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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of From Plotzk to Boston, by Mary Antin
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: From Plotzk to Boston
+
+Author: Mary Antin
+
+Commentator: Israel Zangwill
+
+Release Date: February 21, 2007 [EBook #20638]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FROM PLOTZK TO BOSTON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Arie Tuinman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
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+
+
+
+From Plotzk to Boston
+
+
+BY
+MARY ANTIN
+
+
+WITH A FOREWORD BY
+
+ISRAEL ZANGWILL
+
+
+
+
+BOSTON, MASS.
+W. B. CLARKE & CO., PARK STREET CHURCH
+1899
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1899
+BY MARY ANTIN
+
+PRESS OF PHILIP COWEN
+NEW YORK CITY
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+DEDICATED TO
+
+HATTIE L. HECHT
+
+WITH THE LOVE AND GRATITUDE OF
+THE AUTHOR
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+The "infant phenomenon" in literature is rarer than in more physical
+branches of art, but its productions are not likely to be of value
+outside the doting domestic circle. Even Pope who "lisped in numbers for
+the numbers came," did not add to our Anthology from his cradle, though
+he may therein have acquired his monotonous rocking-metre. Immaturity of
+mind and experience, so easily disguised on the stage or the
+music-stool--even by adults--is more obvious in the field of pure
+intellect. The contribution with which Mary Antin makes her debut in
+letters is, however, saved from the emptiness of embryonic thinking by
+being a record of a real experience, the greatest of her life; her
+journey from Poland to Boston. Even so, and remarkable as her
+description is for a girl of eleven--for it was at this age that she
+first wrote the thing in Yiddish, though she was thirteen when she
+translated it into English--it would scarcely be worth publishing merely
+as a literary curiosity. But it happens to possess an extraneous value.
+For, despite the great wave of Russian immigration into the United
+States, and despite the noble spirit in which the Jews of America have
+grappled with the invasion, we still know too little of the inner
+feelings of the people themselves, nor do we adequately realize what
+magic vision of free America lures them on to face the great journey to
+the other side of the world.
+
+Mary Antin's vivid description of all she and her dear ones went
+through, enables us to see almost with our own eyes how the invasion of
+America appears to the impecunious invader. It is thus "a human
+document" of considerable value, as well as a promissory note of future
+performance. The quick senses of the child, her keen powers of
+observation and introspection, her impressionability both to sensations
+and complex emotions--these are the very things out of which literature
+is made; the raw stuff of art. Her capacity to handle English--after so
+short a residence in America--shows that she possesses also the
+instrument of expression. More fortunate than the poet of the Ghetto,
+Morris Rosenfeld, she will have at her command the most popular language
+in the world, and she has already produced in it passages of true
+literature, especially in her impressionistic rendering of the sea and
+the bustling phantasmagoria of travel.
+
+What will be her development no one can say precisely, and I would not
+presume either to predict or to direct it, for "the wind bloweth where
+it listeth." It will probably take lyrical shape. Like most modern
+Jewesses who have written, she is, I fear, destined to spiritual
+suffering: fortunately her work evidences a genial talent for enjoyment
+and a warm humanity which may serve to counterbalance the curse of
+reflectiveness. That she is growing, is evident from her own
+Introduction, written only the other day, with its touches of humor and
+more complex manipulation of groups of facts. But I have ventured to
+counsel delay rather than precipitation in production--for she is not
+yet sixteen--and the completion of her education, physical no less than
+intellectual; and it is to this purpose that such profits as may accrue
+from this publication will be devoted. Let us hope this premature
+recognition of her potentialities will not injure their future
+flowering, and that her development will add to those spiritual and
+intellectual forces of which big-hearted American Judaism stands sorely
+in need. I should explain in conclusion, that I have neither added nor
+subtracted, even a comma, and that I have no credit in "discovering"
+Mary Antin. I did but endorse the verdict of that kind and charming
+Boston household in which I had the pleasure of encountering the gifted
+Polish girl, and to a member of which this little volume is
+appropriately dedicated.
+
+I. ZANGWILL.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY
+
+
+In the year 1891, a mighty wave of the emigration movement swept over
+all parts of Russia, carrying with it a vast number of the Jewish
+population to the distant shores of the New World--from tyranny to
+democracy, from darkness to light, from bondage and persecution to
+freedom, justice and equality. But the great mass knew nothing of these
+things; they were going to the foreign world in hopes only of earning
+their bread and worshiping their God in peace. The different currents
+that directed the course of that wave cannot be here enumerated. Suffice
+it to say that its power was enormous. All over the land homes were
+broken up, families separated, lives completely altered, for a common
+end.
+
+The emigration fever was at its height in Plotzk, my native town, in the
+central western part of Russia, on the Dvina River. "America" was in
+everybody's mouth. Business men talked of it over their accounts; the
+market women made up their quarrels that they might discuss it from
+stall to stall; people who had relatives in the famous land went around
+reading their letters for the enlightenment of less fortunate folks; the
+one letter-carrier informed the public how many letters arrived from
+America, and who were the recipients; children played at emigrating; old
+folks shook their sage heads over the evening fire, and prophesied no
+good for those who braved the terrors of the sea and the foreign goal
+beyond it;--all talked of it, but scarcely anybody knew one true fact
+about this magic land. For book-knowledge was not for them; and a few
+persons--they were a dressmaker's daughter, and a merchant with his two
+sons--who had returned from America after a long visit, happened to be
+endowed with extraordinary imagination, (a faculty closely related to
+their knowledge of their old country-men's ignorance), and their
+descriptions of life across the ocean, given daily, for some months, to
+eager audiences, surpassed anything in the Arabian Nights. One sad fact
+threw a shadow over the splendor of the gold-paved, Paradise-like
+fairyland. The travelers all agreed that Jews lived there in the most
+shocking impiety.
+
+Driven by a necessity for bettering the family circumstances, and by
+certain minor forces which cannot now be named, my father began to think
+seriously of casting his lot with the great stream of emigrants. Many
+family councils were held before it was agreed that the plan must be
+carried out. Then came the parting; for it was impossible for the whole
+family to go at once. I remember it, though I was only eight. It struck
+me as rather interesting to stand on the platform before the train, with
+a crowd of friends weeping in sympathy with us, and father waving his
+hat for our special benefit, and saying--the last words we heard him
+speak as the train moved off--
+
+"Good-bye, Plotzk, forever!"
+
+Then followed three long years of hope and doubt for father in America
+and us in Russia. There were toil and suffering and waiting and anxiety
+for all. There were--but to tell of all that happened in those years I
+should have to write a separate history. The happy day came when we
+received the long-coveted summons. And what stirring times followed! The
+period of preparation was one of constant delight to us children. We
+were four--my two sisters, one brother and myself. Our playmates looked
+up to us in respectful admiration; neighbors, if they made no direct
+investigations, bribed us with nice things for information as to what
+was going into every box, package and basket. And the house was
+dismantled--people came and carried off the furniture; closets, sheds
+and other nooks were emptied of their contents; the great wood-pile was
+taken away until only a few logs remained; ancient treasures such as
+women are so loath to part with, and which mother had carried with her
+from a dear little house whence poverty had driven us, were brought to
+light from their hiding places, and sacrificed at the altar whose flames
+were consuming so much that was fraught with precious association and
+endeared by family tradition; the number of bundles and boxes increased
+daily, and our home vanished hourly; the rooms became quite
+uninhabitable at last, and we children glanced in glee, to the anger of
+the echoes, when we heard that in the evening we were to start upon our
+journey.
+
+But we did not go till the next morning, and then as secretly as
+possible. For, despite the glowing tales concerning America, people
+flocked to the departure of emigrants much as they did to a funeral; to
+weep and lament while (in the former case only, I believe) they envied.
+As everybody in Plotzk knew us, and as the departure of a whole family
+was very rousing, we dared not brave the sympathetic presence of the
+whole township, that we knew we might expect. So we gave out a false
+alarm.
+
+Even then there was half the population of Plotzk on hand the next
+morning. We were the heroes of the hour. I remember how the women
+crowded around mother, charging her to deliver messages to their
+relatives in America; how they made the air ring with their
+unintelligible chorus; how they showered down upon us scores of
+suggestions and admonitions; how they made us frantic with their
+sympathetic weeping and wringing of hands; how, finally, the ringing of
+the signal bell set them all talking faster and louder than ever, in
+desperate efforts to give the last bits of advice, deliver the last
+messages, and, to their credit let it be said, to give the final,
+hearty, unfeigned good-bye kisses, hugs and good wishes.
+
+Well, we lived through three years of waiting, and also through a half
+hour of parting. Some of our relatives came near being carried off, as,
+heedless of the last bell, they lingered on in the car. But at last
+they, too, had to go, and we, the wanderers, could scarcely see the
+rainbow wave of colored handkerchiefs, as, dissolved in tears, we were
+carried out of Plotzk, away from home, but nearer our longed-for haven
+of reunion; nearer, indeed, to everything that makes life beautiful and
+gives one an aim and an end--freedom, progress, knowledge, light and
+truth, with their glorious host of followers. But we did not know it
+then.
+
+The following pages contain the description of our journey, as I wrote
+it four years ago, when it was all fresh in my memory.
+
+M. A.
+
+
+
+
+FROM PLOTZK TO BOSTON.
+
+
+The short journey from Plotzk to Vilna was uneventful. Station after
+station was passed without our taking any interest in anything, for that
+never-to-be-forgotten leave taking at the Plotzk railway station left us
+all in such a state of apathy to all things except our own thoughts as
+could not easily be thrown off. Indeed, had we not been obliged to
+change trains at Devinsk and, being the inexperienced travellers we
+were, do a great deal of bustling and hurrying and questioning of
+porters and mere idlers, I do not know how long we would have remained
+in that same thoughtful, silent state.
+
+Towards evening we reached Vilna, and such a welcome as we got! Up to
+then I had never seen such a mob of porters and isvostchiky. I do not
+clearly remember just what occurred, but a most vivid recollection of
+being very uneasy for a time is still retained in my memory. You see my
+uncle was to have met us at the station, but urgent business kept him
+elsewhere.
