Chapter 26 - Page 2

on board a ship engaged in commerce, is of very
different degrees of labor, as well as of expedition. In the latter, a
dozen men apply their powers to a slow-moving and reluctant windlass,
while the untractable cable, as it enters, is broken into coils by the
painful efforts of a grumbling cook, thwarted, perhaps, as much as he is
aided by the waywardness of some wilful urchin who does the service of the
cabin. On the other hand, the upright and constantly-moving capstan knows
no delay. The revolving 'messenger' is ever ready to be applied, and
skilful petty officers are always in the tiers, to dispose of the massive
rope, that it may not encumber the decks.

Ludlow appeared among his people, while they were thus employed. Ere he
had made one hasty turn on the quarter-deck, he was met by the busy
first-lieutenant.

"We are short, Sir," said that agent of all work.

"Set your top-sails."

The canvas was instantly permitted to fall, and it was no sooner stretched
to the yards, than force was applied to the halyards, and the sails were
hoisted.

"Which way, Sir, do you wish the ship cast?" demanded the attentive Luff.

"To seaward."

The head-yards were accordingly braced aback in the proper direction, and
it was then reported to the captain that all was ready to get the ship
under way.

"Trip the anchor at once, Sir; when it is stowed, and the decks are
cleared, report to me."

This sententious and characteristic communication between Ludlow and his
second in command, was sufficient for all the purposes of that moment. The
one was accustomed to issue his orders without explanation, and the other
never hesitated to obey, and rarely presumed to inquire into their motive.

"We are aweigh and stowed, Sir; every thing clear," said Mr. Luff, after a
few minutes had been allowed to execute the preceding commands.

Ludlow then seemed to arouse himself from a deep reverie. He had hitherto
spoken mechanically, rather than as one conscious of what he uttered, or
whose feelings had any connexion with his words. But it was now necessary
to mingle with his officers and to issue mandates that, as they were less
in routine, required both thought and discretion. The crews of the
different boats were 'called away,' and arms were placed in their hands.
When nearly or quite one-half of the ship's company were in the boats, and
the latter were all reported to be ready, officers were assigned to each,
and the particular service expected at their hands was distinctly
explained.

A master's mate in the captain's barge, with the crew strengthened by
half-a-dozen marines, was ordered to pull directly for the Cove, into