Soon the chorus changed as the topsail yards were swayed:
"We're outward bound this very day,
Good-by, fare you well,
Good-by, fare you well.
We're outward bound this very day,
Hurrah, my boys, we're outward bound."
The passengers of the liner were cheering. Here were sights and sounds which they had read about in romances of the sea. But David was no longer thinking of the ship yonder. He was blowing kisses to the "little girl" who had crossed the deck and was standing with one arm about the captain of the Sea Witch. Over their heads was set a row of signal flags to speak their parting message:
"All's well. Love and greetings."
Captain Thrasher turned his whistle valve, and the Roanoke bellowed a courteous "Good-day to you." Stronger and more musical than before came the sailors' chorus: