Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/27

Rh presented their notes (for Slinger had received a similar one to Hugh's). The mate after reading them, said, "Well, gentlemen, we have several more passengers than we anticipated" (emigrant ships generally have,) "and the cabin to which I am directed to show you contains nine berths; but I hope you will be all very comfortable."

Mr. Slinger whistled the air "Hope told a flattering tale" — he said nothing; but both our friends felt somewhat uneasy at the idea of nine persons sleeping in a cabin which the mate further informed them was about 13 feet by 9. After a short time the mate proposed showing them their berths; and after taking them through a long dingy portion of the ship, with cabin doors on one side, a narrow locker which ran the whole length in the middle, and a half-inch partition on the opposite side, dividing the steerage passengers from the "intermediates," led them into a still darker and more dismal looking place, which bore the ominous and appropriate name of "the stern cabin below." Both Hugh and Slinger, although they thought they had prepared themselves for the worst, were somewhat surprised at the appearance of the cabin. Hugh could not help referring to a copy of the advertisement, setting forth all the comforts of the "Big Ann:" — " Containing every accommodation," muttered Hugh. "And so it does," said the mate, evidently determined to make the best of matters. — " Look here! here's two bull's eyes, a port hole which can be opened in fine weather, a looking-glass for shaving, snug bunks, and, in fact," continued he, glancing his eye round the cabin, "there is every accommodation."

After their eyes had become accustomed to the light, or rather, want of it, they could vaguely distinguish a row of what had much the appearance of four deal coffins without covers placed close together, about two feet above four similar pieces