CHAPTER XVIII

Summary

After a pleasant day thus spent on board the “Pioneer,” where I met with every kindness and hospitality from Lieut.-Commander Osborn, his officers, and all assembled there, we got up to the other ships about six p. m. There had been but very little wind all day, and the weather was warm. Penny's two ships were now in company; and he himself having come on board of us, received all the letters in our charge for him and his crews, and then bade us farewell. Each vessel now prepared, once more, to take her proper station; and I could again dilate upon the goodly sight that was here presented to the eye, as all the eight vessels and their several boats, like a little fleet preparing for line of battle, gradually assumed their respective positions. At seven p.m. the tow-ropes were fast as before, Penny's ships ready to start off to the westward under all sail, and the “Felix” and ourselves attached to the Resolute” and “Assistance.” The word was given; and as the “Lady Franklin” and “Sophia” stood away, while we gradually moved onward, deafening cheers rose upon the air, amid that strange and wonderful scenery, until their echoes rang again upon the rugged rocks, and were carried back to those that sent them. It was indeed an animating sight, and one not easily forgotten.