THE CENTURION RETURNS.
But their projects and labours were now drawing to a speedier and happier
conclusion, for on the 11th of October, in the afternoon, one of the
Gloucester's men, being upon a hill in the middle of the island,
perceived the Centurion at a distance, and running down with his utmost
speed towards the landing-place, he in the way saw some of his comrades,
to whom he hallooed out with great ecstasy, "That ship! The ship!" This
being heard by Mr. Gordon, a lieutenant of marines, who was convinced by
the fellow's transport that his report was true, Mr. Gordon ran towards
the place where the Commodore and his people were at work, and being
fresh and in breath easily out stripped the Gloucester's man, and got
before him to the Commodore, who, on hearing this happy and unexpected
news, threw down his axe with which he was then at work, and by his joy
broke through for the first time the equable and unvaried character which
he had hitherto preserved. The others who were with him instantly ran
down to the seaside in a kind of frenzy, eager to feast themselves with a
sight they had so ardently wished for and of which they had now for a
considerable time despaired. By five in the evening the Centurion was
visible in the offing to them all; and, a boat being sent off with
eighteen men to reinforce her, and with fresh meat and fruits for the
refreshment of her crew, she the next afternoon happily came to an anchor
in the road, where the Commodore immediately came on board her, and was
received by us with the sincerest and heartiest acclamations.
Pages:
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166