During the remainder of that day and Monday, when the weather was very clear, both ships cruised over the place of meeting, but neither the Niagara nor Gorgon was there, though day and night the lookout for them was constant and incessant. It was evident then that the Niagara had rigidly, but most unfortunately, adhered to the mere letter of the agreement regarding the 100 miles, and after the last fracture had at once turned back for Queenstown. On Tuesday, the 6th, therefore, as the dense fogs and winds set in again it was agreed between the Valorous and Agamemnon to return once more to the rendezvous. But as usual the fog was so thick that the whole American navy might have been cruising there unobserved; so the search was given up, and at eight o'clock that night the ship's head was turned for Cork, and, under all sail, the Agamemnon at last stood homeward. The voyage home was made with ease and swiftness considering the lightness of the wind, the trim of the ship, and that she only steamed three days, and at midday on Tuesday, July 12th, the Agamemnon cast anchor in Queenstown harbor, having met with more dangerous weather, and encountered more mishaps than often falls to the lot of any ship in a cruise of thirty-three days. Thus ends the most arduous and dangerous expedition that had ever been experienced in connection with cable-work. It, at any rate, had the advantage of supplying the public with some exciting reading in the columns of The Times, whose graphic descriptions were much appreciated. The Niagara had reached Queenstown as far back as July 5th. Having found that they had run out 109 miles when "continuity" ceased, those in charge considered that, in order to carry out their instructions, they should return at once to the above port, which they did. On the two ships meeting at Queenstown, discussion immediately took place (1) as to the cause of the cessation of "continuity"; and (2) regarding the course taken by the Niagara in returning home so promptly. The non-arrival of the Agamemnon till nearly a week later had been the cause of much alarm regarding her safety. CHAPTER VIII "FINIS CORONAT OPUS" Renewed "Stock-Taking"--The Last Start--Successful Termination--General Surprise and Applause The sad tale of disaster commenced to spread abroad immediately on the Niagara's arrival in Queenstown; and when Mr. Field hastened to London to meet the other directors of the company, he found that the news had not only preceded him, but had already had its effect.