“Tide’s full and wind fair,” sang out a voice suddenly from the watch-tower.
Instantly there was confusion: Dick shouted orders here and there but did not take his hand from Anny’s arm. Everyone made for the boats shouting farewells to the crew which responded cheerfully.
Dick bent nearer to the girl.
“I will come again,” he said softly.
Anny smiled and nodded.
“We are ever pleased to see company at the Ship,” she said demurely, slipping her arm out of his grasp and moving over to the side where French, Sue, and Hal waited for her.
Dick followed her.
“Give us your blessing, mistress,” he said loudly. There was silence at once: the sailors attached much importance to a blessing and they stood quietly.
Anny looked round desperately; she had never had a blessing in her life, much less given one, and for a moment she was entirely at a loss. No one spoke, however, so at last she crossed herself devoutly and said as clearly as her nervousness would permit, “I pray God bless this ship, Amen.”
“Amen,” repeated the crew solemnly, and then dashed off on their business and the bustle recommenced.