Immediately I was besieged by the runners to help me on, to get my baggage, to serve me in all possible ways.

I couldn't hire all of them.

I chose one, who got my valise for me, and I went aboard.
It was a new boat, and this was its maiden trip.

All the stewards, negroes, waiters were brisk and obliging, and bent on making the trip an event.

The captain gave parties.