Louis was satisfied that Miss Blanche would soon be a passenger on board of the Maud for a day, and he went to his duties on board of the little steamer. He had talked with the professor about his studies, and he took his books with him. The pilot was on board the Guardian-Mother, and the Maud was to follow her out of the harbor. The two steamers went to sea that night, and the weather was delightful. The rough sea had subsided, and the commander anticipated a prosperous voyage. He was not mistaken in his prognostication; for in four days and sixteen hours the steamers were off Cape Matapan, the southern point of Greece. The professor became enthusiastic when the name was announced; Dr. Hawkes and Uncle Moses, both of whom were graduates of colleges and interested in classic lore, were not unmoved. Off Cape Bon, which is within seventy-five miles of the island of Sicily, and with the exception of Spain at the Strait of Gibraltar, is the shortest distance between Europe and "The Dark Continent." At this Cape Miss Blanche was put on board of the Maud, and remained there till evening, greatly to the beatification of the millionaire deck-hand. Two days later the visit was repeated, this time in company with Mrs. Belgrave; and they were on board of the Maud when she made Cape Matapan. CHAPTER XXXV THE ARRIVAL AT CONSTANTINOPLE Since the departure from Algiers the weather had been like a dream of paradise. The African winds came over water enough to cool them, and the thermometer on the deck of the Guardian-Mother stood at seventy, hardly varying from that during the day. Across the Ionian Sea, between Sicily and Greece, the sea was somewhat disturbed, but not enough to make it uncomfortable, even on board of the Maud. "I think this is perfectly delicious!" exclaimed Mrs. Belgrave, as the little steamer was passing Cape Matapan about noon. "Nothing could be finer," replied Captain Scott, who had just been relieved by the port watch. Morris was at the wheel, and Louis had seated Miss Blanche on the forecastle, where he was keeping the lookout. Pitts was busily engaged in getting up a dinner as elaborate as the resources of the little steamer would permit for the guests on board. "You seem to know all the land and all the water in this part of the world as well as Captain Ringgold, Captain Scott," said Mrs. Belgrave, after they had passed the Cape. "Why should I not? I have never been here before, but my chart puts me in possession of all it is necessary to know in connection with the navigation," replied the captain, flattered by the remark and not less by the smile of the lady. "We have to cross the entrance of the Gulf of Kolokythia now; but it is not more than twenty miles wide, and then we go into the Cervi Channel." "Dinner all ready for the starboard watch, Captain Scott," said Pitts, presenting himself in the standing-room. "Where is Miss Blanche?" asked Mrs. Belgrave.