moistened decks, cloudy skies, and
heavy seas as the land-lubbers are with stone pavements and hotel
corridors.