“Thanks. My, but this is rough, and no mistake!” The gentleman jammed the hat tightly over his head. “Just look at those waves over there!” And he pointed over to the starboard where the water appeared to be mountainous in its height.
“I trust we will get through in safety,” said Oliver with a shudder. “I have no desire to go to the bottom of the sea.”
“Nor I,” laughed the gentleman. “Traveling alone?” he went on curiously.
“I have a schoolmate with me—that is, we met on board.”
“That very stout young man?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Ah, yes, I see. Rather young to be traveling alone. I am glad to meet you. My name is Thomas Whyland. I suppose we shall be thrown together quite some during the voyage.”
“Are you going to San Francisco?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m glad to have met you,” said Oliver with a smile. “I do not know a soul but my chum. My name is Oliver Bright.”