+
+Now it was universally believed in Plotzk that it was wise not to trust
+the first isvostchik who offered his services when one arrived in Vilna
+a stranger, and I do not know to this day how mother managed to get
+away from the mob and how, above all, she dared to trust herself with
+her precious baggage to one of them. But I have thought better of Vilna
+Isvostchiky since, for we were safely landed after a pretty long drive
+in front of my uncle's store, with never one of our number lost, never a
+bundle stolen or any mishap whatever.
+
+Our stay in Vilna was marked by nothing of interest. We stayed only long
+enough for some necessary papers to reach us, and during that time I
+discovered that Vilna was very much like Plotzk, though larger, cleaner
+and noisier. There were the same coarse, hoarse-voiced women in the
+market, the same kind of storekeepers in the low store doors, forever
+struggling and quarrelling for a customer. The only really interesting
+things I remember were the horsecars, which I had never even heard of,
+and in one of which I had a lovely ride for five copeiky, and a large
+book store on the Nemetzka yah Ulitza. The latter object may not seem of
+any interest to most people, but I had never seen so many books in one
+place before, and I could not help regarding them with longing and
+wonder.
+
+At last all was in readiness for our start. This was really the
+beginning of our long journey, which I shall endeavor to describe.
+
+I will not give any description of the various places we passed, for we
+stopped at few places and always under circumstances which did not
+permit of sightseeing. I shall only speak of such things as made a
+distinct impression upon my mind, which, it must be remembered, was not
+mature enough to be impressed by what older minds were, while on the
+contrary it was in just the state to take in many things which others
+heeded not.
+
+I do not know the exact date, but I do know that it was at the break of
+day on a Sunday and very early in April when we left Vilna. We had not
+slept any the night before. Fannie and I spent the long hours in playing
+various quiet games and watching the clock. At last the long expected
+hour arrived; our train would be due in a short time. All but Fannie and
+myself had by this time fallen into a drowse, half sitting, half lying
+on some of the many baskets and boxes that stood all about the room all
+ready to be taken to the station. So we set to work to rouse the rest,
+and with the aid of an alarm clock's loud ringing, we soon had them at
+least half awake; and while the others sat rubbing their eyes and trying
+to look wide awake, Uncle Borris had gone out, and when he returned with
+several droskies to convey us to the station, we were all ready for the
+start.
+
+We went out into the street, and now I perceived that not we alone were
+sleepy; everything slept, and nature also slept, deeply, sweetly.
+
+The sky was covered with dark gray clouds (perhaps that was its
+night-cap), from which a chill, drizzling rain was slowly descending,
+and the thick morning fog shut out the road from our sight. No sound
+came from any direction; slumber and quiet reigned everywhere, for every
+thing and person slept, forgetful for a time of joys, sorrows, hopes,
+fears,--everything.
+
+Sleepily we said our last good-byes to the family, took our seats in the
+droskies, and soon the Hospitalnayah Ulitza was lost to sight. As the
+vehicles rattled along the deserted streets, the noise of the horses'
+hoofs and the wheels striking against the paving stones sounded
+unusually loud in the general hush, and caused the echoes to answer
+again and again from the silent streets and alleys.
+
+In a short time we were at the station. In our impatience we had come
+too early, and now the waiting was very tiresome. Everybody knows how
+lively and noisy it is at a railroad station when a train is expected.
+But now there were but a few persons present, and in everybody's face I
+could see the reflection of my own dissatisfaction, because, like
+myself, they had much rather have been in a comfortable, warm bed than
+up and about in the rain and fog. Everything was so uncomfortable.
+
+Suddenly we heard a long shrill whistle, to which the surrounding
+dreariness gave a strangely mournful sound, the clattering train rushed
+into the depot and stood still. Several passengers (they were very few)
+left the cars and hastened towards where the droskies stood, and after
+rousing the sleepy isvostchiky, were whirled away to their several
+destinations.
+
+When we had secured our tickets and seen to the baggage we entered a car
+in the women's division and waited impatiently for the train to start.
+At last the first signal was given, then the second and third; the
+locomotive shrieked and puffed, the train moved slowly, then swiftly it
+left the depot far behind it.
+
+From Vilna to our next stopping place, Verzbolovo, there was a long,
+tedious ride of about eight hours. As the day continued to be dull and
+foggy, very little could be seen through the windows. Besides, no one
+seemed to care or to be interested in anything. Sleepy and tired as we
+all were, we got little rest, except the younger ones, for we had not
+yet got used to living in the cars and could not make ourselves very
+comfortable. For the greater part of the time we remained as unsocial as
+the weather was unpleasant. The car was very still, there being few
+passengers, among them a very pleasant kind gentleman travelling with
+his pretty daughter. Mother found them very pleasant to chat with, and
+we children found it less tiresome to listen to them.
+
+At half past twelve o'clock the train came to a stop before a large
+depot, and the conductor announced "Verzbolovo, fifteen minutes!" The
+sight that now presented itself was very cheering after our long,
+unpleasant ride. The weather had changed very much. The sun was shining
+brightly and not a trace of fog or cloud was to be seen. Crowds of
+well-dressed people were everywhere--walking up and down the platform,
+passing through the many gates leading to the street, sitting around the
+long, well-loaded tables, eating, drinking, talking or reading
+newspapers, waited upon by the liveliest, busiest waiters I had ever
+seen--and there was such an activity and bustle about everything that I
+wished I could join in it, it seemed so hard to sit still. But I had to
+content myself with looking on with the others, while the friendly
+gentleman whose acquaintance my mother had made (I do not recollect his
+name) assisted her in obtaining our tickets for Eidtkunen, and attending
+to everything else that needed attention, and there were many things.
+
+Soon the fifteen minutes were up, our kind fellow-passenger and his
+daughter bade us farewell and a pleasant journey (we were just on the
+brink of the beginning of our troubles), the train puffed out of the
+depot and we all felt we were nearing a very important stage in our
+journey. At this time, cholera was raging in Russia, and was spread by
+emigrants going to America in the countries through which they
+travelled. To stop this danger, measures were taken to make emigration
+from Russia more difficult than ever. I believe that at all times the
+crossing of the boundary between Russia and Germany was a source of
+trouble to Russians, but with a special passport this was easily
+overcome. When, however, the traveller could not afford to supply
+himself with one, the boundary was crossed by stealth, and many amusing
+anecdotes are told of persons who crossed in some disguise, often that
+of a mujik who said he was going to the town on the German side to sell
+some goods, carried for the purpose of ensuring the success of the ruse.
+When several such tricks had been played on the guards it became very
+risky, and often, when caught, a traveller resorted to stratagem, which
+is very diverting when afterwards described, but not so at a time when
+much depends on its success. Some times a paltry bribe secured one a
+safe passage, and often emigrants were aided by men who made it their
+profession to help them cross, often suffering themselves to be paid
+such sums for the service that it paid best to be provided with a
+special passport.
+
+As I said, the difficulties were greater at the time we were travelling,
+and our friends believed we had better not attempt a stealthy crossing,
+and we procured the necessary document to facilitate it. We therefore
+expected little trouble, but some we thought there might be, for we had
+heard some vague rumors to the effect that a special passport was not as
+powerful an agent as it used to be.
+
+We now prepared to enjoy a little lunch, and before we had time to clear
+it away the train stopped, and we saw several men in blue uniforms, gilt
+buttons and brass helmets, if you may call them so, on their heads. At
+his side each wore a kind of leather case attached to a wide bronze
+belt. In these cases they carried something like a revolver, and each
+had, besides, a little book with black oilcloth covers.
+
+I can give you no idea of the impression these men (they were German
+gendarmes) made on us, by saying they frightened us. Perhaps because
+their (to us) impressive appearance gave them a stern look; perhaps
+because they really looked something more than grave, we were so
+frightened. I only know that we were. I can see the reason now clearly
+enough. Like all persons who were used to the tyranny of a Russian
+policeman, who practically ruled the ward or town under his friendly
+protection, and never hesitated to assert his rights as holder of
+unlimited authority over his little domain, in that mild, amiable manner
+so well known to such of his subjects as he particularly favored with
+his vigilant regard--like all such persons, I say, we did not, could
+not, expect to receive any kind treatment at the hands of a number of
+officers, especially as we were in the very act of attempting to part
+with our much-beloved mother country, of which act, to judge by the
+pains it took to make it difficult, the government did not approve. It
+was a natural fear in us, as you can easily see. Pretty soon mother
+recovered herself, and remembering that the train stops for a few
+minutes only, was beginning to put away the scattered articles hastily
+when a gendarme entered our car and said we were not to leave it. Mamma
+asked him why, but he said nothing and left the car, another gendarme
+entering as he did so. He demanded where we were going, and, hearing the
+answer, went out. Before we had had time to look about at each other's
+frightened faces, another man, a doctor, as we soon knew, came in
+followed by a third gendarme.
+
+The doctor asked many questions about our health, and of what
+nationality we were. Then he asked about various things, as where we
+were going to, if we had tickets, how much money we had, where we came
+from, to whom we were going, etc., etc., making a note of every answer
+he received. This done, he shook his head with his shining helmet on it,
+and said slowly (I imagined he enjoyed frightening us), "With these
+third class tickets you cannot go to America now, because it is
+forbidden to admit emigrants into Germany who have not at least second
+class tickets. You will have to return to Russia unless you pay at the
+office here to have your tickets changed for second class ones." After a
+few minutes' calculation and reference to the notes he had made, he
+added calmly, "I find you will need two hundred rubles to get your
+tickets exchanged;" and, as the finishing stroke to his pleasing
+communication, added, "Your passports are of no use at all now because
+the necessary part has to be torn out, whether you are allowed to pass
+or not." A plain, short speech he made of it, that cruel man. Yet every
+word sounded in our ears with an awful sound that stopped the beating of
+our hearts for a while--sounded like the ringing of funeral bells to us,
+and yet without the mournfully sweet music those bells make, that they
+might heal while they hurt.
+
+We were homeless, houseless, and friendless in a strange place. We had
+hardly money enough to last us through the voyage for which we had hoped
+and waited for three long years. We had suffered much that the reunion
+we longed for might come about; we had prepared ourselves to suffer more
+in order to bring it about, and had parted with those we loved, with
+places that were dear to us in spite of what we passed through in them,
+never again to see them, as we were convinced--all for the same dear
+end. With strong hopes and high spirits that hid the sad parting, we had
+started on our long journey. And now we were checked so unexpectedly
+but surely, the blow coming from where we little expected it, being, as
+we believed, safe in that quarter. And that is why the simple words had
+such a frightful meaning to us. We had received a wound we knew not how
+to heal.
