CHAPTER Ix.
HOMEWARD BOUND.

EFERRING to the young captain’s private journal
of the voyage, the following are the first entries

found :
“ Monpay, October 29th.
“ap.M. Crew came on board all drunk. 8 P.M. Pilot came
on board. 11 P.M. Tide coming fair, we beat out to the outer
roads. 4 A.M. Dropped anchor.”
“ TUESDAY, October 30th.
“6 A.M. Wind being fair, got under way with all sail, and pro-
ceeded to sea. g A.M. Pilot left. 312 M. The great Ladrone
Island bore N.E. by E. dist. 14 miles, from which I took my depar-
ture, steering S.S.W. The day ends in light breezes and fine
weather.”

During the general excitement and confusion attendant
upon getting under way, Ben had but little time to in-
dulge in conversation with Miss Dunham.

An older and more experienced sailing - master would
have intrusted the greater portion of the work to the first
and second officers; but he felt such a sense of respon-
sibility that it seemed absolutely necessary he should
attend in person to everything which was done, and when,
as is shown by the first entry in his private journal, the

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