of us who occupied the same stateroom, all young men. Nearly the first thing that one of the young men did, was to pull out a bottle and ask me to take a drink. Of course I refused and told him I never touched the stuff. I met several persons on the ship, that were on it when we left New York, in May.

Aug. 8, Arose about 6:30 and had breakfast. It was about 9. a. m. when we arrived at the harbor of Queenstown, Ireland, and there we remained about one hour, taking on passengers, baggage, etc., which were conveyed from the wharf to the ship, by a tender. Before leaving Queenstown, the steamer "City of New York" also the "Majestic" stopped near us, to take on passengers. Among those who took passage on our ship at Queenstown, were a number who were also passengers with us from New York. It was about 10 a. m. when we were again under way. It was rough and stormy and many were sick. We saw a beautiful rain-bow before the sun went down, so better weather was prophesied.

Aug. 9, Arose about 6 a. m. Not quite so rough early in the morning, but before noon there was more wind and rain and it was very chilly and continued to grow more stormy and rough during the day. The great ship tossed about fearfully. Many were sick and remained in their staterooms. The "City of New York" passed us before dark. ing badly, and part of the time her bow was completely out of sight; however, before the sun went down, there was a beautiful rain-bow and indications of better weather for the morrow.

She was pitch

Aug. 10, Last night was the roughest night I ever experienced. A continued pitch and toss all night long, and this a. m. very little better and the bad weather continued all day. We passed one ship during the day. Someone sat down on, or stepped on my new (English) Derby hat. I did not fancy this, as my hat was not improved.

Aug. 11, Sunday, and still rough and stormy. An old man was taken very sick, and was placed in the ship's hospital. He raved and screamed, so they removed the things from his room and locked him in. He had been drinking heavily, and it was a case of delirium tremens. Had religious services in the main saloon at 10:30. There were about two hundred present. A collection was taken for aged mariners. At 7:30 p. m. there were services held in the second Saloon. A good sermon was preached. The subject was "Paul's Shipwreck." A collection was taken and given to a poor woman, who had been robbed before she came on board the ship. More or less beer drinking and card playing in different parts of the ship.

Aug. 12, Off the Banks of New Foundland, a very dense fog as usual. Can only see a short distance from the ship. This is the most dangerous place on the ocean. The whistle is kept blowing. About I p. m. we nearly came in collision with an iron steamer, the "Tropic," loaded with lumber. She suddenly immerged from the fog, directed right toward us. We stopped steam, but the "Tropic" only cleared us a few feet. They saluted us. Foggy

still, and no sun visible. Took soundings several times during the afternoon, but found plenty of depth of water. The wind had been dead ahead ever since we left Queenstown.

Aug. 13, At last, after nearly twenty-four hours of fog, we came into clear weather and are now in American waters. This is the finest day we have had since we left Queenstown, but wind still ahead, and more rain before night. Not so many sick.

Aug. 14, The sun came up bright and clear this morning and the old ocean is quite smooth, but wind still ahead. In the afternoon more wind and rain. Passed some steamers and other vessels, also saw some dolphins sporting in the water. Various games, political discussions, etc., going on during the day. A concert in the saloon at night.

Aug. 15, Foggy again. Took a pilot on board about 1:30 a. m.

Here my diary abruptly ends, but before we reached the New York harbor, we held a religious service in which we publicly thanked God for protecting us and permitting us to reach our port under conditions as favorable as they were.

A

Chapter XVII.

HOME FROM A DISTANT SHORE.

Through dangers seen, and unseen,
We have in safety passed,
And after months of absence,

Are safely home at last.-J. E. H.

FTER my absence of nearly three months in

Europe, I was of course, glad to be in old

Smithtown again. I certainly had an interesting and, I believe, profitable time during my travels. Experiences which I value highly, and as a matter of education, an asset of great importance. I trust my readers have enjoyed in some degree at least, some of the extracts from my diary. One of my dreams had come true. Yes, James E. Handshaw had seen more of the world in the little less than three months travel, than many of the older and more wealthier people of Smithtown had ever seen. I do not recall any special changes that had taken place during my absence. I am sure my friends were glad to see me safely home, and they were ready to listen to what I could tell them about the "Old Country." I will say here, that America is good enough for me. It can't be beat. It is splendid to travel and learn how other people live, but "Home Sweet Home" appeals to my heart.

Mr. Churchill had looked after business during my absence, but not much money had been taken in.