Eight Bells 



Anglo-Saxon birth. And presently the 

 great liner was discovered through the 

 mists and spume lying in mid-channel 

 motionless! Not a tremor shook that 

 huge wall as the tender tossed and 

 staggered at respectful distance to 

 avoid a crash. Big hawsers thrown and 

 turned were quickly taut, and as quick- 

 ly torn away. "On with the dance," 

 the sea nymphs sang, and four hun- 

 dred tugs and smacks and coastwise 

 ships obeyed. Alone, amidst the roar 

 of wind and wave, the Cymric rode at 

 peace. Once on her solid decks we 

 knew the meaning of steadfastness and 

 calm in troubled waters. 



No! of course all can't be Cymrics. 

 There are waters that giant liners may 

 not safely navigate. But I have known 

 some human Cymrics. A few only. 

 One or two maybe. And to them I 

 would trust my all; and by them I 

 would swear in any sea. Even in mid- 

 Atlantic with fire smouldering in the 

 cargo in the great ship's hold, my faith 

 [165] 



