Then orderlies ran here and there, officers hurried below, and a general air of excitement prevailed.
“Something is in the wind,” said Clif. “That officer brought an important message. Ah! there goes the boatswain’s mate to pass a call.”
A sturdy old sailor, with the insignia of a petty officer upon his sleeve, rolled to the vicinity of the mainmast and gave a long, shrill whistle, adding in a deep, salty voice that had been trained in many a gale:
“A-a-all hands-s-s, dress ship! And st-stand by to man yards. Look lively!”
Like wildfire the word went along the deck:
“The king is coming on board!”
“I believe that is right,” Clif said to Juanita. “They are certainly excited enough. Well, I must leave you for a little while. Duty calls me up on one of those yards. Please do not go away until I see you again.”
“I am afraid I must,” the girl replied. “I promised to lunch with father in the city. I’ll stay a moment to see the king, though. By the way, Mr. Faraday, father would be pleased to have you call at the house this evening if you come ashore.”
“And you?” asked the lad, softly.