"I don't wonder, sir; I think none of them knew we were going out of the harbor," replied the captain.
"I am glad they enjoy it," added the principal, "though I should not have left the anchorage, except as a substitute for the Fourth of July celebration."
"They will like this much better than going to the city."
"I have no doubt on that point; and last evening, when those students wished to run away, I was tempted to punish their disobedience by letting them go. The wind is pretty fresh, Captain Carnes, but I think you may set the top-gallant sails."
The captain gave the order to the first lieutenant.
"Aloft, sail-loosers of the top-gallant sails!" shouted Mr. Pelham; and the eager young salts dashed up the rigging. "Lay out! Loose! Let fall! Man your sheets and halyards! Sheets home, and hoist away!"
The addition of the top-gallant sails was sensibly felt by the Young America; and, "taking a bone in her teeth," she careened over, and dashed away merrily on her course.
The band played Hail, Columbia, and as the ship passed the fort, the crew mounted the rigging and gave three cheers. The excitement on board was immense, and never was Independence Day more thoroughly and enthusiastically enjoyed. The officers and crew were at the height of felicity, as the gallant little ship bowled over the waves, threading her way through the channels between the numerous islands of the bay.
"Can't we put on any more sail, Mr. Lowington?" asked Captain Carnes, as he met the principal on the quarter-deck.
"Not at present. We are making very good progress now."