+
+When mother had recovered enough to speak she began to argue with the
+gendarme, telling him our story and begging him to be kind. The children
+were frightened by what they understood, and all but cried. I was only
+wondering what would happen, and wishing I could pour out my grief in
+tears, as the others did; but when I feel deeply I seldom show it in
+that way, and always wish I could.
+
+Mother's supplications, and perhaps the children's indirect ones, had
+more effect than I supposed they would. The officer was moved, even if
+he had just said that tears would not be accepted instead of money, and
+gave us such kind advice that I began to be sorry I had thought him
+cruel, for it was easy to see that he was only doing his duty and had no
+part in our trouble that he could be blamed for, now that I had more
+kindly thoughts of him.
+
+He said that we would now be taken to Keebart, a few versts' distance
+from Verzbolovo, where one Herr Schidorsky lived. This man, he said, was
+well known for miles around, and we were to tell him our story and ask
+him to help us, which he probably would, being very kind.
+
+A ray of hope shone on each of the frightened faces listening so
+attentively to this bearer of both evil and happy tidings. I, for one,
+was very confident that the good man would help us through our
+difficulties, for I was most unwilling to believe that we really
+couldn't continue our journey. Which of us was? I'd like to know.
+
+We are in Keebart, at the depot. The least important particular even of
+that place, I noticed and remembered. How the porter--he was an ugly,
+grinning man--carried in our things and put them away in the southern
+corner of the big room, on the floor; how we sat down on a settee near
+them, a yellow settee; how the glass roof let in so much light that we
+had to shade our eyes because the car had been dark and we had been
+crying; how there were only a few people besides ourselves there, and
+how I began to count them and stopped when I noticed a sign over the
+head of the fifth person--a little woman with a red nose and a pimple on
+it, that seemed to be staring at me as much as the grayish-blue eyes
+above them, it was so large and round--and tried to read the German,
+with the aid of the Russian translation below. I noticed all this and
+remembered it, as if there was nothing else in the world for me to think
+of--no America, no gendarme to destroy one's passports and speak of two
+hundred rubles as if he were a millionaire, no possibility of being sent
+back to one's old home whether one felt at all grateful for the
+kindness or not--nothing but that most attractive of places, full of
+interesting sights.
+
+For, though I had been so hopeful a little while ago, I felt quite
+discouraged when a man, very sour and grumbling--and he was a Jew--a
+"Son of Mercy" as a certain song said--refused to tell mamma where
+Schidorsky lived. I then believed that the whole world must have united
+against us; and decided to show my defiant indifference by leaving the
+world to be as unkind as it pleased, while I took no interest in such
+trifles.
+
+So I let my mind lose itself in a queer sort of mist--a something I
+cannot describe except by saying it must have been made up of lazy
+inactivity. Through this mist I saw and heard indistinctly much that
+followed.
+
+When I think of it now, I see how selfish it was to allow myself to
+sink, body and mind, in such a sea of helpless laziness, when I might
+have done something besides awaiting the end of that critical time,
+whatever it might be--something, though what, I do not see even now, I
+own. But I only studied the many notices till I thought myself very well
+acquainted with the German tongue; and now and then tried to cheer the
+other children, who were still inclined to cry, by pointing out to them
+some of the things that interested me. For this faulty conduct I have no
+excuse to give, unless youth and the fact that I was stunned with the
+shock we had just received, will be accepted.
+
+I remember through that mist that mother found Schidorsky's home at
+last, but was told she could not see him till a little later; that she
+came back to comfort us, and found there our former fellow passenger who
+had come with us from Vilna, and that he was very indignant at the way
+in which we were treated, and scolded, and declared he would have the
+matter in all the papers, and said we must be helped. I remember how
+mamma saw Schidorsky at last, spoke to him, and then told us, word for
+word, what his answer had been; that he wouldn't wait to be asked to use
+all his influence, and wouldn't lose a moment about it, and he didn't,
+for he went out at once on that errand, while his good daughter did her
+best to comfort mamma with kind words and tea. I remember that there was
+much going to the good man's house; much hurrying of special messengers
+to and from Eidtkunen; trembling inquiries, uncertain replies made
+hopeful only by the pitying, encouraging words and manners of the
+deliverer--for all, even the servants, were kind as good angels at that
+place. I remember that another little family--there were three--were
+discovered by us in the same happy state as ourselves, and like the dogs
+in the fable, who, receiving care at the hands of a kind man, sent their
+friends to him for help, we sent them to our helper.
+
+I remember seeing night come out of that mist, and bringing more trains
+and people and noise than the whole day (we still remained at the
+depot), till I felt sick and dizzy. I remember wondering what kind of a
+night it was, but not knowing how to find out, as if I had no senses. I
+remember that somebody said we were obliged to remain in Keebart that
+night and that we set out to find lodgings; that the most important
+things I saw on the way were the two largest dolls I had ever seen,
+carried by two pretty little girls, and a big, handsome father; and a
+great deal of gravel in the streets, and boards for the crossings. I
+remember that we found a little room (we had to go up four steps first)
+that we could have for seventy-five copecks, with our tea paid for in
+that sum. I remember, through that mist, how I wondered what I was
+sleeping on that night, as I wondered about the weather; that we really
+woke up in the morning (I was so glad to rest I had believed we should
+never be disturbed again) and washed, and dressed and breakfasted and
+went to the depot again, to be always on hand. I remember that mamma and
+the father of the little family went at once to the only good man on
+earth (I thought so) and that the party of three were soon gone, by the
+help of some agent that was slower, for good reasons, in helping us.
+
+I remember that mamma came to us soon after and said that Herr
+Schidorsky had told her to ask the Postmeister--some high official
+there--for a pass to Eidtkunen; and there she should speak herself to
+our protector's older brother who could help us by means of his great
+power among the officers of high rank; that she returned in a few hours
+and told us the two brothers were equal in kindness, for the older one,
+too, said he would not wait to be asked to do his best for us. I
+remember that another day--so-o-o long--passed behind the mist, and we
+were still in that dreadful, noisy, tiresome depot, with no change, till
+we went to spend the night at Herr Schidorsky's, because they wouldn't
+let us go anywhere else. On the way there, I remember, I saw something
+marvellous--queer little wooden sticks stuck on the lines where clothes
+hung for some purpose. (I didn't think it was for drying, because you
+know I always saw things hung up on fences and gates for such purposes.
+The queer things turned out to be clothes-pins). And, I remember, I
+noticed many other things of equal importance to our affairs, till we
+came to the little house in the garden. Here we were received, I
+remember with much kindness and hospitality. We had a fire made for us,
+food and drink brought in, and a servant was always inquiring whether
+anything more could be done for our comfort.
+
+I remember, still through that misty veil, what a pleasant evening we
+passed, talking over what had so far happened, and wondering what would
+come. I must have talked like one lost in a thick fog, groping
+carefully. But, had I been shut up, mentally, in a tower nothing else
+could pierce, the sense of gratitude that naturally sprung from the
+kindness that surrounded us, must have, would have found a passage for
+itself to the deepest cavities of the heart. Yes, though all my senses
+were dulled by what had passed over us so lately, I was yet aware of the
+deepest sense of thankfulness one can ever feel. I was aware of
+something like the sweet presence of angels in the persons of good
+Schidorsky and his family. Oh, that some knowledge of that gratitude
+might reach those for whom we felt it so keenly! We all felt it. But the
+deepest emotions are so hard to express. I thought of this as I lay
+awake a little while, and said to myself, thinking of our benefactor,
+that he was a Jew, a true "Son of Mercy." And I slept with that thought.
+And this is the last I remember seeing and feeling behind that mist of
+lazy inactivity.
+
+The next morning, I woke not only from the night's sleep, but from my
+waking dreaminess. All the vapors dispersed as I went into the pretty
+flower garden where the others were already at play, and by the time we
+had finished a good breakfast, served by a dear servant girl, I felt
+quite myself again.
+
+Of course, mamma hastened to Herr Schidorsky as soon as she could, and
+he sent her to the Postmeister again, to ask him to return the part of
+our passports that had been torn out, and without which we could not go
+on. He said he would return them as soon as he received word from
+Eidtkunen. So we could only wait and hope. At last it came and so
+suddenly that we ran off to the depot with hardly a hat on all our
+heads, or a coat on our backs, with two men running behind with our
+things, making it a very ridiculous sight. We have often laughed over it
+since.
+
+Of course, in such a confusion we could not say even one word of
+farewell or thanks to our deliverers. But, turning to see that we were
+all there, I saw them standing in the gate, crying that all was well
+now, and wishing us many pleasant things, and looking as if they had
+been receiving all the blessings instead of us.
+
+I have often thought they must have purposely arranged it that we should
+have to leave in a hurry, because they wouldn't stand any expression of
+gratefulness.
+
+Well, we just reached our car in time to see our baggage brought from
+the office and ourselves inside, when the last bell rang. Then, before
+we could get breath enough to utter more than faint gasps of delight, we
+were again in Eidtkunen.
+
+The gendarmes came to question us again, but when mother said that we
+were going to Herr Schidorsky of Eidtkunen, as she had been told to
+say, we were allowed to leave the train. I really thought we were to be
+the visitors of the elder Schidorsky, but it turned out to be only an
+understanding between him and the officers that those claiming to be on
+their way to him were not to be troubled.
+
+At any rate, we had now really crossed the forbidden boundary--we were
+in Germany.
+
+There was a terrible confusion in the baggage-room where we were
+directed to go. Boxes, baskets, bags, valises, and great, shapeless
+things belonging to no particular class were thrown about by porters and
+other men, who sorted them and put tickets on all but those containing
+provisions, while others were opened and examined in haste. At last our
+turn came, and our things, along with those of all other American-bound
+travellers, were taken away to be steamed and smoked and other such
+processes gone through. We were told to wait till notice should be given
+us of something else to be done. Our train would not depart till nine in
+the evening.
+
+As usual, I noticed all the little particulars of the waiting room. What
+else could I do with so much time and not even a book to read? I could
+describe it exactly--the large, square room, painted walls, long tables
+with fruits and drinks of all kinds covering them, the white chairs,
+carved settees, beautiful china and cut glass showing through the glass
+doors of the dressers, and the nickel samovar, which attracted my
+attention because I had never seen any but copper or brass ones. The
+best and the worst of everything there was a large case full of books.
