"Don't go below," protested Aunt Caroline. "You don't know what frightful disease you might catch."
"We'll only look over the railing," and Uncle Jim led Irma to a spot where she could look down at the steerage passengers, sitting in the sun on the deck below.
"It's not very crowded," explained Uncle Jim, "on the passage to Europe at this season. Most of those you see have a free passage because the authorities fear they may become public charges."
"How hard!"
"No, my dear. Many of them have better food and quarters here than they ever have on shore."
"Are there many sick among them?"
"The doctor told me of one poor woman who may not live until she reaches the Azores. She has been working in New Bedford, but when the doctors told her she could not live long, she was sure the air of the Western Islands would cure her. So her friends had a raffle, and raised enough for her passage, and a little more for her to live on after her arrival here, at least, that's what Marion told me."
"Marion!"
"Yes, he takes a great interest in the steerage. I dare say he knows those three ferocious-looking desperadoes in the corner."