Chapter 26

"If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well
It were done quickly--"

Macbeth.

The words of the immortal poet, with which, in deference to an ancient
usage in the literature of the language, we have prefaced the incidents to
be related in this chapter, are in perfect conformity with that governing
maxim of a vessel, which is commonly found embodied in its standing
orders, and which prescribes the necessity of exertion and activity in the
least of its operations. A strongly-manned ship, like a strong-armed man,
is fond of showing its physical power, for it is one of the principal
secrets of its efficiency. In a profession in which there is an unceasing
contest with the wild and fickle winds, and in which human efforts are to
be manifested in the control of a delicate and fearful machinery on an
inconstant element, this governing principle becomes of the last
importance. Where 'delay may so easily be death,' it soon gets to be a
word that is expunged from the language; and there is perhaps no truth
more necessary to be known to all young aspirants for naval success, than
that, while nothing should be attempted in a hurry, nothing should be done
without the last degree of activity that is compatible with precision.

The commander of the Coquette had early been impressed with the truth of
the foregoing rule, and he had not neglected its application in the
discipline of his crew. When he reached the deck, therefore, after
relinquishing the cabin to his visiters, he found those preparations which
he had ordered to be commenced when he first returned to the ship, already
far advanced towards their execution. As these movements are closely
connected with the future events it is our duty to explain, we shall
relate them with some particularity.

Ludlow had no sooner given his orders to the officer in charge of the
deck, than the whistle of the boatswain was heard summoning all hands to
their duty. When the crew had been collected, tackles were hooked to the
large boats stowed in the centre of the ship, and the whole of them were
lowered into the water. The descent of those suspended on the quarters,
was of course less difficult and much sooner effected. So soon as all the
boats, with the exception of one at the stern, were out, the order was
given to 'cross top-gallant-yards.' This duty had been commenced while
other things were in the course of performance, and a minute had scarcely
passed before the upper masts were again in possession of their light
sails. Then was heard the usual summons of, 'all hands up anchor, ahoy!'
and the rapid orders of the young officers to 'man capstan-bars,' to
'nipper,' and finally to 'heave away.' The business of getting the anchor
on board a cruiser and