THE TYPHOON. 153

thick of a typhoon for twenty-four hours, in the Enoch
Train.”

«Well, we are in good condition for whatever may
happen,” the first officer said, cheerily.

«So far as the brig is concerned, that’s a fact; but
we're getting well down toward the straits, and I would
prefer to have more sea room.”

Miss Dunham came on deck again wrapped in a mack-
intosh, evidently determined to remain as long as possible,
regardless of the rain, and interrupted the conversation
by asking:

« How will it fare with the Shooting Star if we have a
heavy tempest ?”

«What makes you think we need expect anything of
the kind?”

“Your face would tell the story if there was nothing
more; but don’t you fancy I can read the barometer and
see the angry appearance of the clouds and the ocean?”

«That was rather a foolish question of mine, I’ll ad-
mit, and I am afraid it will be impossible to answer yours.
The schooner is in a bad way to meet heavy weather ;
but if, as I fancy, we are going to have a typhoon, he’ll
have a chance to work himself well up toward port, for
they generally give forty-eight hours’ notice of their
coming.”

«“T reckon we shall catch it sooner than that, sir,’ Mr.
Bean suggested. “It ought to be here within twenty-
four hours after the sea gets up in this way.”

Ben was doing his best not to appear disturbed in mind