CHAPTER III. 



It seemed like an old story 

 to be back at St. Johns again, 

 for though we had stopped 

 there but a few hours when 

 going to the northward, yet 

 both harbor and city are apt 

 to impress themselves upon 

 one at a glance and to remain 

 fixed in one's memory. Of course, our second arrival created 

 no little excitement, especially after the news of the collision 

 with the iceberg had circulated through the town, and the 

 prophets gathered about us and reminded us of their warnings. 

 The realization of a dire prophecy is the greatest happiness that 

 can come to the heart of a prophet, and so our return brought 

 exceeding great Joy to several of the local seers. 



As we knew that we were in for a stay of several days, we 

 proceeded to enjoy ourselves as much as possible, and were 

 aided and abetted in these efforts by a number of the kind 

 and hospitable citizens of St. Johns. The doors of the City 

 Club — the principal social club — were thrown open to us, and 

 this became a headquarters and general meeting- place for the 

 members of the expedition. Here were fine, large reading- 

 rooms, in which we found all the leading American magazines 

 and papers, a beautiful billiard-room, and an excellent cafe. 

 Those only who have been cooped up in the narrow confines 

 of a ship can appreciate the comfort that such a club can 

 bring. 



St. Johns is a capital place to spend the midsummer in. 

 It is cool and pleasant, and has charming surroundings. 



