This eventful day, it was unanimously agreed, should be observed as a
strict holiday, no work except what was absolutely necessary beyond the
launch being permissible. Every preparation had been completed the day
before, all of us having worked like galley-slaves to achieve this
result, as soon as it became apparent that launching on this day might
be possible.
The morning dawned fair and serene, the sky was without a cloud, each
quivering leaf and blade of grass glittered with diamond-like dew-drops,
and the air was laden with the perfume of numberless flowers. Nature
appeared in fact to have arrayed herself in gala attire, in honour of
the occasion. Bob and Winter were up by daybreak to dress the schooner
out with the flags of the old _Amazon_, in addition to a brand-new
burgee--red, with a white border, and the name _Ada_, after my sister,
in white letters--which floated gallantly in the breeze from the
main-topmast-head, and which, I need scarcely inform the sagacious
reader, was the work of Ella's skilful finders. The cutter's flags were
equally divided between her and the tube-boat, both craft being moored a
short distance apart in the little bay. Our gun, which had never been
dismounted from the time of the fight with the pirate's boats, was
loaded with a blank cartridge, well rammed down, and the muzzle
plentifully greased to create a louder report, so that the schooner
might be honoured with a salute as she took the water; and one of the
blacks was stationed on board the _Water Lily_, with instructions to
pull the trigger-line directly he saw the schooner fairly in motion on
the ways. A bottle of wine was also slung from the schooner's stem,
that the ceremony of christening might not be shorn of its usual rite.
This occupied the two mates until breakfast was ready, when we all sat
down to the meal in most exuberant spirits. As soon as it was over we
all proceeded to the beach, and Bob climbed on board the craft, and took
his station forward, in readiness to let go the anchor as soon as she
had slid far enough off from the land. Ella took up a position under
the bows, supported by my father, who instructed her how to perform the
ceremony of christening after the most approved fashion, whilst Winter
and I stood by to knock away the spur-shores, and the second native
launched and jumped into a canoe, to go alongside and fetch Bob ashore,
as soon as his share of the duty was performed.