Under the Great Bear | Page 6

of business life. Two
hours later he had packed a dress-suit case and sent his trunk down to
the company's building for storage. On his way to the steamer he
stopped at his club for a bite of lunch, and as he was leaving the
building he encountered the friend with whom he had discussed his
plans the day before.
"Hello!" exclaimed that individual, "where are you going in such a
hurry. Not starting off on your year of travel, are you?"
"Yes," laughed Cabot. "I am to sail within an hour. Good-bye!"
With this he ran down the steps and jumped into a waiting cab.
CHAPTER III.
THE STRANGE FATE OF A STEAMER.
So exciting had been the day, and so fully had its every minute been

occupied, that not until Cabot stood on the deck of the steamer
"Lavinia," curiously watching the bustling preparations for her
departure, did he have time to realise the wonderful change in his
prospects that had taken place within a few hours. That morning his life
had seemed wholly aimless, and he had been filled with envy of those
among his recent classmates whose services were in demand. Now he
would not change places with any one of them; for was not he, too,
entrusted with an important mission that held promise of a brilliant
future in case he should carry it to a successful conclusion?
[Illustration: On the deck of the steamer "Lavinia."]
"And I will," he mentally resolved. "No matter what happens, if I live I
will succeed."
In spite of this brave resolve our lad could not help feeling rather
forlorn as he watched those about him, all of whom seemed to have
friends to see them off; while he alone stood friendless and unnoticed.
Especially was his attention attracted to a nearby group of girls
gathered about one who was evidently a bride. They were full of gay
chatter, and he overheard one of them say:
"If you come within sight of an iceberg, Nelly, make him go close to it
so you can get a good photograph. I should like awfully to have one."
"So should I," cried another. "But, oh! wouldn't it be lovely if we could
only have a picture of this group, standing just as we are aboard the
ship. It would make a splendid beginning for your camera."
The bride, who, as Cabot saw, carried a small brand-new camera
similar to one he had recently procured for his own use, promptly
expressed her willingness to employ it as suggested, but was greeted by
a storm of protests from her companions.
"No, indeed! You must be in it of course!" they cried.
Then it further transpired that all wished to be "in it," and no one

wanted to act the part of photographer. At this juncture Cabot stepped
forward, and lifting his cap, said:
"I am somewhat of a photographer, and with your permission it would
afford me great pleasure to take a picture of so charming a group."
For a moment the girls looked at the presumptuous young stranger in
silence. Then the bride, flushing prettily, stepped forward and handed
him her camera, saying as she did so:
"Thank you, sir, ever so much for your kind offer, which we are glad to
accept."
So Cabot arranged the group amid much laughter, and by the time two
plates had been exposed, had made rapid progress towards getting
acquainted with its several members.
The episode was barely ended before all who were to remain behind
were ordered ashore, and, a few minutes later, as the ship began to
move slowly from her dock, our traveller found himself waving his
handkerchief and shouting good-byes as vigorously as though all on the
wharf were assembled for the express purpose of bidding him farewell.
By the time the "Lavinia" was in the stream and headed up the East
River, with her long voyage fairly begun, Cabot had learned that his
new acquaintance was a bride of but a few hours, having been married
that morning to the captain of that very steamer. She had hardly made
this confession when her husband, temporarily relieved of his
responsibilities by a pilot, came in search of her and was duly presented
to our hero. His name was Phinney, and he so took to Cabot that from
that moment the latter no longer found himself lonely or at a loss for
occupation.
As he had never before been at sea, the voyage proved full of interest,
and his intelligent questions received equally intelligent answers from
Captain Phinney, who was a well-informed young man but a few years
older than Cabot, and an enthusiast in his calling.

Up Long Island Sound went the "Lavinia," and it was late that night
before our lad turned in, so