This was literally bidding "good night" to my native
land.
CHAPTER II
FIRST IMPRESSIONS--"SAIL HO!"
The first day we passed at sea was the Sabbath. As we were just from
port, and there was a great deal to be done on board, we were kept
at work all day, and at night the watches were set, and everything put
into sea order. When we were called aft to be divided into watches,
I had a good specimen of the manner of a sea captain. After the
division had been made, he gave a short characteristic speech, walking
the quarter deck with a cigar in his mouth, and dropping the words out
between the puffs.
"Now, my men, we have begun a long voyage. If we get along well
together, we shall have a comfortable time; if we don't, we shall have
hell afloat.- All you've got to do is to obey your orders and do your
duty like men,- then you'll fare well enough;- if you don't, you'll
fare hard enough,- I can tell you. If we pull together, you'll find me
a clever fellow; if we don't, you'll find me a bloody rascal.- That's
all I've got to say.- Go below, the larboard watch!"
I being in the starboard, or second mate's watch, had the
opportunity of keeping the first watch at sea.
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