+It was the best, because they were "books" and all could use them; the
+worst, because they were all German, and my studies in the railway depot
+of Keebart had not taught me so much that I should be able to read books
+in German. It was very hard to see people get those books and enjoy them
+while I couldn't. It was impossible to be content with other people's
+pleasure, and I wasn't.
+
+When I had almost finished counting the books, I noticed that mamma and
+the others had made friends with a family of travellers like ourselves.
+Frau Gittleman and her five children made very interesting companions
+for the rest of the day, and they seemed to think that Frau Antin and
+the four younger Antins were just as interesting; perhaps excepting, in
+their minds, one of them who must have appeared rather uninteresting
+from a habit she had of looking about as if always expecting to make
+discoveries.
+
+But she was interested, if not interesting, enough when the oldest of
+the young Gittlemans, who was a young gentleman of seventeen, produced
+some books which she could read. Then all had a merry time together,
+reading, talking, telling the various adventures of the journey, and
+walking, as far as we were allowed, up and down the long platform
+outside, till we were called to go and see, if we wanted to see, how our
+things were being made fit for further travel. It was interesting to see
+how they managed to have anything left to return to us, after all the
+processes of airing and smoking and steaming and other assaults on
+supposed germs of the dreaded cholera had been done with, the pillows,
+even, being ripped open to be steamed! All this was interesting, but we
+were rather disagreeably surprised when a bill for these unasked-for
+services had to be paid.
+
+The Gittlemans, we found, were to keep us company for some time. At the
+expected hour we all tried to find room in a car indicated by the
+conductor. We tried, but could only find enough space on the floor for
+our baggage, on which we made believe sitting comfortably. For now we
+were obliged to exchange the comparative comforts of a third class
+passenger train for the certain discomforts of a fourth class one. There
+were only four narrow benches in the whole car, and about twice as many
+people were already seated on these as they were probably supposed to
+accommodate. All other space, to the last inch, was crowded by
+passengers or their luggage. It was very hot and close and altogether
+uncomfortable, and still at every new station fresh passengers came
+crowding in, and actually made room, spare as it was, for themselves. It
+became so terrible that all glared madly at the conductor as he allowed
+more people to come into that prison, and trembled at the announcement
+of every station. I cannot see even now how the officers could allow
+such a thing; it was really dangerous. The most remarkable thing was the
+good-nature of the poor passengers. Few showed a sour face even; not a
+man used any strong language (audibly, at least). They smiled at each
+other as if they meant to say, "I am having a good time; so are you,
+aren't you?" Young Gittleman was very gallant, and so cheerful that he
+attracted everybody's attention. He told stories, laughed, and made us
+unwilling to be outdone. During one of his narratives he produced a
+pretty memorandum book that pleased one of us very much, and that
+pleasing gentleman at once presented it to her. She has kept it since in
+memory of the giver, and, in the right place, I could tell more about
+that matter--very interesting.
+
+I have given so much space to the description of that one night's
+adventures because I remember it so distinctly, with all its
+discomforts, and the contrast of our fellow-travellers' kindly
+dispositions. At length that dreadful night passed, and at dawn about
+half the passengers left, all at once. There was such a sigh of relief
+and a stretching of cramped limbs as can only be imagined, as the
+remaining passengers inhaled the fresh cold air of dewy dawn. It was
+almost worth the previous suffering to experience the pleasure of relief
+that followed.
+
+All day long we travelled in the same train, sleeping, resting, eating,
+and wishing to get out. But the train stopped for a very short time at
+the many stations, and all the difference that made to us was that
+pretty girls passed through the cars with little bark baskets filled
+with fruit and flowers hardly fresher or prettier than their bearers,
+who generally sold something to our young companion, for he never
+wearied of entertaining us.
+
+Other interests there were none. The scenery was nothing unusual, only
+towns, depots, roads, fields, little country houses with barns and
+cattle and poultry--all such as we were well acquainted with. If
+something new did appear, it was passed before one could get a good look
+at it. The most pleasing sights were little barefoot children waving
+their aprons or hats as we eagerly watched for them, because that
+reminded us of our doing the same thing when we saw the passenger
+trains, in the country. We used to wonder whether we should ever do so
+again.
+
+Towards evening we came into Berlin. I grow dizzy even now when I think
+of our whirling through that city. It seemed we were going faster and
+faster all the time, but it was only the whirl of trains passing in
+opposite directions and close to us that made it seem so. The sight of
+crowds of people such as we had never seen before, hurrying to and fro,
+in and out of great depots that danced past us, helped to make it more
+so. Strange sights, splendid buildings, shops, people and animals, all
+mingled in one great, confused mass of a disposition to continually move
+in a great hurry, wildly, with no other aim but to make one's head go
+round and round, in following its dreadful motions. Round and round went
+my head. It was nothing but trains, depots, crowds--crowds, depots,
+trains, again and again, with no beginning, no end, only a mad dance!
+Faster and faster we go, faster still, and the noise increases with the
+speed. Bells, whistles, hammers, locomotives shrieking madly, men's
+voices, peddlers' cries, horses' hoofs, dogs' barking--all united in
+doing their best to drown every other sound but their own, and made such
+a deafening uproar in the attempt that nothing could keep it out. Whirl,
+noise, dance, uproar--will it last forever? I'm so--o diz-z-zy! How my
+head aches!
+
+And oh! those people will be run over! Stop the train, they'll--thank
+goodness, nobody is hurt. But who ever heard of a train passing right
+through the middle of a city, up in the air, it seems. Oh, dear! it's no
+use thinking, my head spins so. Right through the business streets! Why,
+who ever--!
+
+I must have lived through a century of this terrible motion and din and
+unheard of roads for trains, and confused thinking. But at length
+everything began to take a more familiar appearance again, the noise
+grew less, the roads more secluded, and by degrees we recognized the
+dear, peaceful country. Now we could think of Berlin, or rather, what we
+had seen of it, more calmly, and wonder why it made such an impression.
+I see now. We had never seen so large a city before, and were not
+prepared to see such sights, bursting upon us so suddenly as that. It
+was like allowing a blind man to see the full glare of the sun all at
+once. Our little Plotzk, and even the larger cities we had passed
+through, compared to Berlin about the same as total darkness does to
+great brilliancy of light.
+
+In a great lonely field opposite a solitary wooden house within a large
+yard, our train pulled up at last, and a conductor commanded the
+passengers to make haste and get out. He need not have told us to hurry;
+we were glad enough to be free again after such a long imprisonment in
+the uncomfortable car. All rushed to the door. We breathed more freely
+in the open field, but the conductor did not wait for us to enjoy our
+freedom. He hurried us into the one large room which made up the house,
+and then into the yard. Here a great many men and women, dressed in
+white, received us, the women attending to the women and girls of the
+passengers, and the men to the others.
+
+This was another scene of bewildering confusion, parents losing their
+children, and little ones crying; baggage being thrown together in one
+corner of the yard, heedless of contents, which suffered in consequence;
+those white-clad Germans shouting commands always accompanied with
+"Quick! Quick!"; the confused passengers obeying all orders like meek
+children, only questioning now and then what was going to be done with
+them.
+
+And no wonder if in some minds stories arose of people being captured by
+robbers, murderers, and the like. Here we had been taken to a lonely
+place where only that house was to be seen; our things were taken away,
+our friends separated from us; a man came to inspect us, as if to
+ascertain our full value; strange looking people driving us about like
+dumb animals, helpless and unresisting; children we could not see,
+crying in a way that suggested terrible things; ourselves driven into a
+little room where a great kettle was boiling on a little stove; our
+clothes taken off, our bodies rubbed with a slippery substance that
+might be any bad thing; a shower of warm water let down on us without
+warning; again driven to another little room where we sit, wrapped in
+woollen blankets till large, coarse bags are brought in, their contents
+turned out and we see only a cloud of steam, and hear the women's
+orders to dress ourselves, quick, quick, or else we'll miss--something
+we cannot hear. We are forced to pick out our clothes from among all the
+others, with the steam blinding us; we choke, cough, entreat the women
+to give us time; they persist, "Quick, quick, or you'll miss the train!"
+Oh, so we really won't be murdered! They are only making us ready for
+the continuing of our journey, cleaning us of all suspicions of
+dangerous germs. Thank God!
+
+Assured by the word "train" we manage to dress ourselves after a
+fashion, and the man comes again to inspect us. All is right, and we are
+allowed to go into the yard to find our friends and our luggage. Both
+are difficult tasks, the second even harder. Imagine all the things of
+some hundreds of people making a journey like ours, being mostly
+unpacked and mixed together in one sad heap. It was disheartening, but
+done at last was the task of collecting our belongings, and we were
+marched into the big room again. Here, on the bare floor, in a ring, sat
+some Polish men and women singing some hymn in their own tongue, and
+making more noise than music. We were obliged to stand and await further
+orders, the few seats being occupied, and the great door barred and
+locked. We were in a prison, and again felt some doubts. Then a man came
+in and called the passengers' names, and when they answered they were
+made to pay two marcs each for the pleasant bath we had just been
+forced to take.
+
+Another half hour, and our train arrived. The door was opened, and we
+rushed out into the field, glad to get back even to the fourth class
+car.
+
+We had lost sight of the Gittlemans, who were going a different way now,
+and to our regret hadn't even said good-bye, or thanked them for their
+kindness.
+
+After the preceding night of wakefulness and discomfort, the weary day
+in the train, the dizzy whirl through Berlin, the fright we had from the
+rough proceedings of the Germans, and all the strange experiences of the
+place we just escaped--after all this we needed rest. But to get it was
+impossible for all but the youngest children. If we had borne great
+discomforts on the night before, we were suffering now. I had thought
+anything worse impossible. Worse it was now. The car was even more
+crowded, and people gasped for breath. People sat in strangers' laps,
+only glad of that. The floor was so thickly lined that the conductor
+could not pass, and the tickets were passed to him from hand to hand.
+To-night all were more worn out, and that did not mend their
+dispositions. They could not help falling asleep and colliding with
+someone's nodding head, which called out angry mutterings and growls.
+Some fell off their seats and caused a great commotion by rolling over
+on the sleepers on the floor, and, in spite of my own sleepiness and
+weariness, I had many quiet laughs by myself as I watched the funny
+actions of the poor travellers.
