He was tall and slender and very straight, and he carried his head with an erectness that seemed at first glance to savour of vanity. His face, too, was of a sober cast and his expression restrained. Yet he seemed a likable fellow, withal, and one whom a man could trust.
"I have not until now set foot on this deck," Phil replied. "But having seen many vessels in my time, I venture that the Rose of Devon is a staunch ship, as Captain Candle, it is plain to see, is a proper master."
"Yea, both sayings are true. I know, for I have sailed before in this ship with Captain Candle."
An order bawled from the quarter-deck caused a great stir, and for the moment put an end to their talk, but they were to see more of each other.
Casting off the moorings in answer to the word of command, the men sprang to the capstan. It was "Heave, my bullies!" and "Pull, my hearts of gold!" Some, in a boat, carried out an anchor and others laboured at the capstan. The old frigate stirred uneasily and slipped away from the wharf, rolling slightly with the motion of the sea, and thus they kedged her into the tide.
"Bend your passeree to the mainsail!"
Back came a roaring chorus, "Yea, yea!"
"Get your sails to the yards there—about your gear on all hands!"
"Yea, yea!" men here and there replied.
"Hoist sails half-mast high—make ready to set sail!"