78 BRUNO 



putting out the engine fires; we meanwhile 

 rolling in the trough of the sea until they could 

 be rekindled. We had expected to cross in 

 about three quarters of an hour, and return 

 soon after midnight; but it was along towards 

 the wee sma' hours when we reached the other 

 shore. Then, when we heard the crew con- 

 gratulating each other, exchanging experiences, 

 and telling what they had expected to see hap- 

 pen to all concerned every time big waves had 

 washed out the fire, we for the first time fully 

 realized the risks we had taken in crossing. 



We were weary enough not to be sorry that 

 the ball was already over. We looked in at its 

 departed glories for a few minutes; and then, 

 finding it would be impossible to start back 

 home before broad daylight, began to look for 

 a lodging-place. 



The town was filled with people who had 

 driven in from the surrounding country for the 

 ball, but we succeeded in getting two small 

 top-story rooms in the hotel, which were vacated 

 for us by some sort of " doubling-up " among 

 the good-natured guests. The three men of our 

 party took one, and we three women the other. 



It was about three o'clock when we retired to 

 our room, and while the other two slept on the 



