The trio of distinguished individuals who had been conducted to the main cabin by the commander were of course soaked with water, and chilled after remaining so long in their involuntary bath; and for this reason no questions were asked of them to bring out an explanation of the cause of the disaster of which they had been the victims.  There were three vacant state-rooms, to which they were assigned, and each of them had a bathroom connected with it.  The two cabin stewards had already been ordered to prepare these rooms for the occupancy of the newcomers.  Warm baths were ready for them when they took possession of the apartments.

“All this is more luxurious than we have been accustomed to lately,” said Lord Tremlyn, when the commander ushered him into No. 11, which was provided with everything belonging to a suite of rooms in the best hotels of the United States.

“I hope you will be able to make yourself comfortable, sir; but your greatest need at the present moment appears to be dry clothing, when you have restored your limbs to their normal condition in the bath, and I will endeavor to supply this want,” replied the commander.

“You are very kind, Captain Ringgold, and I shall never cease to be grateful to you for the service you have rendered to me and my companions; for all of us would have perished when the wreck of our steamer went down, without the prompt assistance you rendered to us,” said the principal personage of the party, who was still shivering under the influence of the chill he had received in the cold waters of the sea.

The captain retired, closing the door of the room.  He went to No. 12, to which Sir Modava Rao had been shown, and then to No. 13, which had been appropriated to Dr. Ferrolan.  He assured both of them that dry clothing would be provided for them, and both of them stammered forth their obligations very profusely from between their chattering teeth.  The doors were closed upon them after they had been instructed to call upon the stewards outside for anything they needed.

The commander had taken the measure of the trio, and knew where to apply for the clothing needed.  The surgeon of the party was about the size of Mr. Sage, the chief steward of the ship; and he was asked to supply a full suit, including undergarments, shirt, socks, collar, and cravat.  His lordship was about the size of Mr. Woolridge, who was more than happy to provide for the needs of this gentleman.  Professor Giroud was a rather slender person; and from his wardrobe came the suit and other furnishings for the titled Hindu.  The clothing of each person was placed on a stool at the door of his room, and he was notified where to obtain it.

“Mr. Sage, you understand by this time that we have sixteen places to be taken at the table,” said Captain Ringgold to the chief steward.

“I think I had better set two tables, for sixteen would be rather crowded in the space we use now,” replied Mr. Sage, who was a Napoleon in his calling.  “I propose to arrange them as they were at the big dinner you gave at Aden.”