I
remained awake nearly all the first part of the night from fear that I
might not hear when I was called; and when I went on deck, so great
were my ideas of the importance of my trust, that I walked regularly
fore and aft the whole length of the vessel, looking out over the bows
and taffrail at each turn, and was not a little surprised at the
coolness of the old salt whom I called to take my place, in stowing
himself snugly away under the long boat, for a nap. That was a
sufficient look-out, he thought, for a fine night, at anchor in a safe
harbor.
The next morning was Saturday, and a breeze having sprung up from
the southward, we took a pilot on board, hove up our anchor, and began
beating down the bay. I took leave of those of my friends who came
to see me off, and had barely opportunity to take a last look at the
city, and well-known objects, as no time is allowed on board ship
for sentiment. As we drew down into the lower harbor, we found the
wind ahead in the bay, and were obliged to come to anchor in the
roads. We remained there through the day and a part of the night. My
watch began at eleven o'clock at night, and I received orders to
call the captain if the wind came out from the westward.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25