At the yard everybody was eager and excited. Captain Hawes put the children up on a tall wooden "horse" where they could get a good view.
The ship, all decked with gay, fluttering flags, had been wedged into her "cradle." The ways down which she was to slide were well greased, and the builder was waiting for the tide to be at its highest.
At last the moment had come. The signal was given. Busy workmen with sledges, under the ship struck blow on blow, setting up the lifting wedges, and knocking away the few remaining props; then scampered back out of danger.
Slowly at first, the great ship "came to life," then began to move. Slowly but steadily gaining speed, she began to slide down the ways. Fast and faster, gaining momentum, she rushed, as though really alive, gracefully sliding, into the sea. Then sped far out into the deep water, where she floated on an even keel. From being a mass of planks and beams she now seemed to be a great living creature, and the lookers-on cheered her and waved their hats, as she proudly took her place on the sea, where she would pass the rest of her life. Bob and Betty were so impressed that even the yacht race they saw that afternoon, though a fine sight, seemed tame after the launching.
