CHAPTER IV
ABOARD THE S.S. MAJESTIC
Mrs. Harris was naturally a brave woman, but the telegram, and the suddenseparation perhaps forever from her husband and Gertrude, unnerved her.She sank back into an easy chair on the steamer, murmuring, "Why thisterrible disappointment? Why did I not turn back with my husband? This isworse than death. Mr. Harris is in great trouble. Why did I not at oncesacrifice all and share his misfortunes? How noble in Gertrude to goashore with her father. It is just like the child, for she is never happyexcept 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. Searlesto Harrisville."
"To see what, child--men misled and on a strike and the mills all closeddown! 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 handkerchiefson the pier. Leo said that he could distinguish with his field-glassColonel Harris and Gertrude, and tears again came into Mrs. Harris'seyes.
European steamers always leave on time, waiting for neither prince norpeasant. A carriage with foaming horses drove in upon the pier as the tugpulled the steamer out upon the Hudson. Its single occupant was anEnglish government agent bearing a special message from the Britishembassador 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," shoutedan 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 shethought that the little boat might contain her husband, but as theEnglish agent came up the ship's ladder, she grasped Alfonso's arm, andsaid, "Here, my son, take my hand and help me quickly to the boat; I willgo back to Mr. Harris."
"No! No!" said Alfonso, "Look, mother, the little boat is alreadyreturning to the dock." Later the purser brought to Mrs. Harris anenvelope containing the steamer tickets and a purse of gold, which thecolonel thoughtfully had sent by the English agent.
Mrs. Harris re-examined the envelope, and found the colonel's personalcard which contained on the back a few words, hastily scribbled: "Cheerup everybody; glad four of our party are on board. Enjoy yourselves.Gertrude sends love. Later we will join you in London perhaps. God blessyou all. R.H."
Sunshine soon came back to Mrs. Harris's face, and she began to noticethe 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 tohave 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 graniteoffices of the Standard Oil Company, the Post Office, and the imposingProduce Exchange with its projecting galley-prows. Above its long seriesof beautiful arches of terra cotta rise a tall campanile and liberty polefrom which floats the stars and stripes."
Leo's eyes kindled in brilliancy, and his voice quickened withpatriotism, as he made reference to his adopted flag. "Lucille, beholdour glorious flag that floats over America's greatest financial andcommercial city. I love the stars and stripes quite as much as Italy'sflag.
"Annually over thirty thousand vessels arrive and depart from thisharbor. New York is America's great gateway for immigrants. In a singleyear nearly a half million land at Castle Garden. Sections of New Yorkare known as Germany, Italy, China, Africa, and Judea. The Hebrews alonein the city number upwards of one hundred thousand, and have nearly fiftysynagogues and as many millionaires. The trees, lawns, and promenadesalong the sea-wall, form the Battery Park. The settees are crowded withpeople enjoying the magnificent marine views before them."
Alfonso pointed to the Suspension or Brooklyn Bridge beneath whichvessels were sailing on the East River. Its enormous cables looked likesmall 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 theglobe. From a small guide book of New York, Lucille read aloud that theBartholdi statue and its pedestal cost one million dollars; that thestatue was presented by the French people to the people of the UnitedStates. The head of Liberty is higher than the tall steeple of TrinityChurch, 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 electrictorch. How magnificently the statue stands facing the Narrows, theentrance from Europe, and how cordial the welcome to America whichLiberty extends."
"Yes," said Leo, "if you wish to see Bartholdi's noble mother, observethe face of the statue. Bartholdi owed much to his mother's constantencouragement."
"How true it is," said Mrs. Harris, "that most great men have hadsplendid mothers."
Many on the deck thought of loved ones at home, of their country, andwondered if they would return again to America. This was true of manyaboard who were now starting on their first ocean voyage, and theirthoughts no doubt were akin to those that filled the minds of Columbusand his crew when they left Palos.
