Before dinner was over, Dick noticed the new watch go on deck to relieve the old one, and the old watch come down to take their share of the good things. By the time all the boys had returned on deck, it seemed to him that they had gone about half the way to their anchorage at Hull. The remainder of the afternoon was spent principally in putting their belongings in order and in asking questions about the different parts of the ship and their uses. By half-past four they dropped anchor at Hull, and the sails were furled; and, at five o’clock, the bugle sounded for the first General Quarters of the cruise.
First, the boys were drawn up in two rows on each side facing each other, while the setting sun threw long shadows to starboard on the deck; they were then faced about toward the quarter-deck to hear the first official words addressed to them by the Chairman of the Committee. He was a tall man with gray hair and dressed in a blue suit; you could see that he was fond of his job, and Dick thought that his eyes were noticing everything that was going on. He spoke in a clear voice that you could hear all over the ship, although it was not particularly loud, and there was absolute attention on the part of the boys.
“I’m mighty glad, boys,” said he, “to welcome you on board this ship. You know, of course, that we are here for a serious purpose. The Bright Wing is not a yacht, and we are not here just to enjoy ourselves, although we probably shall have a much better time than if we were. We are here to learn to apply the spirit of the scout law to the art of seamanship. I do not want to keep you long now, but I want to point out to you at the outset the fact that you have a real responsibility as the crew of this vessel.
“Men who are in the habit of facing danger look it squarely in the face and do not pretend that it does not exist. There is always a certain amount of risk in life at sea, although many sailors seem to think it is more dangerous to cross Washington Street or Broadway during business hours than to face the most adverse winds and dangerous currents; but, for the sake of those we have left at home, as well as for other good and sufficient reasons, the safety of the vessel is something we are bound in honor to ensure to the utmost of our ability.
“Now there are three things which are essential to this safety. The first is the soundness of the vessel and her tackle, and for this the Sea Scouting Committee, of which I have the honor to be the Chairman, is responsible; the second is the knowledge and skill of the Captain, and for this both he and the Committee are responsible; and the third is the handiness and good discipline of the crew, and for this YOU are responsible.
“Both the Committee and I are satisfied with the soundness of the vessel and her tackle, and also with the skill and knowledge of our Captain or Navigating Officer; it remains for you to prove that you are equal to the share of the responsibility which devolves upon you, and I heartily believe that you will prove yourselves worthy of the trust.”
After this the boys were dismissed until Mess Inspection and supper at half-past five.
“I say,” said a quiet boy, nudging Dick’s elbow, as they sat eating their baked beans, “that old Chairman seems to mean what he says all right.”
“Yep,” replied his companion, “you bet he does. And he expects us to toe the mark. Any duffer can see that!”
After supper Dick found the other two members of the Triangle Club, and they voted unanimously that the Chairman was “all right.”