THE GARDENS OF THE SUN.
CHAPTER L
EASTWARD, HO !
Gibraltar—Port Said—Suez Canal—Kantara—Aden—Life Afloat—
Floating Homes.
W h e n our ship had nearly reached the mouth of the
Mersey, on her outward voyage, the boatswain and his
men were busily engaged in lashing everything moveable
in its place on deck. “ We shall get it to-night,” said
that man of the sea; hut on the vessel went as smoothly
as ever, and everybody was merry at dinner-time, hours
after the “ Bosun’s ” prophecy. We watched the setting
sun, and a gorgeous after-glow of purple, grey, and gold.
Then came the twilight, and a sense of chilliness. The
land on the port-side was lost in a soft grey mist; then
it became colder and darker, and we went below. The
saloon looked bright and cheerful, with its sparkle of
glasses in the swinging racks, and the meUow light of
the lamps.
I read for an hour or more, and then “ turned in,”
heartily glad to think we were having such a smooth and
pleasant time, and that the “ Bosun’s ” prediction had
not been verified. I was soon asleep. How long I slept
I do not quite remember, hut I dreamed that I was