lessons in discipline on board of her, she will be a sort of plaything. But we shall make a trip every Saturday in her. On Monday morning we shall begin to put the shop in order, and go to work there as soon as we are ready.”
“Then, we are not to have much fun,” added Lick Milton.
“I hope you will all be pleased with your work in the shop and in the schoolroom,” replied the captain. “On board of large vessels the chief steward is a person of no little consequence. He purchases the provisions and stores, and, in consultation with the first cook, makes out the bill of fare for each meal. All the other stewards obey his orders, and he is responsible for the condition of the cabin and the table. But I intended to put a sack-coat on you, Swanton, and give you a badge.”
The chief steward went to the pilot-house with the captain, where he was provided with the sack and badge. He was directed to return to the cabin, and see that his department was in order, and all the stewards familiar with their work. Swanton was required to arrange with the cooks for a dinner for all on board, and to set the table
for twelve persons. The principal gave them no minute instructions, preferring first to see what the chief steward would do without them.
Repairing to the forward deck with Dory, the captain found the six seamen, or deck-hands, waiting to be informed in regard to their duties. The first and second officers were called, for the work of the crew was to be supervised by them. They were to wash down the decks, and keep every thing outside of the cabins and engine and fire rooms in order. They were to learn to row the boats, heave the lead, to attend to the fasts in making a landing, to hoist and lower the boats, and to take their trick at the wheel.
They were divided into two watches, each being distinguished by a star on the right or left arm. Captain Gildrock was a practical man; and, as soon as he had explained the general duties of the crew, he required the decks to be washed down for the sake of the practice. By the aid of the steam-pump the planks were soon covered with water. They were scrubbed with brooms, and dried with swabs, the first and second officers superintending the work.
The boys worked as though they enjoyed it.
The sun soon dried the deck, and it looked as white as though it had been holystoned. The next lesson was in heaving the lead; and one by one the boys were mounted on the rail, and exercised till they could do it to the satisfaction of the principal.
It was now eleven o’clock, and the Sylph was half-way to Plattsburgh. It was necessary to see what had been done about dinner, and the captain went into the forward cabin. He found the three stewards on board very busy setting the table. They had found every thing they needed, and the table looked well. The principal encouraged the boys with some words of praise, and then went to the galley. There was a good fire in the range, and Pemberton Millweed was frying “chips.”