“All aboard!” said Rich. “Newcombe, stand by to get under way.”
At this stage of the proceedings, it became evident that the first mate of the Swallow was either sadly ignorant of ship discipline, or else that he was determined to set it aside altogether, and establish a routine of his own; for, when the captain gave the order, “Stand by to get under way,” Tom, instead of stationing his crew and awaiting further commands, gave the order—
“Unloose the sails—all of ’em—hoist away lively.”
But his object was to get to sea as soon as possible, and these orders, no doubt, answered his purpose as well as any others, for the crew understood them. In a few moments the mainsail and jib were spread, and the Swallow began to careen as she caught the wind, as if impatient to be off.
“Harry Green!” said Rich, calling to one of his crew. “Go to the wheel. Cast off.”
Slowly the sloop swung away from the pier, the wind filled the sails, and she began to move toward the blue water.