Occasionally a downpour of rain tended to cool the stifling atmosphere, but as it ceased the heat seemed to increase.
Water-spouts were frequently observed forming on the horizon, but most fortunately none of them came near the ship.
Some of the gentlemen suggested bathing. Captain Thorne, however, would not permit even a sail to be used for that purpose, since several sharks were suddenly perceived within a few fathoms. Next day he made a cheering announcement.
'The ship will cross the line at noon,' he said.
That event had been eagerly awaited by the passengers.
It was understood that 'King Neptune' would pay them a visit, and such an event would divert attention from a trying existence beneath an almost vertical sun.
The sailors immediately became the busiest of all on board, and much reticence was observed by them.
As the interesting moment approached, the skipper kindly permitted many people to peer through his telescope, across which a hair had been artfully fastened, at the 'line' otherwise invisible to an ordinary eye.
With the making of eight bells, noon, a blast on the fog-horn announced the arrival of a stranger from 'over the bow,' and in loud voice he hailed the ship, wishing to know her name, whither she was bound, and if the captain desired the presence of his master King Neptune.
Through his speaking-trumpet the skipper made the necessary replies.