Chapter XVII: A Water Excursion

A sailing party—A damper—Permission 272
obtained—A struggle—Noble
self-denial—Commendation—Planning a
reward—The guests invited—Henry—The
birthday present—The
yacht—Starting—Collisions—Beating
out—The steamship—Fine
views—Life-preservers—Dodging the
boom—A narrow escape—The cabin—The
table—Berths—The cook-room—Castle
Island—Homeward-bound ship—Long Island
Light—Extra clothing—Dinner—Sudden
departures from the table—The
ocean—The screw steamer—George’s
Island—Fort Warren—The sea
wall—Landing—Entrance to the fort—The
enclosure—Ascending the parapets—Cost
of the fortress—Its entire command of
the harbor—Places for the
guns—Interior of the fortress—How the
guns are worked—Rooms for the
soldiers—Strength of the fortress—How
it might be taken—A wish—The sail
back—Defence of the “Echo”—An impudent
schooner—The skipper’s disgust—A
nautical insult—Landing,