At daylight, on the third morning after my arrival on board, Blue Peter was hoisted, the fore-topsail was loosed, and a gun was fired as a signal that we were about to proceed to sea; and from that moment until the anchor was lifted all was bustle and confusion--hoisting in and securing the boats, stowing away stock of all descriptions, and clearing the ship of women--wives and sweethearts of the crew--and traders who were anxious to obtain a settlement of accounts.
