With all sails set she was a beautiful sight; a gentle land breeze filled her sails and slowly and gracefully she drew away, headed for the open sea. The steamers and the tugs in the bay whistled salutes.
Captain Hawes, with a sigh, told the children that probably that was the last square-rigged ship they were likely to see leaving this port, as the old-style ship was now almost a thing of the past. The "fore-and-aft" rig was more practical and generally used where sailing vessels were still employed. But even they were all giving way before steam. Nowadays steamers, freighters, did nearly all the carrying trade.
They watched the ship till far, far away, as the sun was setting, she showed as a small black spot on the horizon.
And now it was time to leave Quohaug, for this summer vacation was ended. At home again they were just in time to see the review of the country's war fleet on the Hudson. This was the latest development of sea power, great, massive steel vessels, with no sails, driven by steam. They were grandly impressive, but just wait till you hear Bob and Betty tell of Quohaug and then you will know what ships with sails mean.
