Mrs. Stanhope had come down in a carriage to see them off. She kissed
all of the girls an affectionate good-by.
"Have a good time," she said. "And be sure and come back safe and sound."
"Don't ye worry but what I'll bring 'em back safe enough, ma'am,"
said Captain Jerry, as he tipped his cap respectfully.
When the girls were safe on board, the boys waved an adieu to Mrs.
Stanhope. Then they ranged up in a row in front of old Jerry and each
touched his forelock and gave a hitch to his trowser leg.
"Ready for orders, cap'n," they said, in unison, having practiced
this little by-play in secret.
"Wh--what?" stammered Captain Jerry, gazing at them in bewilderment.
"Ready for orders, sir," they said.
"Shall we shake out the mainsail?" asked Dick.
"Shall I hoist the jib?" came from Tom.
"Can I set the topsail, captain?" put in Sam.
"Well, by the son o' Neptune!" gasped Captain Jerry. "Got a real,
generwine crew, aint I? All right, my hearties, I'll set ye to work
fast enough." And then followed a string of orders in true nautical
style, and the Rover boys flew in one direction and another to execute
them. Up went the mainsail and the jib, and the top-sail followed,
and soon the Old Glory was standing off into Santa Barbara Channel,
with Mrs. Stanhope in the carriage waving them an adieu, and the
girls and the boys waving their handkerchiefs in return.
It certainly was a glorious day, as Dora had said, and after the
sails were set, there was nothing to do but to take it easy on the
cushions of the rail seats.
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