Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 7.djvu/65

Rh cause accidents which it is impossible to avoid, and a collision at sea is more to be dreaded than a fire.

Thus, in the midst of the fog, officers and sailors were obliged to keep a strict watch, which soon proved to be necessary, for about three o'clock a three-master appeared at less than two hundred yards from the Great Eastern, her sails disabled by a gust of wind, and no longer answering to her helm. The Great Eastern turned in time to avoid her, thanks to the promptitude with which the men on watch warned the steersman. These well-regulated signals are given by means of a bell, fastened to the poop at the bows. One ring signifies ship a-head; two, ship-starboard; three, ship a-larboard; and immediately the man at the helm steers in order to avoid a collision.

The wind did not abate until evening; however the rolling was nothing to speak of, as the sea was protected by the Newfoundland heights. An entertainment, by Sir James Anderson, was announced for this day. At the appointed hour the saloon was filled and Sir James Anderson told us the history of The Transatlantic Cable, which he had himself laid. He showed us photographs representing the different engines used for the immersion. He sent round a model of the splice which was used to fasten together the pieces of cable. Finally, very justly merited, the three cheers with which his lecture was receivdreceived [sic], a great part of which was meant for the Honorable Cyrus Field, promoter of the enterprise, who was present on this occasion.

next day, the 3rd of April, from early dawn the horizon wore that peculiar aspect which the English call "blink." It was of that misty white color which signifies that icebergs are not far distant; in fact the Great Eastern was plowing those seas on which float the first blocks of ice detached from the icebergs in Davis's Straits. A special watch was kept, in order to avoid the rude collision with these enormous blocks.

There was a strong westerly wind blowing; strips of clouds, or rather shreds of vapor, hung over the sea,