“Perfectly beautiful,” exclaimed several ladies.  “There,” said the purser, as four bells rang out and the gong for dinner sounded, “the sun is kissing the waves.”  Before any one could answer, the gorgeous sun was slowly sinking into the blue waters of the Northern Atlantic.  Passengers held their watches and in three minutes the sun had said farewell.

The dinner was much enjoyed.  After an evening of charming moonlight, midnight found all, save those on duty, asleep in the “Majestic,” which was speeding rapidly towards the safe granite docks at Liverpool.

Moonlight at sea is so bewitching, the wonder is that pleasure-seekers ever consent to land except when denied the companionship of the silver goddess of night.  Whether she races with the clouds, silver tips the waves, or with her borrowed light floods the world with fairy-like beauty, it is only that her admirers may exchange sorrow for joy and conflict for peace.

The sixth day out, the sun illumined a clear sky, and those that loved the sea were early on deck for exercise and fresh air.  These early risers were well repaid, as the steamer was passing through a great school of porpoises that sometimes venture long distances from the British Islands.  Alfonso ran to rap at Lucille’s door and she hurried on deck to enjoy the sight.  Hundreds of acres of the ocean were alive with porpoises or sea hogs as sailors often call them.

Porpoises average five feet in length and are the size of a small boy and quite as playful.  These animals are smooth, and black or gray in color, except the under side which is pure white.  They are gregarious and very sociable in their habits.  Porpoises race and play with each other and dart out of the sea, performing almost as many antics as the circus clown.  They feed on mackerel and herring, devouring large quantities.  Years ago the porpoise was a common and esteemed article of food in Great Britain and France, but now the skin and blubber only have a commercial value.  The skins of a very large species are used for leather or boot-thongs.

The early risers were standing on the prow of the steamer where the cutwater sent constantly into the air a nodding plume of white spray.  Suddenly the watch shouted, “Whale ahead, sir!” Officers and sailors were astir.  Just ahead, and lying in the pathway of the steamer lay a whale, fifty feet in length, seemingly asleep, for he was motionless.  The officer’s first thought was that he would slack speed, but presence of mind prompted him to order full speed, planning no doubt, if the whale was obstinate, to cut him in halves.

Lucille and others, fearful of consequences, turned and ran, but the leviathan suddenly dropped down out of sight, his broad tail splashing salt water into the faces of the young people who were bold enough to await events.  With a sense of relief, Leo exclaimed, “Narrow escape, that!”

“Narrow escape for whom?” Alfonso inquired.