162 EAST PRUSSIA TO THE GOLDEN GATE 



than usual and observed strict silence all day in order to 

 enjoy a visit— if only in imagination— to the beloved ones 

 at home, and to you, blessed mother, in particular. About 

 sun-rise I was walking up and down in the deck-house, 

 with shirt-sleeves rolled-up, a light straw-hat, and my 

 bare feet modestly hidden in slippers, while the slowly ap- 

 pearing sun's-rays glistened in the mirror-like water. I 

 could not help thinking how you would have enjoyed 

 watching me through a magic mirror, if such a thing were 

 possible. On such days, during such moments, I feel 

 happy and contented ; home seems nearer and I fancy my- 

 self present in the circle of those whom I love so dearly! 

 and among my few true friends! Yes, there seems to be 

 an inner voice calling out to me every now and then: 

 ' ' Fear not ! you will be happy, happy in your home. ' ' In 

 such moments I feel untold joy. But I suppose I must 

 say: away with such delusions, the old enemy will have 

 many a chance to put stumbling-blocks in my way when- 

 ever he may have a mind to do so.* 



On the nineteenth of December we had Eastwind with 

 rain, which the experienced sailor regards as a sure sign 

 that the trade-winds will soon cease. The sea showed 

 heavy swells from the Northeast, so that the lee-sails 

 were set during the evening, which was, in reality, the 

 first material change made since we left Valparaiso. 

 Later in the evening we had brilliant lightning in the 

 northeast, which made the Heavens appear as though 

 on fire, though not the least sound was heard. Saturday, 

 the twentieth, was the first day with northern trade- 

 winds, but, notwithstanding the increasing severity, the 

 weather remained otherwise unchanged. Toward seven 

 o'clock in the evening, top-sails had to be set, and they 

 remained that way until Monday, the twenty-second, as 

 no material change in weather occurred. That night, 



*And yet, how true was this presentiment ; though many were 

 the hardships, which our young traveller had to overcome, the 

 reward for his ever onward struggle was attained at last. The 

 "Happy Home," for which he longed, was to be his in due time, 

 as Providence measures it. — Translator. 



