'That's true, sonny,' the quarter-master said. 'I hope this lot won't give us any trouble.'
'Mr. Statten told me that we are to carry a wealthy heathen, partly as a saloon fare, and partly as an interpreter,' Jack explained. 'Perhaps he may be able to keep them quiet.'
'I hope so, lad. At anyrate, we've plenty of "fire-sticks" and ammunition. They work wonders at a pinch.'
CHAPTER XIII
FROM HONG KONG TO SAN FRANCISCO
With a fine, fair wind, a smooth sea, a clear outlook, and every opportunity for making a good offing before nightfall, the 'Alert' left her anchorage near Victoria. And thus began the most remarkable voyage of her career, and one which was soon to become the most adventurous experienced by any member of her crew.
By those on shore no apparent notice of the departure was taken. Some of the emigrants, however, burned a few 'joss-sticks,' and ignited several 'crackers,' to propitiate the malignant spirits of the deep.
Out in the open sea a strong breeze was sweeping across a wide expanse of sparkling water, the late typhoon having cleared the atmosphere in splendid manner. The sun shone brilliantly, the coast-line of China soon disappeared, and as quickly as the studding-sail gear could be rove and rigged out the canvas was set.
Captain Thorne and all hands were in high spirits at having obtained so favourable a start for the venture. Indeed, everyone capable of forming an accurate estimate of the run to California believed that a record passage would be almost certain to follow, and that the Chinamen would be landed without the slightest mishap to anyone.
Still keeping the same fair wind the 'Alert' sped across the China Sea, and passed safely through the Bashee Channel, that lies between the large island of Formosa and the Philippine Islands. She had now cleared all dangers of the land, and swept into the blue depths of the North Pacific.