Craft of every kind kept clear of the giant "Majestic" as she plowed downthe Narrows. Historic but worthless old forts are on either side, and fardown into the lower bay the pilot guides the wonderful steamer. SandyHook lighthouse, the low shores, and purple mountains of New Jersey areleft 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 thechange, as his mother seemed unhappy, led the way below. Colonel Harris,when he bought the tickets, had arranged that his family should sit atthe captain's table. As Alfonso entered the saloon, the steward conductedhim and his friends to their seats. The captain's seat was unoccupied ashe was busy on deck. The grand dining-room of the "Majestic" is amidshipson 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 animatingone and interesting to study. A single voyage will not suffice to revealthe heart histories and ambitions of three hundred cosmopolitanpassengers. Everybody was talking at the same time; all had much to sayabout the experiences in reaching and boarding the steamer. Everybody waslooking at everybody, and each wondered who the others might be.
So many new faces which are to be studies for the voyage, arrested theattention of Mrs. Harris. Her appetite was not good, so she ate little,but closely watched the exhilarating scenes about her. Many wives hadtheir husbands by their sides, and this pained her, but she resolved tokeep brave and to make the most of her opportunities. Lucille and theyoung men were so interested in the pretty faces all about them, thatthey had little time for an English luncheon, and most of their eatingwas a make-believe.
Amidship the movement of the boat is reduced to a minimum, and infair weather it is difficult to realize that you are out upon theocean. Each passenger at the table is furnished with a revolving chair.Choice flowers, the gifts of loving friends left behind, were on everytable, and their fragrance converted the dining-saloon into a largeconservatory. The Corinthian columns were fluted and embossed, the wallsand ceiling were in tints of ivory and gold; the artistic panels aboundedin groups of Tritons and nymphs; the ports were fitted with stained glassshutters, emblazoned with the arms of cities and states in Europe andAmerica. Behind the glass were electric lights, so that the designs werevisible 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 andshed a kaleidoscope of color and design over the merry company ofpassengers. Mirrors and the gentle rolling of the steamer multipliedand 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 andGertrude sat beside her at the table. Very little of this life is enjoyedwithout the unwelcomed flies that spoil the precious ointment.
After the lunch Alfonso and his friends had time to examine a littlefurther the great steamer that was to float them to the Old World. Whenhis party hurriedly entered the dining-saloon, the grand staircase wasentirely overlooked. How wide and roomy it was, and how beautifullycarved and finished, especially the balustrade and newel posts, the wholebeing built of selected white oak, which mellows with age, and willassume a richer hue like the wainscoting in the famous old English abbeysand manor houses.
Again the Harris party was on deck, final words hastily written were inthe steamer's mail bag, and a sailor stood ready to pass it over theship's side to the pilot's little boat, waiting for orders to cut loosefrom 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 paintedin black full length on the pilot's big white sail. All the passengersteamers which enter or leave New York must take these brave and alertpilots 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, andthe "Majestic" gathered her full strength for a powerful effort, arecord-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 tolike the ship's discipline and matter-of-fact customs. The young people,some newly married, and some new acquaintances like Leo and Lucille, hadmoved their steamer chairs on the deck, that they might watch the returnof the pilot's boat.
Loving letters were read, the leaves of latest magazines were cut, andmany words were exchanged before the big "66" disappeared entirely withthe sun that set in gold and purple over the low New England shores.
Quite apart from the young people sat Mrs. Harris and Alfonso. Theytalked earnestly about the ill-timed strike of the millmen at home. "Whydid the men strike at the very time when father wanted his mills to glowwith activity?" queried Mrs. Harris.
"Oh, mother," said Alfonso, "that is part of labor's stock in trade. Somelabor organizations argue that the 'end justifies the means.' Our menwere probably kept advised of father's plans, and strikes often are timedso as to put capital at the greatest disadvantage, and force, ifpossible, a speedy surrender to labor's demands. 'Like begets like,'mother, so the college professor told us when he lectured on Darwin. Itwas Darwin, I think, who emphasized this fundamental principle in nature.
"See, mother, how this labor agitation works. Labor organizationsmultiply and become aggressive, and so capital organizes in self-defense.One day our professor told the class that he much preferred citizenshipin a government controlled by intelligent capital, to the insecurity anduncertainty of ignorant labor in power. The professor inclined to thinkthat the British form of government rested on a more lasting basis thanthat of republics.
