“Are you ready there?”
Launching the Ship.
It was the builder of the ship, Mr. Brandon, shouting over the taffrail to those beneath.
“Aye, aye, sir.”
“Then knock it away.”
They heard a blow from an axe. The stately ship quivered a moment, then glided with increasing speed down the ways.
Mr. Brandon raised his hand, and a ball of bunting at the topmast fluttered out into the Cross of St. George. Ruth lifted the bottle of wine, broke it upon the rail, and poured the contents into the river. A huzza rose from the quarter-deck. Handkerchiefs fluttered in the air. The people tossed up their hats. From street, doorway, and window came an answering shout.