All this time we were drifting almost due east. The work
upon the engines had progressed to such an extent that
within a few hours we might expect to be able to proceed
under our own power westward in the direction of Pan-
American waters.

To relieve the monotony I had taken to fishing, and early
that morning I had departed from the Coldwater in one of the
boats on such an excursion. A gentle west wind was blowing.
The sea shimmered in the sunlight. A cloudless sky canopied
the west for our sport, as I had made it a point never
voluntarily to make an inch toward the east that I could
avoid. At least, they should not be able to charge me with
a willful violation of the dead lines regulation.

I had with me only the boat's ordinary complement of men--
three in all, and more than enough to handle any small power
boat. I had not asked any of my officers to accompany me,
as I wished to be alone, and very glad am I now that I had
not. My only regret is that, in view of what befell us, it
had been necessary to bring the three brave fellows who
manned the boat.

Our fishing, which proved excellent, carried us so far to
the west that we no longer could see the Coldwater. The day
wore on, until at last, about mid-afternoon, I gave the
order to return to the ship.

We had proceeded but a short distance toward the east when
one of the men gave an exclamation of excitement, at the