CHAPTER II.
IN WHICH WE GET UNDER WAY AT LAST.
The hint of possible fun that night was sufficient to keep me alert.
"All work and no play, etc.," was part of our code aboard the "Yankee," and goodness knows we had worked hard enough getting the ship ready for sailing to be permitted a little sport.

Then, again, any badgering of young Potter would be innocent amusement, so I laid by and waited, keeping my eye on "Bill." "Bill," by the way, was the captain of our mess, a jolly good fellow, popular, and always in evidence when there was any skylarking on foot.
Hammocks were piped down at seven bells (7:30 p.m.), and, as it was our first experience on board the "Yankee," there was some confusion.

A number of new recruits had joined that afternoon, and their efforts to master the mysteries of the sailor's sleeping outfit were amusing.

A naval hammock differs largely from those used ashore.

A hammock aboard ship is of canvas, seven feet long, with holes a few inches apart at each end, through which are reeved pieces of strong cord.