+
+Not until very late did I fall asleep. I, with the rest, missed the
+pleasant company of our friends, the Gittlemans, and thought about them
+as I sat perched on a box, with an old man's knees for the back of my
+seat, another man's head continually striking my right shoulder, a dozen
+or so arms being tossed restlessly right in front of my face, and as
+many legs holding me a fast prisoner, so that I could only try to keep
+my seat against all the assaults of the sleepers who tried in vain to
+make their positions more comfortable. It was all so comical, in spite
+of all the inconveniences, that I tried hard not to laugh out loud, till
+I too fell asleep. I was awakened very early in the morning by something
+chilling and uncomfortable on my face, like raindrops coming down
+irregularly. I found it was a neighbor of mine eating cheese, who was
+dropping bits on my face. So I began the day with a laugh at the man's
+funny apologies, but could not find much more fun in the world on
+account of the cold and the pain of every limb. It was very miserable,
+till some breakfast cheered me up a little.
+
+About eight o'clock we reached Hamburg. Again there was a gendarme to
+ask questions, look over the tickets and give directions. But all the
+time he kept a distance from those passengers who came from Russia, all
+for fear of the cholera. We had noticed before how people were afraid to
+come near us, but since that memorable bath in Berlin, and all the
+steaming and smoking of our things, it seemed unnecessary.
+
+We were marched up to the strangest sort of vehicle one could think of.
+It was a something I don't know any name for, though a little like an
+express wagon. At that time I had never seen such a high, narrow, long
+thing, so high that the women and girls couldn't climb up without the
+men's help, and great difficulty; so narrow that two persons could not
+sit comfortably side by side, and so long that it took me some time to
+move my eyes from the rear end, where the baggage was, to the front,
+where the driver sat.
+
+When all had settled down at last (there were a number besides
+ourselves) the two horses started off very fast, in spite of their heavy
+load. Through noisy, strange looking streets they took us, where many
+people walked or ran or rode. Many splendid houses, stone and brick, and
+showy shops, they passed. Much that was very strange to us we saw, and
+little we knew anything about. There a little cart loaded with bottles
+or tin cans, drawn by a goat or a dog, sometimes two, attracted our
+attention. Sometimes it was only a nurse carrying a child in her arms
+that seemed interesting, from the strange dress. Often it was some
+article displayed in a shop window or door, or the usually smiling owner
+standing in the doorway, that called for our notice. Not that there was
+anything really unusual in many of these things, but a certain air of
+foreignness, which sometimes was very vague, surrounded everything that
+passed before our interested gaze as the horses hastened on.
+
+The strangest sight of all we saw as we came into the still noisier
+streets. Something like a horse-car such as we had seen in Vilna for the
+first time, except that it was open on both sides (in most cases) but
+without any horses, came flying--really flying--past us. For we stared
+and looked it all over, and above, and under, and rubbed our eyes, and
+asked of one another what we saw, and nobody could find what it was that
+made the thing go. And go it did, one after another, faster than we,
+with nothing to move it. "Why, what _is_ that?" we kept exclaiming.
+"Really, do you see anything that makes it go? I'm sure I don't." Then I
+ventured the highly probable suggestion, "Perhaps it's the fat man in
+the gray coat and hat with silver buttons. I guess he pushes it. I've
+noticed one in front on every one of them, holding on to that shining
+thing." And I'm sure this was as wise a solution of the mystery as
+anyone could give, except the driver, who laughed to himself and his
+horses over our surprise and wonder at nothing he could see to cause
+it.
+
+But we couldn't understand his explanation, though we always got along
+very easily with the Germans, and not until much later did we know that
+those wonderful things, with only a fat man to move them, were electric
+cars.
+
+The sightseeing was not all on our side. I noticed many people stopping
+to look at us as if amused, though most passed by as though used to such
+sights. We did make a queer appearance all in a long row, up above
+people's heads. In fact, we looked like a flock of giant fowls roosting,
+only wide awake.
+
+Suddenly, when everything interesting seemed at an end, we all
+recollected how long it was since we had started on our funny ride.
+Hours, we thought, and still the horses ran. Now we rode through quieter
+streets where there were fewer shops and more wooden houses. Still the
+horses seemed to have but just started. I looked over our perch again.
+Something made me think of a description I had read of criminals being
+carried on long journeys in uncomfortable things--like this? Well, it
+was strange--this long, long drive, the conveyance, no word of
+explanation, and all, though going different ways, being packed off
+together. We were strangers; the driver knew it. He might take us
+anywhere--how could we tell? I was frightened again as in Berlin. The
+faces around me confessed the same.
+
+The streets became quieter still; no shops, only little houses; hardly
+any people passing. Now we cross many railway tracks and I can hear the
+sea not very distant. There are many trees now by the roadside, and the
+wind whistles through their branches. The wheels and hoofs make a great
+noise on the stones, the roar of the sea and the wind among the branches
+have an unfriendly sound.
+
+The horses never weary. Still they run. There are no houses now in view,
+save now and then a solitary one, far away. I can see the ocean. Oh, it
+is stormy. The dark waves roll inward, the white foam flies high in the
+air; deep sounds come from it. The wheels and hoofs make a great noise;
+the wind is stronger, and says, "Do you hear the sea?" And the ocean's
+roar threatens. The sea threatens, and the wind bids me hear it, and the
+hoofs and the wheels repeat the command, and so do the trees, by
+gestures.
+
+Yes, we are frightened. We are very still. Some Polish women over there
+have fallen asleep, and the rest of us look such a picture of woe, and
+yet so funny, it is a sight to see and remember.
+
+At last, at last! Those unwearied horses have stopped. Where? In front
+of a brick building, the only one on a large, broad street, where only
+the trees, and, in the distance, the passing trains can be seen. Nothing
+else. The ocean, too, is shut out.
+
+All were helped off, the baggage put on the sidewalk, and then taken up
+again and carried into the building, where the passengers were ordered
+to go. On the left side of the little corridor was a small office where
+a man sat before a desk covered with papers. These he pushed aside when
+we entered, and called us in one by one, except, of course children. As
+usual, many questions were asked, the new ones being about our tickets.
+Then each person, children included, had to pay three marcs--one for the
+wagon that brought us over and two for food and lodgings, till our
+various ships should take us away.
+
+Mamma, having five to pay for, owed fifteen marcs. The little sum we
+started with was to last us to the end of the journey, and would have
+done so if there hadn't been those unexpected bills to pay at Keebart,
+Eidtkunen, Berlin, and now at the office. Seeing how often services were
+forced upon us unasked and payment afterwards demanded, mother had begun
+to fear that we should need more money, and had sold some things to a
+woman for less than a third of their value. In spite of that, so heavy
+was the drain on the spare purse where it had not been expected, she
+found to her dismay that she had only twelve marcs left to meet the new
+bill.
+
+The man in the office wouldn't believe it, and we were given over in
+charge of a woman in a dark gray dress and long white apron, with a red
+cross on her right arm. She led us away and thoroughly searched us all,
+as well as our baggage. That was nice treatment, like what we had been
+receiving since our first uninterrupted entrance into Germany. Always a
+call for money, always suspicion of our presence and always rough orders
+and scowls of disapproval, even at the quickest obedience. And now this
+outrageous indignity! We had to bear it all because we were going to
+America from a land cursed by the dreadful epidemic. Others besides
+ourselves shared these trials, the last one included, if that were any
+comfort, which it was not.
+
+When the woman reported the result of the search as being fruitless, the
+man was satisfied, and we were ordered with the rest through many more
+examinations and ceremonies before we should be established under the
+quarantine, for that it was.
+
+While waiting for our turn to be examined by the doctor I looked about,
+thinking it worth while to get acquainted with a place where we might be
+obliged to stay for I knew not how long. The room where we were sitting
+was large, with windows so high up that we couldn't see anything through
+them. In the middle stood several long wooden tables, and around these
+were settees of the same kind. On the right, opposite the doctor's
+office, was a little room where various things could be bought of a
+young man--if you hadn't paid all your money for other things.
+
+When the doctor was through with us he told us to go to Number Five. Now
+wasn't that like in a prison? We walked up and down a long yard looking,
+among a row of low, numbered doors, for ours, when we heard an
+exclamation of, "Oh, Esther! how do you happen to be here?" and, on
+seeing the speaker, found it to be an old friend of ours from Plotzk.
+She had gone long before us, but her ship hadn't arrived yet. She was
+surprised to see us because we had had no intention of going when she
+went.
+
+What a comfort it was to find a friend among all the strangers! She
+showed us at once to our new quarters, and while she talked to mamma I
+had time to see what they were like.
+
+It looked something like a hospital, only less clean and comfortable;
+more like the soldiers' barracks I had seen. I saw a very large room,
+around whose walls were ranged rows of high iron double bedsteads, with
+coarse sacks stuffed with something like matting, and not over-clean
+blankets for the only bedding, except where people used their own. There
+were three windows almost touching the roof, with nails covering all the
+framework. From the ceiling hung two round gas lamps, and almost under
+them stood a little wooden table and a settee. The floor was of stone.
+
+Here was a pleasant prospect. We had no idea how long this unattractive
+place might be our home.
+
+Our friend explained that Number Five was only for Jewish women and
+girls, and the beds were sleeping rooms, dining rooms, parlors, and
+everything else, kitchens excepted. It seemed so, for some were lounging
+on the beds, some sitting up, some otherwise engaged, and all were
+talking and laughing and making a great noise. Poor things! there was
+nothing else to do in that prison.
+
+Before mother had told our friend of our adventures, a girl, also a
+passenger, who had been walking in the yard, ran in and announced, "It's
+time to go to dinner! He has come already." "He" we soon learned, was
+the overseer of the Jewish special kitchen, without whom the meals were
+never taken.
+
+All the inmates of Number Five rushed out in less than a minute, and I
+wondered why they hurried so. When we reached the place that served as
+dining room, there was hardly any room for us. Now, while the dinner is
+being served, I will tell you what I can see.
+
+In the middle of the yard stood a number of long tables covered with
+white oilcloth. On either side of each table stood benches on which all
+the Jewish passengers were now seated, looking impatiently at the door
+with the sign "Jewish Kitchen" over it. Pretty soon a man appeared in
+the doorway, tall, spare, with a thin, pointed beard, and an air of
+importance on his face. It was "he", the overseer, who carried a large
+tin pail filled with black bread cut into pieces of half a pound each.
