o the
gaff-topsail was set, and then, as Ellis wished to cast off-shore, he
watched till the wind came on the port or left side of the foresail.
Instantly he let go the moorings, and the Fairy's head turned towards
the north, or across channel; the jib sheet was hauled in, so was the
main sheet; the foresail was let draw, and the little vessel, feeling
the full force of the breeze, glided swiftly along through the sparkling
waters.

Ernest clapped his hands. "Oh, this is truly delightful," he exclaimed,
after they had been skimming along for some time, enjoying the view of
Spithead, where several large ships were at anchor; of Ryde, climbing up
its steep hill; of Cowes, to the westward, and the wooded shores of the
Solent extending in the same direction as far as the eye could reach.
The wind freshened up again, and they had a magnificent sail, looking
into Cowes harbour and standing through the roads, where some dozen fine
yachts were at anchor, and some twenty more cruising about in sight.
They passed Calshot Castle on the north, and beat on till they sighted
Hurst Castle, at the entrance of the Solent passage to the westward,
while the little town of Yarmouth appeared on the island shore, and
Lymington on the mainland.

"The wind is likely to fall towards the evening, and if you young
gentlemen wishes to get home before night, we had better be about," said
old Hobbs, looking up at the sky on every side.

Although Ellis was very fond of anchoring whenever he felt inclined, or
the tide and wind made it convenient, and of sleeping on board, or of
keeping under way all night, Ernest was anxious to get back to read
during the evening; the helm was therefore put up, the main sheet was
eased away, and the "Fairy" ran off to the eastward before the wind.

Ellis was at the helm. "As we are in a hurry, we will make more sail,
and see how fast the little barkie can walk along; Hobbs, get the
square-sail on her."

"Ay, ay, sir," was the reply; and the sail being hauled up from forward,
was bent on to its yard, and soon being swayed up, presented a fine wide
field of snowy canvas to the breeze. Thus the little craft bowled
along, till once more she approached her moorings off Ryde. Then the
square-sail was taken in, and the jib being let fly, Ellis put down the
helm, and shot her up to the buoy, which old Hobbs, boat-hook in hand,
stood ready to catch hold of and haul on board.

"I have never enjoyed a day more," excla