Last night we reached Gibraltar and dropped anchor in the bay. It
was an impressive sight when first we came in view of land. On our
right lay Morocco, on our left Spain, and the lights on either shore
became visible about the same time. There are not many spots even on
this goodly globe of ours where one can see two continents. The
night was lovely, the air almost balmy, the stars were all out--ever
so many more stars than can be seen at home--and we stood long on
deck and gazed our fill at the splendour of the night. Truly the
skies declare the glory of God and the firmament of heaven shows
forth the work of His hands.
This morning, about 8.30, most of the first-class passengers landed
in a tender. It was good to feel one's foot once more on terra
firma--and surely if there is firm footing on earth it is the Rock of
Gibraltar. The place I will not attempt to describe; that were quite
beyond me. Enough to say, and certainly not too much, that the
panorama which lies before one from half-way up the mountain--we had
not time to go all the way--is one of the grandest that anywhere
unfolds itself to the eye of man. And the city is full of interest.
It is the meeting-place of two continents, the free mart and seaport
of all nations, the most famous stronghold of the greatest empire
under the sun. One could wish if one had time, to study the various
types of humanity that gather here. By all odds the most striking is
the turban'd Moor, with his swart features, his impassive face, his
picturesque costume, his gait and carriage not lacking in dignity.
We enter the principal Catholic Church, rather a fine building, and
are happily able to assist at Mass. We see the Bishop for a moment,
an Italian Benedictine, a native of Siena, a very genial and pleasant
man. By eleven we are back on board, and by noon are steaming around
Barracks Point and entering the Mediterranean.
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