protested; and then, as a hypothetical case, he asked why one
destination was more worth visiting than another? He even quoted
Shakespeare on this point--something about "ports and happy
havens"--and succeeded in turning the tide of conversation for a
while. The mention of Shakespeare suggested to some of the ladies
that it would be pleasant, now they all knew each other so well,
to put on some amateur theatricals. They compromised by playing
charades in the saloon. Another evening Gissing kept them amused
by fireworks, which were very lovely against the dark sky. For
this purpose he used the emergency rockets, star-shells and
coloured flares, much to the distress of Dane, the quartermaster,
who had charge of these supplies.

Little by little, however, the querulous protests of the
passengers began to weary him. Also, he had been receiving terse
memoranda from the Chief Engineer that the coal was getting low
in the bunkers and that something must be queer in the navigating
department. This seemed very unreasonable. The fixed gaze of Mr.
Pointer, perpetually examining the horizon as though he wanted to
make sure he would recognize it if they met again, was trying.
Even Captain Scottie complained one day that the supply of fresh
meat had given out and that the steward had been bringing him
tinned beef. Gissing determined upon resolute measures.

He had notice served that on account of possible danger from
pirates there would be a general boat drill on the following day-
-not merely for the crew, but for everyone. He gave a little talk
about it in the saloon after dinner, and worked his audience up
to quite a pitch of enthusiasm. This would be better than any
amateur theatricals, he insisted. Everyone was to act exactly as