first-class passenger ships of
enormous steam-power and corresponding speed, which, of course, run up a
heavy coal bill, for they always "carry on" all they can to and fro
across the Atlantic, accomplishing the passage now between Queenstown
and Sandy Hook, veritable greyhounds of the ocean that they are, within
the six days, all told, from land to land. Aye, and even this "record"
promises to be beaten in the near future.

Prior to our leaving Liverpool on this voyage, the very day before we
sailed, in fact, greatly to my surprise and satisfaction, as may be
imagined, I was made fourth officer, the owners having unexpectedly
promoted me from the position of "apprentice," which I had filled up to
our last run home without any thought of so speedy a "rise." Of course
I had to thank my old friend Captain Applegarth for my good fortune,
though why the skipper thus spoke up for me I'm sure I cannot say, for I
was very young to hold such a subordinate post, having only just turned
my seventeenth year, besides being boyish enough in all conscience, and
beardless, too, at that! But, be that as it may, fourth officer I was
at the time of which I write.

I recollect the evening well enough.

It was on the seventh of November, the anniversary of my birthday, a
circumstance which would alone suffice to imprint the date on my memory
were I at all disposed to forget it. But that is not very likely.

No, I can assure you.

It would be impossible for me to do that, as you will readily believe
when you come to know my story; for, on this eventful evening there
happened something which, somehow or other, thenceforth, whether owing
to what visionary folk term "Destiny," or from its arising through some
curious conjuncture of things beyond the limits of mere chance, appeared
to exercise a mysterious influence on my life, affecting the whole tenor
and course of my subsequent career.

I had better tell you, however, what occurred, and then you will be able
to judge for yourself.

CHAPTER TWO.

"SAIL HO!"

Away forward, I remember, the ship's bell under the break of the
forecastle, or "fo'c's'le," as it is pronounced in nautical fashion, was
just striking "two bells" in the first day watch.

In other words, more suited to a landsman's comprehension, it was five
o'clock in the afternoon when I came on deck from my spell of leisure
below, to relieve Mr Spokeshave, the third officer, then on duty, and
the sight I caught of