Buried at Sea

May 12^th

The ocean today has been as smooth as the Sioux River. There has been just a ripple on it, but not a white cap all day. Another stoker died from the heat last night and was buried in the sea. It must be terrific in front of those furnaces. They work in shifts of two hours each, are stripped to the waist and each man has a bottle of wine in a bucket of ice to keep him cool. Our run up to noon was 357 miles. We passed a school of porpoises about two o’clock; they were tumbling and showing their black bodies occasionally. There are fourteen big lifeboats on deck and life preservers in every stateroom. The band plays at lunch and dinner and also between 10:30 and 11:30. Bouillon in cups and crackers are served every day at 10:00 a.m. and lemonade and cookies at 4 p.m. The only trouble with the food is there is too much of it and we get no chance to get hungry.

May 13^th

The ocean is as calm as a millpond. The slightest ripple disturbs the surface. Our run was 340 miles. We do better with a head wind as it makes a better draft for the furnaces. About noon we passed a ship sailing eastward. We counted 21 sails on her and she made a pretty sight. In the afternoon a steamer was passed, but she was several miles off. Dolphin and flying fish are seen every day. At night a ball was given. One side of the promenade deck was enclosed or rather the half of one side. Flags of all nations were used as drapery for decorations and an additional lot of electric lights were strung. The orchestra furnished fine music and those taking part seemed to enjoy it.