+He gave a piece to every person, the youngest child and the biggest man
+alike, and then went into the kitchen and filled his pail with soup and
+meat, giving everybody a great bowl full of soup and a small piece of
+meat. All attacked their rations as soon as they received them and
+greatly relished the coarse bread and dark, hot water they called soup.
+We couldn't eat those things and only wondered how any one could have
+such an appetite for such a dinner. We stopped wondering when our own
+little store of provisions gave out.
+
+After dinner, the people went apart, some going back to their beds and
+others to walk in the yard or sit on the settees there. There was no
+other place to go to. The doors of the prison were never unlocked except
+when new passengers arrived or others left for their ships. The
+fences--they really were solid walls--had wires and nails on top, so
+that one couldn't even climb to get a look at the sea.
+
+We went back to our quarters to talk over matters and rest from our
+journey. At six o'clock the doctor came with a clerk, and, standing
+before the door, bade all those in the yard belonging to Number Five
+assemble there; and then the roll was called and everybody received a
+little ticket as she answered to her name. With this all went to the
+kitchen and received two little rolls and a large cup of partly
+sweetened tea. This was supper; and breakfast, served too in this way
+was the same. Any wonder that people hurried to dinner and enjoyed it?
+And it was always the same thing, no change.
+
+Little by little we became used to the new life, though it was hard to
+go hungry day after day, and bear the discomforts of the common room,
+shared by so many; the hard beds (we had little bedding of our own), and
+the confinement to the narrow limits of the yard, and the tiresome
+sameness of the life. Meal hours, of course, played the most important
+part, while the others had to be filled up as best we could. The weather
+was fine most of the time and that helped much. Everything was an event,
+the arrival of fresh passengers a great one which happened every day;
+the day when the women were allowed to wash clothes by the well was a
+holiday, and the few favorite girls who were allowed to help in the
+kitchen were envied. On dull, rainy days, the man coming to light the
+lamps at night was an object of pleasure, and every one made the best of
+everybody else. So when a young man arrived who had been to America once
+before, he was looked up to by every person there as a superior, his
+stories of our future home listened to with delight, and his manners
+imitated by all, as a sort of fit preparation. He was wanted everywhere,
+and he made the best of his greatness by taking liberties and putting
+on great airs and, I afterwards found, imposing on our ignorance very
+much. But anything "The American" did passed for good, except his going
+away a few days too soon.
+
+Then a girl came who was rather wanting a little brightness. So all
+joined in imposing upon her by telling her a certain young man was a
+great professor whom all owed respect and homage to, and she would do
+anything in the world to express hers, while he used her to his best
+advantage, like the willing slave she was. Nobody seemed to think this
+unkind at all, and it really was excusable that the poor prisoners,
+hungry for some entertainment, should try to make a little fun when the
+chance came. Besides, the girl had opened the temptation by asking, "Who
+was the handsome man in the glasses? A professor surely;" showing that
+she took glasses for a sure sign of a professor, and professor for the
+highest possible title of honor. Doesn't this excuse us?
+
+The greatest event was the arrival of some ship to take some of the
+waiting passengers. When the gates were opened and the lucky ones said
+good bye, those left behind felt hopeless of ever seeing the gates open
+for them. It was both pleasant and painful, for the strangers grew to be
+fast friends in a day and really rejoiced in each other's fortune, but
+the regretful envy could not be helped either.
+
+Amid such events as these a day was like a month at least. Eight of
+these we had spent in quarantine when a great commotion was noticed
+among the people of Number Five and those of the corresponding number in
+the men's division. There was a good reason for it. You remember that it
+was April and Passover was coming on; in fact, it began that night. The
+great question was, Would we be able to keep it exactly according to the
+host of rules to be obeyed? You who know all about the great holiday can
+understand what the answer to that question meant to us. Think of all
+the work and care and money it takes to supply a family with all the
+things proper and necessary, and you will see that to supply a few
+hundred was no small matter. Now, were they going to take care that all
+was perfectly right, and could we trust them if they promised, or should
+we be forced to break any of the laws that ruled the holiday?
+
+All day long there was talking and questioning and debating and
+threatening that "we would rather starve than touch anything we were not
+sure of." And we meant it. So some men and women went to the overseer to
+let him know what he had to look out for. He assured them that he would
+rather starve along with us than allow anything to be in the least
+wrong. Still, there was more discussing and shaking of heads, for they
+were not sure yet.
+
+There was not a crumb anywhere to be found, because what bread we
+received was too precious for any of it to be wasted; but the women made
+a great show of cleaning up Number Five, while they sighed and looked
+sad and told one another of the good hard times they had at home getting
+ready for Passover. Really, hard as it is, when one is used to it from
+childhood, it seems part of the holiday, and can't be left out. To sit
+down and wait for supper as on other nights seemed like breaking one of
+the laws. So they tried hard to be busy.
+
+At night we were called by the overseer (who tried to look more
+important than ever in his holiday clothes--not his best, though) to the
+feast spread in one of the unoccupied rooms. We were ready for it, and
+anxious enough. We had had neither bread nor matzo for dinner, and were
+more hungry than ever, if that is possible. We now found everything
+really prepared; there were the pillows covered with a snow-white
+spread, new oilcloth on the newly scrubbed tables, some little candles
+stuck in a basin of sand on the window-sill for the women, and--a sure
+sign of a holiday--both gas lamps burning. Only one was used on other
+nights.
+
+Happy to see these things, and smell the supper, we took our places and
+waited. Soon the cook came in and filled some glasses with wine from two
+bottles,--one yellow, one red. Then she gave to each person--exactly one
+and a half matzos; also some cold meat, burned almost to a coal for the
+occasion.
+
+The young man--bless him--who had the honor to perform the ceremonies,
+was, fortunately for us all, one of the passengers. He felt for and with
+us, and it happened--just a coincidence--that the greater part of the
+ceremony escaped from his book as he turned the leaves. Though strictly
+religious, nobody felt in the least guilty about it, especially on
+account of the wine; for, when we came to the place where you have to
+drink the wine, we found it tasted like good vinegar, which made us all
+choke and gasp, and one little girl screamed "Poison!" so that all
+laughed, and the leader, who tried to go on, broke down too at the sight
+of the wry faces he saw; while the overseer looked shocked, the cook
+nearly set her gown on fire by overthrowing the candles with her apron
+(used to hide her face) and all wished our Master Overseer had to drink
+that "wine" all his days.
+
+Think of the same ceremony as it is at home, then of this one just
+described. Do they even resemble each other?
+
+Well, the leader got through amid much giggling and sly looks among the
+girls who understood the trick, and frowns of the older people (who
+secretly blessed him for it). Then, half hungry, all went to bed and
+dreamed of food in plenty.
+
+No other dreams? Rather! For the day that brought the Passover brought
+us--our own family--the most glorious news. We had been ordered to
+bring our baggage to the office!
+
+"Ordered to bring our baggage to the office!" That meant nothing less
+than that we were "going the next day!"
+
+It was just after supper that we received the welcome order. Oh, who
+cared if there wasn't enough to eat? Who cared for anything in the whole
+world? We didn't. It was all joy and gladness and happy anticipation for
+us. We laughed, and cried, and hugged one another, and shouted, and
+acted altogether like wild things. Yes, we were wild with joy, and long
+after the rest were asleep, we were whispering together and wondering
+how we could keep quiet the whole night. We couldn't sleep by any means,
+we were so afraid of oversleeping the great hour; and every little
+while, after we tried to sleep, one of us would suddenly think she saw
+day at the window, and wake the rest, who also had only been pretending
+to sleep while watching in the dark for daylight.
+
+When it came, it found no watchful eye, after all. The excitement gave
+way to fatigue, and drowsiness first, then deep sleep, completed its
+victory. It was eight o'clock when we awoke. The morning was cloudy and
+chilly, the sun being too lazy to attend to business; now and then it
+rained a little, too. And yet it was the most beautiful day that had
+ever dawned on Hamburg.
+
+We enjoyed everything offered for breakfast, two matzos and two cups of
+tea apiece--why it was a banquet. After it came the good-byes, as we
+were going soon. As I told you before, the strangers became fast friends
+in a short time under the circumstances, so there was real sorrow at the
+partings, though the joy of the fortunate ones was, in a measure, shared
+by all.
+
+About one o'clock (we didn't go to dinner--we couldn't eat for
+excitement) we were called. There were three other families, an old
+woman, and a young man, among the Jewish passengers, who were going with
+us, besides some Polish people. We were all hurried through the door we
+had watched with longing for so long, and were a little way from it when
+the old woman stopped short and called on the rest to wait.
+
+"We haven't any matzo!" she cried in alarm. "Where's the overseer?"
+
+Sure enough we had forgotten it, when we might as well have left one of
+us behind. We refused to go, calling for the overseer, who had promised
+to supply us, and the man who had us in charge grew angry and said he
+wouldn't wait. It was a terrible situation for us.
+
+"Oh," said the man, "you can go and get your matzo, but the boat won't
+wait for you." And he walked off, followed by the Polish people only.
+
+We had to decide at once. We looked at the old woman. She said she
+wasn't going to start on a dangerous journey with such a sin on her
+soul. Then the children decided. They understood the matter. They cried
+and begged to follow the party. And we did.
+
+Just when we reached the shore, the cook came up panting hard. She
+brought us matzo. How relieved we were then!
+
+We got on a little steamer (the name is too big for it) that was managed
+by our conductor alone. Before we had recovered from the shock of the
+shrill whistle so near us, we were landing in front of a large stone
+building.
+
+Once more we were under the command of the gendarme. We were ordered to
+go into a big room crowded with people, and wait till the name of our
+ship was called. Somebody in a little room called a great many queer
+names, and many passengers answered the call. At last we heard,
+
+"Polynesia!"
+
+We passed in and a great many things were done to our tickets before we
+were directed to go outside, then to a larger steamer than the one we
+came in. At every step our tickets were either stamped or punched, or a
+piece torn off of them, till we stepped upon the steamer's deck. Then we
+were ordered below. It was dark there, and we didn't like it. In a
+little while we were called up again, and then we saw before us the
+great ship that was to carry us to America.
