about noon
Our appearance there was greeted with enthusiasm ; for the news of our triumphant return from the lagoons had by this time spread throughout the entire length and breadth of the island ; we were regarded as heroes , especially by the juveniles ; we were invited to fight our battles over and over again ; were made much of ; and , had we remained there long , there is no doubt we should have been utterly spoiled . Luckily , perhaps , for us -- though we certainly did not think so at the time -- our leave was cut short on the fourth day by an intimation from the admiral that our presence on board our respective ships had now become desirable ; whereupon we reluctantly bade our land friends adieu once more , and returned to Port Royal ; Courtenay , I more than half suspected , leaving his heart behind him in charge of sweet Mary Thomson , our host 's youngest and -LRB- if such a distinction be permissible -RRB- most charming daughter . For the next three days I was so busy looking after the thousand-and-one things requiring attention just before a ship goes to sea , that I scarcely had time to sleep , much less to get my meals ; but on the fourth morning I was able to report myself as ready for sea , when the admiral gave me my written instructions and ordered me to sail forthwith . We accordingly got under weigh about noon , with a strong sea-breeze blowing ; made a short stretch over toward the Quarantine Ground ; tacked as soon as we could weather Port Royal Point ; passed between Rackum and Gun Cays ; and went flying down through the East Channel at the rate of full thirteen knots , with our topgallant-sail stowed . -LRB- Courtenay , I ought to have mentioned , sailed on the previous day . -RRB- Eight bells in the afternoon watch saw us drawing well up abreast of Morant Point ; and half an hour later Mr Woodford , the master 's mate , who was doing duty as master , took his departure , and we had fairly entered upon our cruise . To merely say that I was delighted with my new command would very inadequately express my feelings ; I was _ enchanted _ with her ; she worked like a top , and sailed like a witch ; she was as stiff as a church ; and so weatherly , notwithstanding her exceedingly light draught , that Woodford declared he would be puzzled how to correctly estimate her lee - way .