This was an important day in our almanac,
for it was on this day that we were first assured that our voyage
was really drawing to a close.
The captain gave orders to have
the ship ready for getting under weigh; and observed that there
was a good breeze to take us down to San Pedro. Then we were not
going up to windward. Thus much was certain, and was soon known,
fore and aft; and when we went in the gig to take him off, he shook
hands with the people on the beach, and said that he never expected
to see Santa Barbara again. This settled the matter, and sent a
thrill of pleasure through the heart of every one in the boat.
We pulled off with a will, saying to ourselves (I can speak for
myself at least) - "Good-by, Santa Barbara! - This is the last pull
here - No more duckings in your breakers, and slipping from your
cursed south-easters!" The news was soon known aboard, and put
life into everything when we were getting under weigh. Each one
was taking his last look at the mission, the town, the breakers
on the beach, and swearing that no money would make him ship to
see them again; and when all hands tallied on to the cat-fall,
the chorus of "Time for us to go!" was raised for the first time,
and joined in, with full swing, by everybody. One would have thought
we were on our voyage home, so near did it seem to us, though there
were yet three months for us on the coast.
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