+
+I only remember, from that moment, that I had only one care till all
+became quiet; not to lose hold of my sister's hand. Everything else can
+be told in one word--noise. But when I look back, I can see what made
+it. There were sailors dragging and hauling bundles and boxes from the
+small boat into the great ship, shouting and thundering at their work.
+There were officers giving out orders in loud voices, like trumpets,
+though they seemed to make no effort. There were children crying, and
+mothers hushing them, and fathers questioning the officers as to where
+they should go. There were little boats and steamers passing all around,
+shrieking and whistling terribly. And there seemed to be everything
+under heaven that had any noise in it, come to help swell the confusion
+of sounds. I know that, but how we ever got in that quiet place that had
+the sign "For Families" over it, I don't know. I think we went around
+and around, long and far, before we got there.
+
+But there we were, sitting quietly on a bench by the white berths.
+
+When the sailors brought our things, we got everything in order for the
+journey as soon as possible, that we might go on deck to see the
+starting. But first we had to obey a sailor, who told us to come and get
+dishes. Each person received a plate, a spoon and a cup. I wondered how
+we could get along if we had had no things of our own.
+
+For an hour or two more there were still many noises on deck, and many
+preparations made. Then we went up, as most of the passengers did.
+
+What a change in the scene! Where there had been noise and confusion
+before, peace and quiet were now. All the little boats and steamers had
+disappeared, and the wharf was deserted. On deck the "Polynesia"
+everything was in good order, and the officers walked about smoking
+their cigars as if their work was done. Only a few sailors were at work
+at the big ropes, but they didn't shout as before. The weather had
+changed, too, for the twilight was unlike what the day had promised. The
+sky was soft gray, with faint streaks of yellow on the horizon. The air
+was still and pleasant, much warmer than it had been all the day; and
+the water was as motionless and clear as a deep, cool well, and
+everything was mirrored in it clearly.
+
+This entire change in the scene, the peace that encircled everything
+around us, seemed to give all the same feeling that I know I had. I
+fancied that nature created it especially for us, so that we would be
+allowed, in this pause, to think of our situation. All seemed to do so;
+all spoke in low voices, and seemed to be looking for something as they
+gazed quietly into the smooth depths below, or the twilight skies above.
+Were they seeking an assurance? Perhaps; for there was something strange
+in the absence of a crowd of friends on the shore, to cheer and salute,
+and fill the air with white clouds and last farewells.
+
+I found the assurance. The very stillness was a voice--nature's voice;
+and it spoke to the ocean and said,
+
+"I entrust to you this vessel. Take care of it, for it bears my children
+with it, from one strange shore to another more distant, where loving
+friends are waiting to embrace them after long partings. Be gentle with
+your charge."
+
+And the ocean, though seeming so still, replied, "I will obey my
+mistress."
+
+I heard it all, and a feeling of safety and protection came to me. And
+when at last the wheels overhead began to turn and clatter, and the
+ripples on the water told us that the "Polynesia" had started on her
+journey, which was not noticeable from any other sign, I felt only a
+sense of happiness. I mistrusted nothing.
+
+But the old woman who remembered the matzo did, more than anybody else.
+She made great preparations for being seasick, and poisoned the air with
+garlic and onions.
+
+When the lantern fixed in the ceiling had been lighted, the captain and
+the steward paid us a visit. They took up our tickets and noticed all
+the passengers, then left. Then a sailor brought supper--bread and
+coffee. Only a few ate it. Then all went to bed, though it was very
+early.
+
+Nobody expected seasickness as soon as it seized us. All slept quietly
+the whole night, not knowing any difference between being on land or at
+sea. About five o'clock I woke up, and then I felt and heard the sea. A
+very disagreeable smell came from it, and I knew it was disturbed by the
+rocking of the ship. Oh, how wretched it made us! From side to side it
+went rocking, rocking. Ugh! Many of the passengers are very sick indeed,
+they suffer terribly. We are all awake now, and wonder if we, too, will
+be so sick. Some children are crying, at intervals. There is nobody to
+comfort them--all are so miserable. Oh, I am so sick! I'm dizzy;
+everything is going round and round before my eyes--Oh-h-h!
+
+I can't even begin to tell of the suffering of the next few hours. Then
+I thought I would feel better if I could go on deck. Somehow, I got down
+(we had upper berths) and, supporting myself against the walls, I came
+on deck. But it was worse. The green water, tossing up the white foam,
+rocking all around, as far as I dared to look, was frightful to me then.
+So I crawled back as well as I could, and nobody else tried to go out.
+
+By and by the doctor and the steward came. The doctor asked each
+passenger if they were well, but only smiled when all begged for some
+medicine to take away the dreadful suffering. To those who suffered from
+anything besides seasickness he sent medicine and special food later
+on. His companion appointed one of the men passengers for every twelve
+or fifteen to carry the meals from the kitchen, giving them cards to get
+it with. For our group a young German was appointed, who was making the
+journey for the second time, with his mother and sister. We were great
+friends with them during the journey.
+
+The doctor went away soon, leaving the sufferers in the same sad
+condition. At twelve, a sailor announced that dinner was ready, and the
+man brought it--large tin pails and basins of soup, meat, cabbage,
+potatoes, and pudding (the last was allowed only once a week); and
+almost all of it was thrown away, as only a few men ate. The rest
+couldn't bear even the smell of food. It was the same with the supper at
+six o'clock. At three milk had been brought for the babies, and brown
+bread (a treat) with coffee for the rest. But after supper the daily
+allowance of fresh water was brought, and this soon disappeared and more
+called for, which was refused, although we lived on water alone for a
+week.
+
+At last the day was gone, and much we had borne in it. Night came, but
+brought little relief. Some did fall asleep, and forgot suffering for a
+few hours. I was awake late. The ship was quieter, and everything sadder
+than by daylight. I thought of all we had gone through till we had got
+on board the "Polynesia"; of the parting from all friends and things we
+loved, forever, as far as we knew; of the strange experience at various
+strange places; of the kind friends who helped us, and the rough
+officers who commanded us; of the quarantine, the hunger, then the happy
+news, and the coming on board. Of all this I thought, and remembered
+that we were far away from friends, and longed for them, that I might be
+made well by speaking to them. And every minute was making the distance
+between us greater, a meeting more impossible. Then I remembered why we
+were crossing the ocean, and knew that it was worth the price. At last
+the noise of the wheels overhead, and the dull roar of the sea, rocked
+me to sleep.
+
+For a short time only. The ship was tossed about more than the day
+before, and the great waves sounded like distant thunder as they beat
+against it, and rolled across the deck and entered the cabin. We found,
+however, that we were better, though very weak. We managed to go on deck
+in the afternoon, when it was calm enough. A little band was playing,
+and a few young sailors and German girls tried even to dance; but it was
+impossible.
+
+As I sat in a corner where no waves could reach me, holding on to a
+rope, I tried to take in the grand scene. There was the mighty ocean I
+had heard of only, spreading out its rough breadth far, far around, its
+waves giving out deep, angry tones, and throwing up walls of spray into
+the air. There was the sky, like the sea, full of ridges of darkest
+clouds, bending to meet the waves, and following their motions and
+frowning and threatening. And there was the "Polynesia" in the midst of
+this world of gloom, and anger, and distance. I saw these, but
+indistinctly, not half comprehending the wonderful picture. For the
+suffering had left me dull and tired out. I only knew that I was sad,
+and everybody else was the same.
+
+Another day gone, and we congratulate one another that seasickness
+lasted only one day with us. So we go to sleep.
+
+Oh, the sad mistake! For six days longer we remain in our berths,
+miserable and unable to eat. It is a long fast, hardly interrupted,
+during which we know that the weather is unchanged, the sky dark, the
+sea stormy.
+
+On the eighth day out we are again able to be about. I went around
+everywhere, exploring every corner, and learning much from the sailors;
+but I never remembered the names of the various things I asked about,
+they were so many, and some German names hard to learn. We all made
+friends with the captain and other officers, and many of the passengers.
+The little band played regularly on certain days, and the sailors and
+girls had a good many dances, though often they were swept by a wave
+across the deck, quite out of time. The children were allowed to play on
+deck, but carefully watched.
+
+Still the weather continued the same, or changing slightly. But I was
+able now to see all the grandeur of my surroundings, notwithstanding the
+weather.
+
+Oh, what solemn thoughts I had! How deeply I felt the greatness, the
+power of the scene! The immeasurable distance from horizon to horizon;
+the huge billows forever changing their shapes--now only a wavy and
+rolling plain, now a chain of great mountains, coming and going farther
+away; then a town in the distance, perhaps, with spires and towers and
+buildings of gigantic dimensions; and mostly a vast mass of uncertain
+shapes, knocking against each other in fury, and seething and foaming in
+their anger; the grey sky, with its mountains of gloomy clouds, flying,
+moving with the waves, as it seemed, very near them; the absence of any
+object besides the one ship; and the deep, solemn groans of the sea,
+sounding as if all the voices of the world had been turned into sighs
+and then gathered into that one mournful sound--so deeply did I feel the
+presence of these things, that the feeling became one of awe, both
+painful and sweet, and stirring and warming, and deep and calm and
+grand.
+
+I thought of tempests and shipwreck, of lives lost, treasures destroyed,
+and all the tales I had heard of the misfortunes at sea, and knew I had
+never before had such a clear idea of them. I tried to realize that I
+saw only a part of an immense whole, and then my feelings were terrible
+in their force. I was afraid of thinking then, but could not stop it. My
+mind would go on working, till I was overcome by the strength and power
+that was greater than myself. What I did at such times I do not know. I
+must have been dazed.
+
+After a while I could sit quietly and gaze far away. Then I would
+imagine myself all alone on the ocean, and Robinson Crusoe was very real
+to me. I was alone sometimes. I was aware of no human presence; I was
+conscious only of sea and sky and something I did not understand. And as
+I listened to its solemn voice, I felt as if I had found a friend, and
+knew that I loved the ocean. It seemed as if it were within as well as
+without, a part of myself; and I wondered how I had lived without it,
+and if I could ever part with it.
+
+The ocean spoke to me in other besides mournful or angry tones. I loved
+even the angry voice, but when it became soothing, I could hear a sweet,
+gentle accent that reached my soul rather than my ear. Perhaps I
+imagined it. I do not know. What was real and what imaginary blended in
+one. But I heard and felt it, and at such moments I wished I could live
+on the sea forever, and thought that the sight of land would be very
+unwelcome to me. I did not want to be near any person. Alone with the
+ocean forever--that was my wish.
