Page:The Wreck of a World - Grove - 1890.djvu/104

88 We lay in the river-mouth that night and the two following days, for much had to be done in the way of repairs. The America and the Roanoke had both lost their topmasts, and had to fix new spars, while the bows of the latter vessel and of the Hope were so seriously stove in that our carpenters and engineers had to fit temporary cutwaters of wood and iron to enable us to proceed with safety. But our foe made no attempt to molest us again; and when on the third day we weighed anchor once more it was with a new courage and hope to which our hearts had long been strangers. Some indeed of our party, especially those who had taken no part in the fight, were just a trifle inclined to bluster. I happened one day to overhear the following conversation, the interlocutors being our boatswain and a fussy self-important little person who from his airs and assumption was generally known as "the President."

The President—Well James, I reckon we did pretty well in that little affair of Friday; showed 'em the stuff Amurr'can citizens are made of, hey?"

Boatswain—Why, boss, I guess that's so. Us sailors ain't so bad at a set-to; it's our business o'