Page:The North Carolina Historical Review - Volume 1, Number 1.pdf/45

Rh rougher all the time and the waves higher. Went down to supper but felt more like lying down, which I did immediately after. The wind began to die down after supper. Tonight we reach the real danger zone and the captain told us to sleep in our clothes. For the next four days we will have anxiety regarding submarines. Good night my dear ones; God bless you and keep you till we meet again.

June 9, 1918, Sunday, Transport Talthybius. I was up at 4:45 a. m. and out on deck just as the sun was rising. The first sunrise I have seen on this trip. The sky had cleared, wind gone down, and sea much smoother, though still with a considerable roll. It was a beautiful sight, but I was too sleepy to enjoy it long, and soon was in my bunk again fast asleep. Had toast and coffee at 7:30 a. m. A beautiful sunshine day but chilly. Overcoat very comfortable. Submarines are now a menace and our lookouts are constantly on the alert. We will feel much safer when the torpedo boats meet us. Probably tonight about 2:30 a. m. (daylight). Our cruiser would not be much good as she is more afraid of submarines than we are. If we are hit by torpedo, all the rest of convoy keep on. None stop to help us. When the torpedo boats are with us, they help to rescue us. Thus until they come we are very anxious and hope no submarine will see us. Eclipse of Sun yesterday was not visible to us at all on account of cloudy weather. Today has been very beautiful and I have enjoyed it thoroughly except for the constant thought of submarines. Tonight we hope the torpedo boats will reach us and then we will feel a little more secure. It is not a pleasant feeling to be expecting to be hit by a torpedo any moment. We all sleep with our clothes on. The alarm for a submarine in sight is six short quick blasts of the steam whistle. Tonight at 9:30 it blew four times and the officers came running out thinking it was an alarm. Some were awakened from sleep. I knew what the four blasts meant so was not excited. It meant to stop zigzagging and take the regular course. The captain gave a good word puzzle tonight. What word of five letters, which is a plural noun, which prevents sleep, is a foe to peace, and which by adding "s" to it then becomes a singular noun, sweet in character and indicates affection? "Cares" plus "s" equals "Caress."