THE GARDENS OF THE SUN. 



CHAPTER I. 



EASTWARD, HO ! 



Gibraltar — Port Said — Suez Canal — Kantara — Aden — Life Afloat — 

 Floating Homes. 



When our ship had nearly reached the mouth of the 

 Mersey, on her outward voyage, the boatswain and his 

 men were busily engaged in lashing everything moveable 

 in its place on deck. "We shall get it to-night," said 

 that man of the sea ; but on the vessel went as smoothly 

 as ever, and everybody w r as merry at dinner-time, hours 

 after the " Bosun's " prophecy. We watched the setting 

 sun, and a gorgeous after-glow of purple, gre} r , and gold. 

 Then came the twilight, and a sense of chilliness. The 

 land on the port-side was lost in a soft grey mist ; then 

 it became colder and darker, and we went below. The 

 saloon looked bright and cheerful, with its sparkle of 

 glasses in the swinging racks, and the mellow light of 

 the lamps. 



I read for an hour or more, and then " turned in," 

 heartily glad to think we were having such a smooth and 

 pleasant time, and that the " Bosun's " prediction had 

 not been verified. I was soon asleep. How long I slept 

 I do not quite remember, but I dreamed that I was 



