and there was a large bed in the middle of the room, flanked by a dressing table on one side and two stuffed chairs on the other. A small door led to a private bathroom. There were more modern conveniences than I was used to in some of the best hotels.

"Do you have a steamer trunk?" Partington asked.

I didn't. In fact, all I would be bringing aboard with me were two large leather satchels and a case containing my identification documents and the letter of credit I had received from Mr. Harris at the Sun.

"That's fine. You will have more room in your cabin, then," he said. "Would you like to see the rest of the ship—the dining and recreation areas?"

I did. For the next half hour or so, he gave me a tour of the ship, including an inspection of t...

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