The Bayard came up the harbor and anchored. As soon as I could leave the Michigan, I hastened on board of her. The Gracewoods were going on shore; but such a welcome as they extended to me gladdened my heart. Ella gave me both hands, and blushed like a June rose. She had not only grown tall, but handsome; and I was glad to know that she still regarded me as kindly as ever. The health of Mrs. Gracewood was completely restored, and my excellent friend and instructor seemed to have grown younger since we parted four years before. I went on shore with them, and it seemed to me I had never been so happy in my life. I told Ella I was second mate of the bark, and she expressed her astonishment so prettily that I felt rewarded for all the trials and discouragements of the voyage, as well as for its triumphs. I went to the hotel with my friends, and spent the rest of the day with them, talking over the events of the past.
The slaveholders were examined and committed for trial. The bark was taken possession of by the authorities, and the crew discharged. The name and address of each man were taken, for they were deemed to be entitled to a share in "the moiety of the vessel and her lading," after she had been condemned and sold. I found my gold safe, and of course I did not leave it in the bark. As we were not required for some time in New York, I went to St. Louis with the Gracewoods. My father gave me a warm welcome, of course, and so did all my other friends.
"I did not expect you back so soon, Philip," said he.
"O, I have only come back on a visit. I must go again in a short time; for I intend to see my mother, if possible, before the summer is ended," I replied, lightly.
"I suppose you consider yourself a sailor now."
"I ought to be; I came home second mate of the bark Michigan. I can hand, reef, and steer; make a short splice, a long splice, an eye splice, a cringle, a Turk's head; can worm, serve, and parcel."
"You have a briny look, as though you had just escaped from a pickle barrel."
"O, I'm as salt as a red herring."
"I hope you have had enough of the sea."
"Enough as a sailor before the mast; but if ever I am a rich man, I intend to have a yacht, and go round the world in her."