Publisher's Synopsis
A long, narrow, graceful steel steamer, with two masts and an orange-yellow chimney, -taking on cargo at Pier 49 East River. Through her yawning hatchways a mountainous piling up of barrels is visible below;-there is much rumbling and rattling of steam-winches, creaking of derrick-booms, groaning of pulleys as the freight is being lowered in. A breezeless July morning, and a dead heat, -87° already.The saloon-deck gives one suggestion of past and of coming voyages. Under the white awnings long lounge-chairs sprawl here and there, -each with an occupant, smoking in silence, or dozing with head drooping to one side. A young man, awaking as I pass to my cabin, turns upon me a pair of peculiarly luminous black eyes, -creole eyes. Evidently a West Indian....