"Usually the more of values a person possesses, the more anxious he isfor stable government. Labor has little capital, and so often becomesventuresome, and is willing to stake all on the throw of a die. But laborin the presence of open hungry mouths can ill afford to take suchchances. Labor with its little or no surplus should act reasonably, andon the side of conservatism, or wives and little ones suffer."
Mrs. Harris listened to her son's comments on capital and labor, but theindependence 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 NewEngland independence that is born in him is sure to assert itself."
For a few moments neither mother nor son spoke. Suddenly both wereawakened from their reveries by the call for dinner. The waters werestill smooth, and the ocean breezes had sharpened appetites, so the grandstaircase was crowded with a happy throng, most of whom were eager fortheir first dinner aboard ship. The Harrises were delighted to findCaptain Morgan already at the table.
Long ago Captain Morgan had learned that wealth is power. His own shiphad cost a million or more, and England's millions enabled his governmentto control the globe. Not only was he keenly alive to the fact thatcapital and brains guided most human events, but naturally he possessedthe instincts of a gentleman, and besides he was a true Briton. Hisancestors for generations had followed the sea for a livelihood and fame.Some had served conspicuously in the navy, and others like himself hadspent long lives in the commercial marine.
In Lucille's eyes Captain Morgan was an ideal hero of the sea. He wasover six feet in height, and robust of form, weighing not less than 250pounds. His face was round and bronzed by the exposure of over threehundred ocean passages. His closely cropped beard and hair were irongray, and his mild blue eyes and shapely hands told of inbred qualities.That he was possessed of rare traits of character, it was easy todiscover. Loyalty to the great trusts confided to him, was noticeable inhis every movement. "Safety of ship, passengers, and cargo," were wordsoften repeated, whether the skies above him were blue or black.
Captain Morgan addressing Mrs. Harris said, "We shall miss very much yourhusband's presence aboard ship. Nowadays managers of great enterprisesashore, involving the use of large amounts of capital, encounter quite asmany stormy seas as we of the Atlantic."
"Yes," replied Mrs. Harris, "and the causes of financial disturbances arefully as difficult to divine or control."
"It was fortunate, however, Mrs. Harris," said the captain, "thatword reached the steamer in time to intercept the Colonel so that hecould return at once and assume command of his business. Aboard ourship, you must all dismiss every anxiety as to matters at home or on the"Majestic." With your permission, Colonel Harris's family shall be minefor the passage. Please command my services at all times."
"Thank you," said Alfonso, and the captain's cordial words, likesunshine, 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 theirfirst voyage, otherwise we may not have the pleasure of much of theircompany."
"Captain Morgan, then you really promise a smooth passage?" said Lucille.
"Oh no, Miss Harris, we never promise in advance good weather on theocean. Smooth water for us old sailors is irksome indeed, yet I alwaysconsider it very fortunate for our passengers, if Old Probabilities grantus a day or two of fair skies as we leave and enter port. With gentlebreezes the passengers gradually get possession of their 'sea legs' assailors 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 takenashore, eat wisely, observe economy of nerve-force, and be resolved tokeep on good terms with Old Neptune. Don't fight the steamer's movementsor eccentricities, but yield gracefully to all the boat's motions. In aword, forget entirely that you are aboard ship, and the victory isyours."
"This is Wednesday, Captain, and do you really think you will land us inthe Mersey by Monday evening?" Lucille enquired earnestly.
"Monday or Tuesday if all goes well," the captain answered. CaptainMorgan drank his coffee, excused himself, and returned to his duty on thebridge.
"What a gallant old sea-dog the captain is," said Mrs. Harris. "We shallfeel 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 diningsaloon. The light winds had freshened and the skies were overcast andgave promise of showers, if not of a storm. After walking a few timesaround the promenade deck, most of the passengers went below, some to thelibrary, some to the smoking room, and some to their staterooms, perhapsthinking discretion the better part of valor. The steamer's chairs weretaken from the deck and only a few persons remained outside. Some of themwere clad in warm ulsters. They walked the usual half-hour. Most of thesepromenaders were men of business who were required to make frequent oceanpassages. They were as familiar with moistened decks, cloudy skies, andheavy seas as the land-lubbers are with stone pavements and hotelcorridors.