They could tell all about the ship's "hoods," and one should have seen them clap a bonnet on the jib.

Like the deepest of deep-water sailors, they could heave the lead, and--as I hope to see Mauritius again!--any of them could have put the sloop in stays.

No ship ever had a fairer crew.
The voyage was the event of Port Louis; such a thing as young ladies sailing about the harbor, even, was almost unheard of before.
While at Mauritius the _Spray_ was tendered the use of the military dock free of charge, and was thoroughly refitted by the port authorities.

My sincere gratitude is also due other friends for many things needful for the voyage put on board, including bags of sugar from some of the famous old plantations.
The favorable season now set in, and thus well equipped, on the 26th of October, the _Spray_ put to sea.

As I sailed before a light wind the island receded slowly, and on the following day I could still see the Puce Mountain near Moka.