“Anything which was a source of comfort to your mother you doubtless treasure very tenderly,” kindly replied the gentleman, who _was_ a gentleman, and felt sorry that his unbelief or skepticism should have brought a shadow upon that fair young face. “There is the breakfast-bell,” he added, in a light tone, as it rang out its keen notes. “Are you hungry?” “Indeed I am, sir,” Star answered, eagerly, adding, with a clear, sweet laugh that fell like music on his ear: “Eating has been an impossibility during the last few days, and I have considerable lost time to make up. That bell has a welcome sound.” “Then take my arm, little girl, and we will go down together; the boat is not quite steady even yet.” “Little girl!” She flushed again, and shrugged her graceful shoulders. Then she glanced up at him with a serio-comic air, and said, with a pretty pout: “I am sixteen years old, Mr.——” She could not finish, because she did not know his name. He laughed. “And maidens of sixteen don’t like to be called little girls, eh?” he said. “Well,” he continued, “I feel as if I am privileged to call you that, since I am nearly sixty, and _my_ name is Jacob Rosevelt.” Star stopped short and looked up at him in surprise. “How strange!” she exclaimed. “Rather,” Mr. Rosevelt returned; then asked: “How did you come by your middle name?” “My grandmother gave it to me.” “Was her name Rosevelt?” “No; her maiden name was Stella Winthrop.” Mr. Rosevelt started, then turned suddenly to look out over the sea, and to hide the pallor of his face. He asked no more questions, and all through breakfast he appeared absent-minded and taciturn. He scarcely spoke to Star during the meal—indeed, hardly noticed her at all—and she wondered if she could have offended him in any way. Before she was half through he left the table, and she saw no more of him until late in the afternoon. About three o’clock she left the saloon, where she had been trying to while away the time by reading, and went on deck. It was very cold, but the sky was cloudless, the sea calm and beautiful, and, save an occasional call and response from the sailors, the distant thud of the machinery, and the swash of the water as they plowed the sea, there was scarcely a sound on board the vessel. Star found a sheltered spot, and wrapping her shawl close about her, sat down for a little while to watch the white-capped waves and the speeding ship. She had scarcely settled herself, thinking with a feeling of gratitude how lovely it was after the dreadful storm, when there came the noise of a dreadful explosion from somewhere forward, followed by a fearful rocking of the vessel; then the most horrible shrieks and cries rent the air; a column of smoke, sparks, and cinders went pouring up from the region of the engine-room, and immediately passengers and sailors began running about in great confusion, and perfectly frantic from fright.