It
was fortunate for Leo that he was a good sailor, as it enabled him to do
many thoughtful things for the Harrises, and thus show his appreciation
of their great kindness to him.
On the third day out from New York, the storm moderated somewhat and the
passengers at breakfast visibly increased in number, but before the lunch
hour was over the fury of the gale returned. The steamer in her course
had crossed the center of the cyclone where the force of the storm was
diminished for a short time only. All that afternoon and night the gale
increased in force till it seemed as if volcanic powers under the sea
were at work turning the ocean upside down.
Pent up forces in the west were loosed, and Neptune, deity of the ocean,
with his three-pronged trident stalked abroad. The bombardment of waves
was terrific, and the twin propellers raced so fiercely that speed was
reduced to a minimum.
In the morning the terrible cyclone had moved to the north, smoother
seas were reached by lunch time, and most of the tables were again
filled. Many of those who were making a first voyage also put in their
appearance, and they were subjected to much chaffing from the veterans
of ocean travel.
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