It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.

The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.

The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.

A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.

Then a tiny tug-boat came alongside, fastened itself to the steamer, and with calm assurance, guided its big brother safely into the harbor and down the bay.