"Captain Ringgold, allow me to introduce my particular friend, Sir Modava
Rao, a gentleman high in the favor of the Indian government, and I may add
of all the native princes."

"I am very happy to make your acquaintance, Sir Modava," replied the
commander, taking his dusky hand.

The captain then invited the two titled gentlemen and the doctor of the
party to the cabin, while the two engineers were turned over to Mr.
Sentrick, the chief engineer.




CHAPTER VI

THE GENERAL INTRODUCTION IN THE CABIN


It was still early in the morning, and the cabin party were not disposed to
remain any longer on the promenade deck; for it was almost impossible for
some of them to stand up, even with the aid of the life-lines and the
rails, and all of them retreated to the boudoir and music-room. None of
them had been introduced to the strangers; for they had asked to be
excused, as they were not in a presentable condition.

The trio of distinguished individuals who had been conducted to the main
cabin by the commander were of course soaked with water, and chilled after
remaining so long in their involuntary bath; and for this reason no
questions were asked of them to bring out an explanation of the cause of