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Page 37
"Stations for loosing topsails!" which were shaken out by the ordinary
routine, sheeted home, and hoisted up.
"Forecastlemen, loose the head sails! After-guard, clear away the
spanker! Man the capstan bars, ship and swifter them! Heave around!"
This last was a manoeuvre which the crew had never before been called
upon to perform; and the order sent a thrill of delight to all hearts.
The cable had often been heaved to a short stay, that is, so that it run
nearly up and down; but that was as far as they had ever before been
permitted to proceed. Now, with the anchor apeak, they were ordered to
the capstan again, and they realized that the Young America was actually
going to sea. The command kindled an enthusiasm which glowed on every
face. The ship was going out of the harbor, and the evil doers in the
mess rooms below were to be pitied.
"Anchor aweigh, sir," reported the excited boatswain who, however, had
to be prompted in this instance by Peaks, for it had never been in that
position before since it first hooked the mud in Brockway harbor.
"Anchor aweigh, sir," repeated the second lieutenant.
"Man the jib and flying-jib halyards!" said the first lieutenant.
"Anchor's at the bow, sir," said the boatswain, which report went
through the same channels as before, till it reached the executive
officer.
"Hoist away on the jib and flying-jib halyards! Avast heaving! Pawl the
capstan! Stopper the cable! Cat and fish the anchor!" shouted the first
lieutenant. "Port the helm!"
The Young America was clear of the ground. The fore topsail, which had
been trimmed to the fresh breeze, was full, and the ship began to gather
headway. Two seamen had been placed at the wheel, under the charge of
the quartermaster. The boys had often "made believe" do these things,
but now they were real. The vessel was actually moving through the
water, and they could hardly contain themselves, so exhilarating was the
scene.
"Steady!" said the first lieutenant, when the ship had come up to her
intended course.
"Steady, sir," repeated the quartermaster in charge of the helm.
"Stand by to set the spanker," added the first lieutenant. "Man the
outhaul! Cast off the brails, and loose the vangs!"
The after-guard, which is the portion of the ship's company stationed on
the quarter-deck, or abaft the mizzenmast, obeyed this order, and stood
ready to set the spanker, which is the aftermost sail.
"Walk away with the outhaul!" and the after-guard ran off with the rope,
which drew the sail out into its place on the gaff. "Stand by the
spanker sheet--let it out!"
"You must attend to your main and mizzen topsails Mr. Pelham," said the
principal, in a low tone.
"Man the fore and main braces!" said the executive officer; and the
young seamen sprang to their stations. "Let go and haul!"
The main and the mizzen topsails were thus trimmed, so that they took
the wind.
"That was very well done, Captain Carnes, though your crew need more
practice. They are very much excited," said Mr. Lowington.
"I don't wonder, sir; I think none of them knew we were going out of the
harbor," replied the captain.
"I am glad they enjoy it," added the principal, "though I should not
have left the anchorage, except as a substitute for the Fourth of July
celebration."
"They will like this much better than going to the city."
"I have no doubt on that point; and last evening, when those students
wished to run away, I was tempted to punish their disobedience by
letting them go. The wind is pretty fresh, Captain Carnes, but I think
you may set the top-gallant sails."
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