Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/46

 in the main rigging, and that we should then keep on a wind to the northward under a plain sail.

This was completed by four, when we made the signal, and kept on the weather quarter of the frigate. I took a couple of hours' sleep, was called at six, dressed myself, and prepared to go on board at half past seven. I heard her drum and fife beat to quarters, the sweetest music next to the heavenly voice of Emily, I had ever heard. 'The tears rolled down my cheeks with gratitude to God, for once more placing me under the protection of my beloved flag. The frigate hove to; soon after, the gig was lowered down, and came to fetch me; a clean white cloak was spread in the stern sheets: the men were dressed in white frocks and trowsers, as clean as hands could make them, with neat straw hats, and canvas shoes. I was seated in the boat without delay, and my heart beat with rapture when the boatswain's mate at the gangway piped the side for me.