Outward Bound | Page 9

be bounding over the ocean--to be on their way to some
foreign port. They were anxious to work, to climb the rigging, and
stand at the wheel. As yet they knew very little of the purposes of the
principal, and had but a faint perception of the life they were to lead in
the Academy Ship. It was understood that the officers were to be
selected for their merit, and that the ship, some time or other, was to
cross the ocean; but beyond this, all was darkness and uncertainty.
"To-morrow will be the first day of April," said George Wilton, as he
walked the deck of the Young America with Richard Carnes, a
dignified young gentleman of seventeen. "Mr. Lowington said we
should go to work on that day."
"If he said so, then of course we shall go to work," replied Carnes.
"I'm tired of waiting," added Wilton. "I think this is a stupid kind of life.
We are not even tied to a bell rope here."
"You will get discipline enough as soon as the crew are organized."
"I suppose we shall. Do you think we shall go to sea to-morrow?"
"Go to sea to-morrow!" exclaimed Carnes.
"Shuffles said so."
"How can we go to sea to-morrow? The crew don't know the mainmast
from a handspike. They couldn't do anything with the ship now; they
don't know the ropes."
"You do, Carnes."
"Well, I know something about a ship," replied the dignified young
gentleman, who had made one voyage up the Mediterranean with his
uncle.
"I was pretty sure we should get out into blue water by to-morrow."

"Nonsense!"
"Shuffles said so."
"He is mistaken."
"What are we going to do?"
"I don't know? I'm content to wait till orders come."
"I don't want to wait any longer," added Wilton.
"What are you talking about, fellows?" asked Shuffles, joining them, as
they walked forward.
"Didn't you say we were going to sea to-morrow, Shuffles?" asked
Wilton.
"Of course we are."
"Who says so?" demanded Carnes.
"All the fellows say so."
"It can't be true."
"Why not? We are not going to stay here forever."
"In my opinion, we shall stay here some weeks, if not some months,"
added Carnes.
"What for?"
"To pursue our studies, in the first place, and to learn our duty as
seamen, in the second."
"I don't believe I shall stay here a great while longer," said Shuffles,
with evident disgust. "There's no fun lying here."

"You can't help yourself," added Wilton.
"Perhaps I can't, but I can try," said Shuffles, as he glanced towards the
shore.
"All hands ahoy!" shouted Peaks, the boatswain, as his shrill whistle
rang through the ship.
The boys had been taught the meaning of this call, and they gathered in
the waist, eager to know what was to be required of them.
Mr. Lowington stood on the raised hatch over the main scuttle, where
all the students could see him. It was evident that he had some
announcement to make, especially as the following day had been
assigned for organizing the ship's company. The boys were silent, and
their faces betrayed the curiosity which they felt.
"Young gentleman," the principal began, "this ship will go into
commission to-morrow."
"Don't know what you mean, sir," said Paul Kendall as Mr. Lowington
paused to observe the effect of his announcement.
"I did not suppose that many of you would understand the expression.
In the navy, a ship is said to go into commission when the captain takes
his place on board, and the crew are organized for duty. When this
takes place, the ensign is hoisted. To-morrow, at twelve o'clock, we
shall display the colors at the peak. With us, going into commission
will only mean the organization of our school. From that time, we shall
observe the discipline of a man-of-war, so far as the ship and crew are
concerned."
"Shall we go to sea then?" asked Wilton.
"I think not," replied Mr. Lowington, laughing. "We shall not leave the
harbor till every officer and seaman knows his duty. You shall have
enough to do to-morrow, young gentlemen."

"When shall we be able to go to sea?"
"I don't know. There are many ropes in the ship, and you have a great
deal to learn before I shall be willing to trust you with the anchor at the
cat-head."
"What is the cat-head, sir?" asked Kendall
"Do you wish to go to sea without knowing what the cat-head is?"
replied the principal. "You shall know in due time. To-morrow we shall
select the officers, fifteen in number, who are to occupy the after
cabin."
This announcement created a decided sensation among the
eighty-seven boys gathered in the waist, for the subject had been full of
interest to them. The after cabin