If the steamer had gone to the Cape Verds, and every thing was in good order on board of her, it was no use to wait for her; and the American Prince and the Marian sailed as soon as they could get up steam.
On the 13th of the month they reached Fayal again, where the schooners were waiting for them. Gregory was sent on board of the Josephine as soon as the anchor of the Prince touched the rocks at the bottom. Mr. Fluxion received him with a smile, for discipline had been victorious in the end. All hands were called; and the uniform was stripped from the recreant officer. Gregory attempted to excuse himself on the plea that Capt. O’Hara was running away with the steamer.
“All you had to do was to obey orders. But you did not believe that Capt. O’Hara was running away with the vessel: you knew better than this. Your number in the Josephine is 36 from this date,” said Mr. Fluxion sternly. “But I will say to you, and to all, that the next promotions in all the vessels of the fleet will be made by the results of an examination to be held on the 1st of June. Whatever place you win, you shall have at that time, though your demerits for conduct will be considered in making the award.”
The fleet at once departed for the Bermudas. The wind was fair, and the weather generally good, with the exception of a gale, and a two-days’ fog, so that the schooners made the passage in ten days. The fleet kept together all the way, and sighted St. David’s Head at the same time. This is the north-eastern point of the islands, off which the pilots cruise in good weather, and near which are the two eastern passages into the inner waters, enclosed by an almost continuous reef to the northward and westward of the islands. Each vessel took a pilot, and, going through narrow channels between the reefs, came into the harbor of St. George, the most northern town in the islands.
“Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!” came from a steamer at anchor, as the Prince went across her bow.
“What’s that?” asked the principal.
“It must be the truant steamer,” replied Dr. Winstock.
“Three cheers for the Tritonia!” shouted a voice on board of the steamer, as the vessel indicated came into the harbor.
“The Ville d’Angers has got here before us,” said Mr. Pelham. “She must have passed us in that fog.”
“Three cheers for the Marian!” called Capt. O’Hara, as the beautiful steam-yacht came into view.