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once in a while, its ding dong bell warning us of shallow water. How different the same bell may sound at different times. To people coming home it must ring only a welcome, though it does sound a trifle mournful to me starting on a thirty day cruise. We passed Sandy Hood, which by the way, doesn't look so formidable with its low batteries though most of its guns are concealed. 4:45 Pilot left the boat. Way off to the south in the promontory the light is flashing its warning light at intervals reminding me of the heliograph signals I saw at Denver flashing from Pikes Peak. 5:15 we passed Scotland Light ships abeam and we are off the deep blue ocean. The Sandy Hook light is nearly out of sight at sundown and the steward has rung the bell for supper. Dec. 8 Never slept better than last night. Today began the learn something about the ship and companions. Captain Spuril(?) reminds me very much of father. Has sailed in many seas and ships; seems solicitous of the welfare of all the passengers. 1st mate is a big burly fellow who directs all the work of the forecastle men. His name is Thos. Gibson which somehow seems too mild for him. J. T. Rise is 2nd Officer. Then is 3rd Officer. There are six passengers, Messer's Hatcher and Petersin with whom I am going, a Peruvian, Wadsworth Cjilian Berrows and a Mr. Fowler who goes to Punta Arenas. The S.S.Capac is a vessel 320 feet long and about 30 feet wide.
