ON BOABD THE " MI ANTON OM A." 



141 



atmosphere it was, even in harbour ! ) by means of pipes which ran up to a scaffolding 

 I can find no better name for the structure elevated above the spar-deck fifteen feet. 

 Here were the wheel-house and a place for the look-out. But as it was apprehended that 

 the first respectable gale would take charge of the flimsy structure and sweep it all away, 

 a ' preventer ' steering apparatus worked below, and knowledge was gained of what was 

 going on in the upper world by means of reflectors. Two things struck the eye of an 

 observant stranger on gaining the side. The first was the formidable appearance of the 



INTERIOR OF A TURRET FHIP. 



turrets the latter, mirabile dictu, the number of spittoons ! At once it became evident 

 that such a craft as that which, if you please, we are now aboard of, could never be taken 

 by boarding. Given the flush deck filled with an armed host ; one of these terrible turrets 

 would slowly turn round, the shield protecting the embrasure would fly back, a gaping 

 volcano would belch forth, a whirlwind of flame and smoke only no need, indeed, would 

 there be for iron orbs at such quarters and, ere its shield had once more covered grinning 

 death, the armed host would have been swept away. 



" It is Her Majesty's birthday, and the Miantonoma steams away with those who 

 have been invited on board to witness the firing of the big guns. The salute cannot be 

 red in the little harbour, else surely every pane of glass from the block-house to Riverhead 



