convoy arrived safely at Bombay. She was there put into dock and
repaired, and was strengthened by having large timbers, technically
termed riders, bolted diagonally on either side, fore and aft.

When again fit for sea, she returned to Table Bay, and anchored there
about the middle of October.

On the 1st of November, the captain and officers gave a ball to the
inhabitants of Cape Town, and on that night the ship presented an
appearance of unusual gaiety; mirth and music resounded on all sides;
in place of the stern voice of command, the laugh, the jest, and the
soft tones of woman's voice were heard; whilst many a light footstep
glided over the decks of the old ship.

The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men;
A thousand hearts beat happily; and when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell,
Soft eyes looked love to eyes that spake again,
And all went merry as a marriage bell.

CHILDE HAROLD.

The night was calm and beautiful, and as the guests left the ship,
little did they think of the fearful doom that was so soon to
overwhelm many of those whose hands they had clasped for the last
time.

The weather continued perfectly calm till the evening of the 4th of
November, when some ominous looking clouds indicated an approaching
storm.