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Dana, Richard Henry

"Two Years Before The Mast"


Then I could see them receiving their A.Bs. from the dignified,
feudal-looking President, with his "auctoritate mihi commissa," and
walking off the stage with their diplomas in their hands; while upon
the very same day, their classmate was walking up and down
California beach with a hide upon his head.
Every watch below, for a week, I pored over these papers, until I
was sure there could be nothing in them that had escaped my attention,
and was ashamed to keep them any longer.
Saturday, March 5th. This was an important day in our almanac, for
it was on this day that we were first assured that our voyage was
really drawing to a close. The captain gave orders to have the ship
ready for getting under weigh; and observed that there was a good
breeze to take us down to San Pedro. Then we were not going up to
windward. Thus much was certain, and was soon known, fore and aft; and
when we went in the gig to take him off, he shook hands with the
people on the beach, and said that he never expected to see Santa
Barbara again. This settled the matter, and sent a thrill of
pleasure through the heart of every one in the boat.


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