The recitations commenced, and the guests were as much interested in them as they had been in other proceedings on board. But at ten in the forenoon, there was a good sailing breeze, and the students were dismissed from the steerage.
"Now you are going to start—I mean, to get under way," said Miss Gurney.
"We are," replied the commodore, as he gave the order to run up the signal for sailing at once. "Captain Cantwell."
"Commodore Lincoln," replied the captain, touching his cap to his superior.
"You will get the ship under way immediately."
"Dear me! how fine!" exclaimed Julia. "But why don't he do it?"
"Pass the word for Mr. Cumberland," added the captain to one of the midshipmen.
The first lieutenant reported himself, and received his orders from the captain. The boatswain's whistle rang through the ship, and the call was heard from the consorts.
"All hands, up anchor!" shouted the executive officer, when the crew had mustered; and the anchor was heaved up to a short stay.
"Stations for loosing sail," continued Cumberland; and the order was repeated by the officers forward, "Lay aloft, sail-loosers!"