Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/31

Rh the most complete disorder. Two cows were bellowing in their cribs, cocks were crowing, geese were cackling, and pigs squeaking, children crying, emigrants shouting, and sailors singing at their work. Such was the state of the vessel when Captain Blomeskull came on board with the pilot, and the order was given to "weigh anchor." Those who had remained on board to see the last of their relations and friends, took a sorrowful leave and returned to the shore. By the time the sails were set, the ship contained only those, excepting the pilot and his boat's crew, who were to brave in her, for four long months, the perils of the "great deep." The wind was favourable, and the shades of night soon hid the already indistinct shores of Britain from sight. Many an eye which closed in sleep that night, was shut for ever upon the fairest and happiest land in God's wide world.

CHAPTER II.

shall leave the passengers of the "Big Ann" to get over their sea sickness as best they can, whilst we return for a time to Mr. Raymond's cottage.

A few weeks have passed since Hugh's departure—it was evening—the little parlour was occupied by the father and his two daughters. Many conjectures and guesses were being made as to the exact latitude the "Big Ann" had reached. Mr. Raymond was appealed to, and unrolling a well-thumbed chart, pointed out the very spot where he had no doubt he might at that moment be found—rather a bold assertion for an old navigator to make; but it had the effect intended, for the