“C. Q.”; or, In the Wireless House
the party out of their seats. The sound of crashing glass came from all sides, and there was a chorus of oaths and ejaculations in French and English, above which rose the thunder of the funnel directly over their heads. “Collision!” some fool shouted.
There was a rush for the door, which was thrown violently open by the nearest passenger. Lily turned faint, but the Boston bride exhibited a studied unconcern.
“Ashurst!” cried Lily, “go and see what it is!”
Through the door amid the driving rain that entered came also the diapason of the Saxonia, directly beside them.
“Another steamer!” gasped Lily, and pushing her chair away from the table rose unsteadily to her feet, sick with fear.
“H-n-n-n-n!—H-n-n-n-n!” snorted the two steamers.
“G-g-g-od!” stammered Ashurst, leading Lily towards the door in the wake of the other occupants of the saloon, who, hatless and in their evening clothes, were crowded upon the promenade deck staring stupidly into the night.
The noise made by the two boats indicated212
