ed. Somebody in a little room called a great many queer
names, and many passengers answered the call. At last we heard,

"Polynesia!"

We passed in and a great many things were done to our tickets before we
were directed to go outside, then to a larger steamer than the one we
came in. At every step our tickets were either stamped or punched, or a
piece torn off of them, till we stepped upon the steamer's deck. Then we
were ordered below. It was dark there, and we didn't like it. In a
little while we were called up again, and then we saw before us the
great ship that was to carry us to America.

I only remember, from that moment, that I had only one care till all
became quiet; not to lose hold of my sister's hand. Everything else can
be told in one word--noise. But when I look back, I can see what made
it. There were sailors dragging and hauling bundles and boxes from the
small boat into the great ship, shouting and thundering at their work.
There were officers giving out orders in loud voices, like trumpets,
though they seemed to make no effort. There were children crying, and
mothers hushing them, and fathers questioning the officers as to where
they should go. There were little boats and steamers passing all around,
shrieking and whistling terribly. And there seemed to be everything
under heaven that had any noise in it, come to help swell the confusion
of sounds. I know that, but how we ever got in that quiet place that had
the sign "For Families" over it, I don't know. I think we went around
and around, long and far, before we got there.

But there we were, sitting quietly on a bench by the white berths.

When the sailors brought our things, we got everything in order for the
journey as soon as possible, that we might go on deck to see the
starting. But first we had to obey a sailor, who told us to come and get
dishes. Each person received a plate, a spoon and a cup. I wondered how
we could get along if we had had no things of our own.

For an hour or two more there were still many noises on deck, and many
preparations made. Then we went up, as most of the passengers did.

What a change in the scene! Where there had been noise and confusion
before, peace and quiet were now. All the little boats and steamers had
disappeared, and the wharf was deserted. On deck the "Polynesia"
everything was in good order, and the officers walked about smoking
their cigars as if their work was done. Only a few sailors were at wo