Meanwhile, in the second cabin some of the passengers had sat down to tea, and were discussing in lubber-like terms the qualities and accommodation of the vessel, whilst others were amusing themselves by unpacking their chests and ranging the necessary articles for the voyage in the places assigned to them. They were a large party, and there was much fun and confusion amongst them, the dearth of space in their sleeping cabins, and the difficulty of finding room for their various belongings, seeming to provoke more laughter than vexation. Will Farrell especially appeared to be enjoying himself. He was excited at the idea of leaving England and commencing a new life in the bush, and having the opportunity to shake off the suspicion which had been wrongfully attached to him. He had already made fast friends with a man called Bob Perry, and was sitting at the tea-table with him discussing subjects of interest connected with New Zealand, with which Perry had been for some years familiar. It was at this juncture that the second officer, from his watch on the poop, saw a sailor run to the side to help two more passengers over the gangway. They were both women. The first one stumbled, and came head foremost upon deck, striking the gallant seaman who waited to receive her a violent blow in the chest, which he took with a roar of laughter, in which several of his messmates joined. The mirth and confusion seemed to make the second passenger timid, for as she stepped over the gangway she glanced in a nervous manner from one end of the vessel to the other, and whispered to her companion, who in her turn communicated her wishes in a very low voice to the sailor. ‘Second cabin, miss,’ he replied aloud; ‘why, certainly. I’ll show you the way. Round this here corner, that’s it, and down them stairs. Take care. Turn round, miss, and go down back’ards, or you’ll come a cropper. Now you’re safe, and the cabin’s just afore you. No thanks, miss--no thanks,’ and the sailor went upon his own business. Vernon, watching this little episode from the elevation of the poop, could not help wondering for a moment who this second-class passenger could be, who seemed so timid and shrinking, and unlike the company in which she would find herself. She appeared to be a lady travelling with her maid, but what gentlewoman who could afford to keep a servant would go second class? The mystery, slight as it was, was sufficient to puzzle him, and keep him thinking of the last arrivals until he was relieved of his watch. Meanwhile Iris Harland and Maggie had found their way into the second cabin, where all eyes greeted them with a prolonged stare. Iris was terribly nervous--fearful in each face to recognise that of her husband; and her companion was not much better. However, there was no need for alarm, and after a minute or two, when they saw they were in the midst of strangers, they recovered their confidence. Maggie was the first to speak.