844 ISLES OF SUM^ilEE. 



to bed, we imposed npon our mind the task of waking our body 

 up a little before midnight, in order that wo might make an 

 effort to see this beautiful symbol from the cupola of the Royal 

 Victoria Hotel. We awoke on time, and, only so far dressing as 

 to meet the supposed demands of the invisible spirits of the 

 night, we made our way through long corridors, up several 

 flights of stairs, and into the profound darkness of the attic of 

 the hotel, where, like many another seeker after "the light of 

 the cross," we groped our dubious way. Finally a faint glimmer 

 from above gave us hope, and after ascending another flight of 

 stairs we emerged into a spacious glass enclosed observatory, from 

 the inside of which and from its surrounding gallery, in the star- 

 light and moonlight, we watched and waited for the cross. Here 

 and there above the southern horizon, a few scattered stars ap- 

 peared for a few moments through the rifts of slowly passing 

 clouds, while a thin veil of mist curtained a low belt of sky from 

 view. But having concluded to find the cross, we were not dis- 

 couraged but determined to persevere, knowing full well that 

 though for the time unseen, it was surely there. The sea air 

 was delightfully cool, and we seemed more than ever before to 

 realize how 



" Sweet are the gentle winds at night 



That breathe when all is peaceful 'round, 

 As if some spirits downy flight 



Swept silent through the blue profound." 



Below us the city of Nassau, with its low diamond-shaped roofs 

 and tropical and semi-tropical trees, was clearly and beautifully 

 revealed; the harbor with its shipping and beacon light, was 

 slightly ruffled, and reflected a soft and silvery radiance; the 

 barrier islands disclosed their picturesque shores, and beyond 

 their low but verdant summits, the Atlantic seemed soothed and 



