The tourists were warmly welcomed on board of the ship, and the unexpected intelligence of war was anxiously discussed. But the disturbed condition of France and Germany did not affect the plans which the principal had already matured. About thirty of the students were to be graduated, and as some of them intended to enter college, it was necessary that they should be sent home. The principal had arranged that the graduates should proceed to the United States in the Josephine, under the charge of Mr. Fluxion, who was to return in the vessel with an equal number to be admitted to the Academy. A dozen "old salts" were to remain in the Josephine and return in her, so that the schooner should have some besides green hands to work her. Among the graduates were Lincoln, Cumberland, Judson, Norwood, and several of the officers of each of the consorts.
The Josephine had already been prepared for her voyage, and her new crew were sent on board of her. The ship's company elected their own officers from the highest in rank, and Cumberland was chosen captain, and Lincoln first lieutenant.
"Then you are to leave us, commodore," said Miss Gurney, when Lincoln came on board of the ship, after the arrangements were all completed.
"I am sorry to say I am," replied he, rather gloomily.
"And I shall never see you again?"
"I hope we shall meet at no distant day. I haven't completed my tour in Europe yet, and I intend to return soon, to travel in England and on the Continent."
"O, I am so happy! I hope you will come soon," replied Miss Gurney.
"But we will not part to-day, unless Mr. Kinnaird insists upon doing so. As you are going to England, I am permitted to invite you to take passage in the Josephine to Christiansand, where you can take the steamer to Hull."
"O, thank you! I shall be delighted to go; and I hope the passage will be a real long one. I will ask Mr. Kinnaird at once."
This gentleman consented, and in the middle of the afternoon the Josephine sailed. Unhappily, she made a quick passage to Christiansand, and landed the Kinnairds much sooner than Julia desired. They were just in season for the Orlando, and the parting was very hasty between the young friends, each of whom promised to write early and often to the other. Lincoln had to take a great deal of pleasant badinage from his shipmates on account of the young lady, and the probability is, that at some future time they will be more intimately associated in the relations of life.