he left the
steamer at Sandy Hook. One covered his conceal- ment so completely as to elude the searchers and remained hidden until next day, when, on making his appearance he was set to work in the coal bunkers for his passage. Forgotten adieus and farewell letters were sent back by the pilot, then with Titan arms our ship struck out upon her course through the waves of the Atlantic.
Just as we were going out we met the steamer with returning: Californians comina: in. Cheer followed cheer in noisy recognition. With what varied emotions the loud greetings were given! On the one side hopeful enthusiasm, and the inspiration of bright prospects, glad to be off and eager to make the venture; on the other, mingled success and failure, some with ruined health, some with ruined hopes, some brim-full of happiness, while all their broad bosoms swelled at the thought of placing foot once more on native soil — all glad to be back, to be out of the wilderness, the wilderness of land and the wilderness of water.
Order rapidly evolved from the confusion ; all settled quietly into place. Some sat apart and smoked and thought of those left behind; others grouped and talked of the time to come. While thus abstracted an insidious and subtle influence appeared to settle upon the voyagers. The air, it seemed to me, was impregnated with it, and I could feel it creeping up from the water through the ship's timbers, through the planks on which I trod, and into my feet and bones. I noticed the ship staggered a little in her gait, and the promenaders likewise staggered, and a peculiar expression of smiling discomfort overspread the yellowish-white faces of some. Land and day- light disappeared, and we were alone with darkness and the ocean.
Night shut us in with angry storm-clouds, and closed us round with white-capped waves that curled their raised crests and hissed defiance on the ponder-
