The Young America was clear of the ground. The fore topsail, which had been trimmed to the fresh breeze, was full, and the ship began to gather headway. Two seamen had been placed at the wheel, under the charge of the quartermaster. The boys had often "made believe" do these things, but now they were real. The vessel was actually moving through the water, and they could hardly contain themselves, so exhilarating was the scene.
"Steady!" said the first lieutenant, when the ship had come up to her intended course.
"Steady, sir," repeated the quartermaster in charge of the helm.
"Stand by to set the spanker," added the first lieutenant. "Man the outhaul! Cast off the brails, and loose the vangs!"
The after-guard, which is the portion of the ship's company stationed on the quarter-deck, or abaft the mizzenmast, obeyed this order, and stood ready to set the spanker, which is the aftermost sail.
"Walk away with the outhaul!" and the after-guard ran off with the rope, which drew the sail out into its place on the gaff. "Stand by the spanker sheet—let it out!"
"You must attend to your main and mizzen topsails Mr. Pelham," said the principal, in a low tone.
"Man the fore and main braces!" said the executive officer; and the young seamen sprang to their stations. "Let go and haul!"
The main and the mizzen topsails were thus trimmed, so that they took the wind.
"That was very well done, Captain Carnes, though your crew need more practice. They are very much excited," said Mr. Lowington.