Jack Thayer stared up from the pier at the gleaming black side of the Titanic. If he craned his neck he could see the top of the ship's four huge funnels.

All morning he had been listening to people talk about the world's biggest ship. He was tired of how brand new she was, the most luxurious ocean liner ever built. He was just glad to be going back to America after months of traveling in Eorope with his parents. But as he got closer to the Titanic, he began to walk more quickly.Perhaps going on the first voyage of the giant new ship would be exciting after all.

At the end of the covered gangway that led into the ship, a man in green jacket offered him a white carnation. Jack was puzzled. For your buttonhole sir the steward said.

jack took the flower and fumbling, tried to but it in his lapel. Jack! Get a move on! other people are waiting. He turned to see his mother and father waving him ahead. Behind them other passengers were waiting to get on board.HE stepped onto the thick carpets of a large white room lined with potted palms. Uniformed stewards were helping other passengers find there staterooms. In the middle of the reception room, a shiny candel