+
+Leading a quiet life, the same every day, and thinking such thoughts,
+feeling such emotions, the days were very long. I do not know how the
+others passed the time, because I was so lost in my meditations. But
+when the sky would smile for awhile--when a little sunlight broke a path
+for itself through the heavy clouds, which disappeared as though
+frightened; and when the sea looked more friendly, and changed its color
+to match the heavens, which were higher up--then we would sit on deck
+together, and laugh for mere happiness as we talked of the nearing
+meeting, which the unusual fairness of the weather seemed to bring
+nearer. Sometimes, at such minutes of sunshine and gladness, a few birds
+would be seen making their swift journey to some point we did not know
+of; sometimes among the light clouds, then almost touching the surface
+of the waves. How shall I tell you what we felt at the sight? The birds
+were like old friends to us, and brought back many memories, which
+seemed very old, though really fresh. All felt sadder when the distance
+became too great for us to see the dear little friends, though it was
+not for a long time after their first appearance. We used to watch for
+them, and often mistook the clouds for birds, and were thus
+disappointed. When they did come, how envious we were of their wings! It
+was a new thought to me that the birds had more power than man.
+
+In this way the days went by. I thought my thoughts each day, as I
+watched the scene, hoping to see a beautiful sunset some day. I never
+did, to my disappointment. And each night, as I lay in my berth, waiting
+for sleep, I wished I might be able even to hope for the happiness of a
+sea-voyage after this had been ended.
+
+Yet, when, on the twelfth day after leaving Hamburg, the captain
+announced that we should see land before long, I rejoiced as much as
+anybody else. We were so excited with expectation that nothing else was
+heard but the talk of the happy arrival, now so near. Some were even
+willing to stay up at night, to be the first ones to see the shores of
+America. It was therefore a great disappointment when the captain said,
+in the evening, that we would not reach Boston as soon as he expected,
+on account of the weather.
+
+A dense fog set in at night, and grew heavier and heavier, until the
+"Polynesia" was closely walled in by it, and we could just see from one
+end of the deck to the other. The signal lanterns were put up, the
+passengers were driven to their berths by the cold and damp, the cabin
+doors closed, and discomfort reigned everywhere.
+
+But the excitement of the day had tired us out, and we were glad to
+forget disappointment in sleep. In the morning it was still foggy, but
+we could see a little way around. It was very strange to have the
+boundless distance made so narrow, and I felt the strangeness of the
+scene. All day long we shivered with cold, and hardly left the cabin. At
+last it was night once more, and we in our berths. But nobody slept.
+
+The sea had been growing rougher during the day, and at night the ship
+began to pitch as it did at the beginning of the journey. Then it grew
+worse. Everything in our cabin was rolling on the floor, clattering and
+dinning. Dishes were broken into little bits that flew about from one
+end to the other. Bedding from upper berths nearly stifled the people in
+the lower ones. Some fell out of their berths, but it was not at all
+funny. As the ship turned to one side, the passengers were violently
+thrown against that side of the berths, and some boards gave way and
+clattered down to the floor. When it tossed on the other side, we could
+see the little windows almost touch the water, and closed the shutters
+to keep out the sight. The children cried, everybody groaned, and
+sailors kept coming in to pick up the things on the floor and carry them
+away. This made the confusion less, but not the alarm.
+
+Above all sounds rose the fog horn. It never stopped the long night
+through. And oh, how sad it sounded! It pierced every heart, and made us
+afraid. Now and then some ship, far away, would answer, like a weak
+echo. Sometimes we noticed that the wheels were still, and we knew that
+the ship had stopped. This frightened us more than ever, for we imagined
+the worst reasons for it.
+
+It was day again, and a little calmer. We slept now, till the afternoon.
+Then we saw that the fog had become much thinner, and later on we even
+saw a ship, but indistinctly.
+
+Another night passed, and the day that followed was pretty fair, and
+towards evening the sky was almost cloudless. The captain said we should
+have no more rough weather, for now we were really near Boston. Oh, how
+hard it was to wait for the happy day! Somebody brought the news that we
+should land to-morrow in the afternoon. We didn't believe it, so he said
+that the steward had ordered a great pudding full of raisins for supper
+that day as a sure sign that it was the last on board. We remembered the
+pudding, but didn't believe in its meaning.
+
+I don't think we slept that night. After all the suffering of our
+journey, after seeing and hearing nothing but the sky and the sea and
+its roaring, it was impossible to sleep when we thought that soon we
+would see trees, fields, fresh people, animals--a world, and that world
+America. Then, above everything, was the meeting with friends we had not
+seen for years; for almost everybody had some friends awaiting them.
+
+Morning found all the passengers up and expectant. Someone questioned
+the captain, and he said we would land to-morrow. There was another long
+day, and another sleepless night, but when these ended at last, how busy
+we were! First we packed up all the things we did not need, then put on
+fresh clothing, and then went on deck to watch for land. It was almost
+three o'clock, the hour the captain hoped to reach Boston, but there was
+nothing new to be seen. The weather was fair, so we would have seen
+anything within a number of miles. Anxiously we watched, and as we
+talked of the strange delay, our courage began to give out with our
+hope. When it could be borne no longer, a gentleman went to speak to the
+captain. He was on the upper deck, examining the horizon. He put off the
+arrival for the next day!
+
+You can imagine our feelings at this. When it was worse the captain came
+down and talked so assuringly that, in spite of all the disappointments
+we had had, we believed that this was the last, and were quite cheerful
+when we went to bed.
+
+The morning was glorious. It was the eighth of May, the seventeenth day
+after we left Hamburg. The sky was clear and blue, the sun shone
+brightly, as if to congratulate us that we had safely crossed the stormy
+sea; and to apologize for having kept away from us so long. The sea had
+lost its fury; it was almost as quiet as it had been at Hamburg before
+we started, and its color was a beautiful greenish blue. Birds were all
+the time in the air, and it was worth while to live merely to hear their
+songs. And soon, oh joyful sight! we saw the tops of two trees!
+
+What a shout there rose! Everyone pointed out the welcome sight to
+everybody else, as if they did not see it. All eyes were fixed on it as
+if they saw a miracle. And this was only the beginning of the joys of
+the day!
+
+What confusion there was! Some were flying up the stairs to the upper
+deck, some were tearing down to the lower one, others were running in
+and out of the cabins, some were in all parts of the ship in one minute,
+and all were talking and laughing and getting in somebody's way. Such
+excitement, such joy! We had seen two trees!
+
+Then steamers and boats of all kinds passed by, in all directions. We
+shouted, and the men stood up in the boats and returned the greeting,
+waving their hats. We were as glad to see them as if they were old
+friends of ours.
+
+Oh, what a beautiful scene! No corner of the earth is half so fair as
+the lovely picture before us. It came to view suddenly,--a green field,
+a real field with grass on it, and large houses, and the dearest hens
+and little chickens in all the world, and trees, and birds, and people
+at work. The young green things put new life into us, and are so dear
+to our eyes that we dare not speak a word now, lest the magic should
+vanish away and we should be left to the stormy scenes we know.
+
+But nothing disturbed the fairy sight. Instead, new scenes appeared,
+beautiful as the first. The sky becomes bluer all the time, the sun
+warmer; the sea is too quiet for its name, and the most beautiful blue
+imaginable.
+
+What are the feelings these sights awaken! They can not be described. To
+know how great was our happiness, how complete, how free from even the
+shadow of a sadness, you must make a journey of sixteen days on a stormy
+ocean. Is it possible that we will ever again be so happy?
+
+It was about three hours since we saw the first landmarks, when a number
+of men came on board, from a little steamer, and examined the passengers
+to see if they were properly vaccinated (we had been vaccinated on the
+"Polynesia"), and pronounced everyone all right. Then they went away,
+except one man who remained. An hour later we saw the wharves.
+
+Before the ship had fully stopped, the climax of our joy was reached.
+One of us espied the figure and face we had longed to see for three long
+years. In a moment five passengers on the "Polynesia" were crying,
+"Papa," and gesticulating, and laughing, and hugging one another, and
+going wild altogether. All the rest were roused by our excitement, and
+came to see our father. He recognized us as soon as we him, and stood
+apart on the wharf not knowing what to do, I thought.
+
+What followed was slow torture. Like mad things we ran about where there
+was room, unable to stand still as long as we were on the ship and he on
+shore. To have crossed the ocean only to come within a few yards of him,
+unable to get nearer till all the fuss was over, was dreadful enough.
+But to hear other passengers called who had no reason for hurry, while
+we were left among the last, was unendurable.
+
+Oh, dear! Why can't we get off the hateful ship? Why can't papa come to
+us? Why so many ceremonies at the landing?
+
+We said good-bye to our friends as their turn came, wishing we were in
+their luck. To give us something else to think of, papa succeeded in
+passing us some fruit; and we wondered to find it anything but a great
+wonder, for we expected to find everything marvellous in the strange
+country.
+
+Still the ceremonies went on. Each person was asked a hundred or so
+stupid questions, and all their answers were written down by a very slow
+man. The baggage had to be examined, the tickets, and a hundred other
+things done before anyone was allowed to step ashore, all to keep us
+back as long as possible.
+
+Now imagine yourself parting with all you love, believing it to be a
+parting for life; breaking up your home, selling the things that years
+have made dear to you; starting on a journey without the least
+experience in travelling, in the face of many inconveniences on account
+of the want of sufficient money; being met with disappointment where it
+was not to be expected; with rough treatment everywhere, till you are
+forced to go and make friends for yourself among strangers; being
+obliged to sell some of your most necessary things to pay bills you did
+not willingly incur; being mistrusted and searched, then half starved,
+and lodged in common with a multitude of strangers; suffering the
+miseries of seasickness, the disturbances and alarms of a stormy sea for
+sixteen days; and then stand within, a few yards of him for whom you did
+all this, unable to even speak to him easily. How do you feel?
+
+Oh, it's our turn at last! We are questioned, examined, and dismissed! A
+rush over the planks on one side, over the ground on the other, six wild
+beings cling to each other, bound by a common bond of tender joy, and
+the long parting is at an END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of From Plotzk to Boston, by Mary Antin
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