CHAPTER VII.
THE CATASTROPHE.
And so these two fair women talked, making plans for the future as though all things endured forever, and all plans were destined to be realized.
But even as they talked, somewhere up in the high heavens the Voice that rules the world spoke a word, and the Messenger of Fate rushed forth to do its bidding.

On board the great ship was music and laughter and the sweet voices of singing women; but above it hung a pall of doom.

Not the most timid heart dreamed of danger.

What danger could there be aboard of that grand ship, which sped across the waves with the lightness and confidence of the swallow?
There was naught to fear.

A prosperous voyage was drawing to its end, and mothers put their babes to sleep with as sure a heart as though they were on solid English ground.